SOUTH AFRICA DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION GEOGRAPHY CURRICULUM GRADES 10-12
The Structure of the Earth
the internal structure of the Earth;
classification of rocks: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic;
the rock cycle
- intrusive igneous activity and associated features: batholiths, laccoliths, monoliths, dykes, sills and pipes; and
overview of landforms associated with igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
Plate Tectonics
changes in the position of continents over time;
evidence for the movement of continents over time;
plate tectonics – an explanation for the movement of continents;
the mechanics of plate movements;
processes and landforms associated with different kinds of plate boundaries; and
the world’s volcanic and earthquake zones.
Folding and Faulting
the process of rock folding – link to plate movement;
landforms associated with folding;
the process of faulting – link to plate movement;
different types of faults; and
landforms associated with faulting, such as rift valleys and block mountains.
Earthquakes
how and where earthquakes occur;
the relationship between earthquakes and tectonic forces;
measuring and predicting earthquakes;
how earthquakes and tsunamis affect people and settlements – differences in vulnerability;
strategies to reduce the impact of earthquakes; and
case examples of the effects of selected earthquakes.
Volcanoes
types of volcanoes: extrusive, intrusive, active, dormant and extinct;
structure of volcanoes;
impact of volcanoes on people and the environment: positive and negative; and
case studies of different volcanic eruptions.
GEOGRAPHICAL SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES (applied to above topics)
Mapwork Skills [2 hours]
• locating exact position: degrees, minutes and seconds; and
• scale: word, ratio, fraction and line scale.
Topographic Maps [4 hours]
• South African 1:50 000 map referencing system;
• 1: 50 000 maps: conventional signs and symbols;
• navigating position using compass directions (16 points);
• direction: true and magnetic bearing;
• landforms and contours; and
• simple cross-sections.
Aerial Photographs and Orthophoto Maps [2 hours]
• photographs of landscapes;
• oblique and vertical aerial photos; and
• orthophoto maps to be used in conjunction with 1:50 000 maps and aerial photos.
Using Atlases [2 hours]
• atlas index – locating physical and constructed features;
• four-digit grid reference (latitude and longitude, degrees and minutes) to identify and locate features on maps; and
• map projections: examples of equal area and true direction projections - critical evaluation
GEOGRAPHICAL KNOWLEDGE
Population Distribution and Density [4 hours]
• meaning of population distribution and population density;
• world population density and distribution; and
• factors that affect the distribution and density of the world’s population.
Population Structure [4 hours]
• population indicators: birth rates, death rates, life expectancy, fertility rate, and natural increase;
• factors that influence population indicators; and
• population structure: age and sex, represented as population pyramids.
Population Growth (Using case studies from around the world is essential) [6 hours]
• world population growth over time;
• demographic transition model;
• concept of overpopulation; and
• managing population growth.
Population Movements (Using cases studies to illustrate topics below is essential)[8 hours]
• kinds of population movement: international migration, emigration, immigration;
• regional migration, rural-urban migration, urbanization, voluntary and forced migration;
• causes and effects of population movements;
• temporary and permanent movements including migrant labour, economic migrants, political migrants, and refugees;
• attitudes to migrants and refugees.
HIV and AIDS [4 hours]
• HIV infection rates in southern Africa;
• social and economic effects of HIV and AIDS, using specific examples from the southern African region; and
• the impact of HIV and AIDS on population structure.
Water in the World [2 hours]
• different forms of water in the world: liquid, solid, and gas;
• the hydrological cycle.
• occurrence of salt water and fresh water: oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater and atmosphere; and
The World’s Oceans [4 hours]
• oceans as sources of oxygen, food and energy;
• ocean circulation – warm and cold currents;
• ocean currents and their importance for fishing, trade, and tourism;
• relationship between oceans and people: pollution, overfishing and desalination; and
• strategies for managing the world’s oceans.
Water Management in South Africa [5 hours]
• rivers, lakes and dams in South Africa;
• factors influencing the availability of water in South Africa;
• challenges of providing free basic water to rural and urban communities in South Africa;
• the role of government – initiatives towards securing water: inter-basin transfers and building dams;
• role of municipalities: provision and water purification; and
• strategies towards sustainable use of water – role of government and individuals.
Floods [4 hours]
• causes of flooding – physical and human;
• characteristics of floods – analysis and interpretation of flood hydrographs;
• managing flooding in urban, rural and informal settlement areas; and
• case study of a flood in South Africa.
Topographic Maps [2 hours]
• landforms and contours.
Aerial photographs and Orthophoto Maps [2 hours]
• photographs of landscapes;
• oblique and vertical aerial photos; and
• orthophoto maps to be used in conjunction with 1:50 000 maps and aerial photos.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) [2 hours]
• GIS concepts: spatial objects, lines, points, nodes and scales.
Mapwork Skills [4 hours]
• locating exact position: degrees, minutes and seconds;
• relative position: direction and magnetic bearing;
• scale: word, ratio and line scale;
• distance: measuring distances and converting to ground distance, straight line and curved (practise); and
• calculating area: regular and irregular.
1:50 000 Topographic Maps [8 hours]
• contours and landforms;
• cross-sections on 1:50 000 topographic maps;
• vertical exaggeration;
• intervisibility; and
• gradient.
Aerial Photographs and Orthophoto Maps [4 hours]
• oblique and vertical aerial photographs – identifying landforms and features;
• use of tone, texture and shadow in the interpretation of photos;
• orthophoto maps – identifying features; and
• orienting aerial photographs and orthophoto maps with another map.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) [4 hours]
• spatially referenced data;
• spatial and spectral resolution;
• different types of data: line, point, area and attribute;
• raster and vector data;
• application of GIS to climatology and meteorology, as well as oceanography, using satellite images; and
• capturing different types of data from existing maps, photographs, fieldwork or other records on tracing paper.
Using Atlases (revision) [2 hours]
• using the index;
• locating places on different maps, using degrees and minutes; and
• comparing information from different maps.
Fieldwork [2 hours]
• observation;
• collecting and recording data; and
• processing, collating and presenting fieldwork findings
The Earth’s Energy Balance [4 hours]
• the unequal heating of the atmosphere – latitudinal and seasonal;
• significance of Earth’s axis and revolution around the Sun; and
• transfer of energy and energy balance – role of ocean currents and winds.
Global Air Circulation
global air circulation – a response to the unequal heating of the atmosphere;
world pressure belts;
tri-cellular circulation: Hadley, Ferrel and polar cells;
the relationships between air temperature, air pressure and wind;
pressure gradient, Coriolis force and geostrophic flow;
winds related to global air circulation: westerlies, tropical easterlies and polar easterlies;
air mass characteristics; and
winds related to regional and local air movements: Monsoons and Föhn.
Africa’s Weather and Climate
Africa’s climate regions;
subsidence and convergence – link to rainfall;
the role of oceans in climate control in Africa;
El Niño and La Niña processes and their effects on Africa’s climate; and
reading and interpreting synoptic weather maps.
Droughts and Desertification
areas at risk: regional and local scales;
causes of droughts;
causes of desertification;
effects of droughts and desertification on people and the environment, such as differences in vulnerability; and
management strategies – case studies.
Aerial Photographs and Orthophoto Maps
oblique and vertical aerial photographs – identifying landforms and features;
use of tone, texture and shadow in the interpretation of photos;
orthophoto maps – identifying features; and
orienting aerial photographs and orthophoto maps with another map.
Geographical and Information Systems (GIS)
satellite images; and
application of GIS to climatology and meteorology.
Topography Associated with Horizontally Layered Rocks
characteristics and processes associated with the development of: hilly landscapes, basaltic plateaus, canyon landscapes and Karoo landscapes (mesa, butte and conical hill);
concept of scarp retreat or back wasting; and
utilization of these landscapes by people.
Topography Associated with Inclined/Tilted Rock Strata
characteristics and processes associated with the development of: a scarp slope, a dip slope, a cuesta, homoclinal ridge, hogsback, cuesta basin and cuesta dome; and
utilization of these landscapes by people.
Topography Associated with Massive Igneous Rocks
identification of batholiths, laccoliths, lopoliths, dykes and sills; and
characteristics and processes associated with the development of granite domes and tors.
Slopes
overview of South Africa’s topography;
types of slopes;
slope elements: crest, cliff (scarp slope, free face), talus (debris, scree slope), and pediment;
characteristics of the slope elements: crest, cliff, talus and pediment;
slope development over time; and
the concept of slope retreat.
Mass Movements and Human Responses
concept of mass movements;
kinds of mass movements: soil creep, solifluction, landslides, rockfalls and mudflows, and slumps;
the impact of mass movements on people and the environment; and
strategies to prevent or minimise the effects of mass movement – South African case studies.
Topographic Maps
contours and landforms;
cross-sections on 1:50 000 topographic maps;
vertical exaggeration;
intervisibility; and
gradient.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
spatially referenced data;
spatial and spectral resolution;
different types of data: line, point, area and attribute;
raster and vector data; and
capturing different types of data from existing maps, photographs, fieldwork or other records on tracing paper.
Fieldwork
observation;
collecting and recording data; and
processing, collating and presenting fieldwork findings.
The Concept of Development
terminology associated with development, such as developed, developing, more economically developed countries (MEDCs) and less economically developed countries (LEDCs), and industrialised countries;
the concept of development: economic, social, sustainable, appropriate scale and spatial aspects;
economic, social and demographic indicators of development: GNP, GDP, HDI Gini-coefficient, life expectancy and infant mortality; and
examples to illustrate differences in development from local, regional, and global contexts.
Frameworks for development
factors that affect development, including: access to resources, energy, history, trade imbalances, population growth, education and training, natural resource limitations and environmental degradation (note: learners need to explore the complexity and inter-related nature of these factors);
development models: free market models, such as Rostow’s model with its limitations and criticisms, core and periphery models with their application at different scales; sustainability models with their economic, social, and environmental elements; and
community-based development, including approaches to rural and urban development (with examples from around the world).
Trade and Development
international trade and world markets: commodities traded and terms of trade;
types of trading relationships, including: free trade, trade barriers, subsidies and fair trade;
the concept of globalisation and its impact on development; and
export-led development – critically examined (with examples from around the world).
Development Issues and Challenges
the role of women in development: gender issues related to power, access to resources and attitudes;
the effect of development on the environment;
the role of the state and business in development in South Africa, including central control by the state, weak state control and public private partnerships.
Role of Development Aid
concept of development aid and development co-operation;
types of development aid – technical, conditional, humanitarian; and
impact of aid on development (including case studies of development aid – positive and negative).
Mapwork Skills (with reference to 1:50 000 topographic maps)
locating exact position: degrees, minutes and seconds;
relative position: direction and magnetic bearing;
scale: word, ratio and line scale;
Distance: measuring distances and converting to ground distance along a straight line (practice)
calculating area.
Using Atlases (revision)
using the index;
locating places on different maps using degrees and minutes; and
comparing information from different maps.
Using Resources
the relationship between resources and economic development;
exploitation and depletion of resources; and
concepts of sustainability and sustainable use of resources.
Soil and Soil Erosion
how soils are formed;
soil as a resource;
causes of soil erosion: human, animal, physical, and past and present;
evidence of soil erosion in South Africa;
effects of soil erosion on people and the environment; and
management strategies to prevent and control soil erosion.
Conventional Energy Sources and their Impact on the Environment
maps and graphs to show thermal, hydro, and nuclear energy production in South Africa;
thermal electricity generation using coal – outline of principles and processes;
the impact of coal mining and thermal power stations – environmental despoliation, solid waste, waste gases and acid rain;
case study of nuclear energy – advantages and disadvantages; and
South Africa’s potential to meet long-term energy needs using conventional sources.
Non-conventional Energy Sources
solar energy – examples from South Africa and the world;
wind energy – examples from South Africa and the world;
future of non-conventional energy in South Africa; and
possible effects of using more non-conventional energy on the South African economy and the environment.
Energy Management in South Africa
South Africa’s changing energy needs;
energy management, towards greener economies and sustainable lifestyles: responsibilities of governments, businesses and individuals.
Mapwork Techniques (revision and application)
applying map skills and techniques: scale, contours and cross-sections;
direction: magnetic north, true north and magnetic declination;
grid referencing;
map and photo interpretation, including: reading and analysis of physical and constructed features; and
using maps and other graphical representations: synoptic weather maps and temperature graphs.
Topographic Maps (revision and application)
1: 50 000 maps: conventional signs and symbols;
contours and landforms;
cross-sections on 1:50 000 maps;
vertical exaggeration;
intervisibility; and
gradient.
Aerial Photographs and Orthophoto Maps
interpreting vertical aerial photographs;
orthophoto maps – identifying features; and
comparing an orthophoto map with a topographic map.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
examination of a selection of satellite images;
GIS concepts: remote sensing and resolution;
spatial and attribute data; vector and raster data;
data standardisation, data sharing and data security;
data manipulation: data integration, buffering, querying and statistical analysis;
application of GIS techniques to a range of topics covered in Grade 12; and
developing a “paper GIS” from existing maps, photographs or other records on tracing paper.
Using Atlases (revision and application)
examining thematic maps; and
comparing information from different maps
Mid-latitude Cyclones
general characteristics;
areas where mid-latitude cyclones form;
conditions necessary for their formation;
stages of development and related weather conditions;
weather patterns associated with cold, warm, and occluded fronts; and
reading and interpreting satellite images and synoptic weather maps.
Tropical Cyclones
general characteristics;
areas where tropical cyclones form;
factors necessary for their formation;
stages of development;
associated weather patterns;
reading and interpreting satellite images and synoptic weather maps;
case study of one recent tropical cyclone that affected southern Africa;
impact of tropical cyclones on human activities and the environment; and
strategies that help to prepare for and manage the effects of tropical cyclones.
Subtropical Anticyclones and Associated Weather Conditions
location of the high-pressure cells that affect South Africa;
general characteristics of these high-pressure cells;
anticyclonic air circulation around South Africa, and its influence on weather and climate;
travelling disturbances associated with anticyclonic circulation: moisture front, line thunderstorms, coastal low pressure systems and South African berg winds; and
reading and interpreting satellite images and synoptic weather maps that illustrate weather associated with subtropical anticyclonic conditions.
Valley Climates
the micro-climate of valleys (the effect of the slope aspect);
development of anabatic and katabatic winds, inversions, frost pockets and radiation fog; and
the influence of local climates on human activities such as settlement and farming.
Urban Climates
reasons for differences between rural and urban climates;
urban heat islands – causes and effects;
concept of pollution domes – causes and effects; and
strategies to reduce the heat island effect.
Drainage Systems in South Africa
important concepts: drainage basin, catchment area, river system, watershed, tributary, river mouth, source, confluence, water table, surface run-off and groundwater;
types of rivers: permanent, periodic, episodic and exotic;
drainage patterns: dendritic, trellis, rectangular, radial, centripetal, deranged and parallel;
drainage density;
use of topographic maps to identify stream order and density; and
discharge of a river: laminar and turbulent flow.
Fluvial Processes
river profiles: transverse profile, longitudinal profile and their relationship to different stages of a river:
identification and description of fluvial landforms: meanders, oxbow lakes, braided streams, floodplain, natural leveé, waterfall, rapids and delta;
river grading;
rejuvenation of rivers: reasons and resultant features, such as knick point, terraces and incised meanders;
river capture (stream piracy): the concepts of abstraction and river capture; features associated with river capture (captor stream, captured stream, misfit stream, elbow of capture, wind gap); and
superimposed and antecedent drainage patterns.
Catchment and River Management
importance of managing drainage basins and catchment areas;
impact of people on drainage basins and catchment areas; and
case study of one catchment area management strategy in South Africa.
Mapwork Techniques
Reading and interpreting synoptic weather maps, satellite images and other weather and climate-related data;
map and photo interpretation – includes reading and analysis of physical and constructed features; and
applying map-reading skills to maps and photos.
Topographic Maps
contours and landforms;
cross sections;
direction: magnetic north, true north and magnetic declination;
gradient;
intervisibility; and
grid referencing.
Aerial Photographs and Orthophoto Maps
interpreting vertical aerial photographs;
orthophoto maps – identifying features; and
comparing an orthophoto map with a topographic map.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
examination of GIS information for different catchment areas; and
developing a “paper GIS” from existing maps, photographs or other records on tracing paper.
Study of Settlements
concept of settlement;
site and situation;
rural and urban settlements; and
settlement classification according to size, complexity, pattern and function.
Rural Settlements
how site and situation affect the location of rural settlements;
classification of rural settlements according to pattern and function;
reasons for different shapes of settlements: round, linear, T-shaped and cross-road; and
land use in rural settlements.
Rural Settlement Issues
rural-urban migration;
causes and consequences of rural depopulation on people and the economy;
case study that illustrates the effects of rural depopulation and strategies to address them; and
social justice issues in rural areas, such as access to resources and land reform.
Urban Settlements
the origin and development of urban settlements – urbanisation of the world’s population;
how site and situation affect the location of urban settlements; and
classification of urban settlements according to function, such as central places, trade and transport, break of bulk points, specialised cities, junction towns and gateway towns or gap towns.
Urban Hierarchies
the concepts of urban hierarchy, central place, threshold population, the sphere of influence and range of goods;
lower and higher-order functions and services; and
lower and higher-order centres.
Urban Structure and Patterns
internal structure and patterns of urban settlements: land use zones; the concept of the urban profile; and factors influencing the morphological structure of a city;
models of urban structure, such as the multiple-nuclei model, the modern American-western city, the Third World city and the South African city; and
changing urban patterns and land use in South African cities.
Urban Settlement Issues
recent urbanisation patterns in South Africa;
urban issues related to rapid urbanisation: lack of planning, housing shortage, overcrowding, traffic congestion and problems with service provision;
the growth of informal settlements and associated issues: case studies from the world and South Africa; and
case studies that show how selected urban areas in South Africa are managing urban challenges, and handling environmental, economic, and social justice concerns.
Mapwork Skills
applying map skills and techniques: scale, contours and cross-sections; and
map and photo interpretation: including reading and analysis of physical and constructed features.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
GIS concepts: remote-sensing and resolution;
spatial and attribute data; vector and raster data;
data standardisation, data sharing and data security;
data manipulation: data integration, buffering, querying and statistical analysis; application of GIS by government and the private sector, relate to weather and settlement topics above;
developing a “paper GIS” from existing maps, photographs or other records on layers of tracing paper.
Structure of the Economy
economic sectors (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary);
economic sectors’ contribution to the South African economy: value and employment; and
use of statistical and graphical information.
Agriculture
contribution of agriculture to the South African economy;
the role of small-scale farmers and large-scale farmers;
main products produced: home market and export market;
factors that favour and hinder agriculture in South Africa, such as climate, soil, land ownership and trade;
the importance of food security in South Africa – influencing factors; and
case studies related to food security in South Africa.
Mining
contribution of mining to the South African economy;
significance of mining to the development of South Africa;
factors that favour and hinder mining in South Africa; and
a case study of one of South Africa’s main minerals in relation to the above points.
Secondary and Tertiary Sectors
contribution of secondary and tertiary sectors to the South African economy;
types of industries, such as heavy, light, raw material orientated, market-orientated, footloose industries, ubiquitous industries and bridge (break of the bulk point) industries;
factors influencing industrial development in South Africa, such as raw materials, labour supply, transport infrastructure, political intervention, competition and trade; and
South Africa’s industrial regions Gauteng (PWV), Durban-Pinetown, Port Elizabeth-Uitenhage, South-western Cape
factors influencing their location
main industrial activities.(Case studies from South Africa to illustrate the above)
Strategies for Industrial Development
overview of apartheid and post-apartheid industrial development strategies;
concept and distribution of Industrial Development Zones (IDZs);
case studies of two Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs); and
issues associated with industrial centralisation and decentralisation.
Informal Sector
concept and characteristics of informal sector employment;
reasons for high informal sector employment in South Africa;
challenges facing South Africa’s informal sector
(Case studies to illustrate the above in the South African context)
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
examination of a selection of satellite images;
GIS concepts: remote sensing and resolution;
spatial and attribute data; vector and raster data;
data standardisation, data sharing and data security;
data manipulation: data integration, buffering, querying and statistical analysis; and
developing a “paper GIS” from existing maps, photographs or other records on tracing paper
Comments
Post a Comment