CGC1W – Exploring Canadian Geography – Grade 9
This course builds on learning in Grades 7 and 8 in geography. Students will explore relationships within and
between Canada’s natural and human systems and how they interconnect with other parts of the world. Students
will also examine environmental and economic issues, and their impact related to topics such as natural resources
and industries, careers, land use and responsible development, and sustainability. In addition, students will
understand the connections that diverse communities and individuals have with the physical environment and
each other throughout Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives. Students will apply
geographic thinking, use the geographic inquiry process, and use geospatial technologies throughout their
investigations.
$450.00
*Course outline is subject to change
Overall Curriculum Expectations
Throughout the course, students will be provided with numerous and varied opportunities to demonstrate the full extent of their achievement of the curriculum expectations, across all four categories of knowledge and skills. Evaluations will reflect each student’s most consistent level of achievement. The overall learning expectations for this course are encompassed in the following strands:
A. GEOGRAPHIC INQUIRY AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT
A1. Geographic Inquiry: use the geographic inquiry process and the concepts of geographic thinking
when investigating issues relating to Canadian geography
A2. Developing Transferable Skills: apply in everyday contexts skills, including geospatial technology
skills, developed through the investigation of Canadian geography, and identify some careers, including those
in the skilled trades, in which a background in geography might be an asset
B. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND PHYSICAL PROCESSES IN CANADA
B1. Characteristics of Canada’s Natural Environment and the Impact of Physical Processes: describe
various characteristics of the natural environment and the spatial distribution of physical features in Canada,
and analyze the role of physical processes, phenomena, and events in shaping them (FOCUS ON: Spatial
Significance; Patterns and Trends)
B2. Interactions between the Natural Environment and Human Activities: analyze interrelationships
between physical processes, phenomena, and events and the ways in which various communities in Canada
respond to and interact with them (FOCUS ON: Interrelationships; Geographic Perspective)
C. MANAGING CANADA’S RESOURCES AND INDUSTRIES
C1. Natural Resources and Industries in Canada: analyze characteristics of natural resources and
industries in Canada, and factors that affect the accessibility and use of natural resources and the location of
industries (FOCUS ON: Spatial Significance; Interrelationships)
C2. Sustainability and Economic Development: analyze issues related to the sustainable development of
resources and industries in Canada (FOCUS ON: Patterns and Trends; Geographic Perspective)
D. CHANGING POPULATIONS
D1. Demographic Patterns and Trends: analyze key patterns and trends in demographics and population
movement and settlement, and factors that affect these patterns and trends, nationally and for various
populations in Canada (FOCUS ON: Patterns and Trends; Interrelationships)
D2. Population Issues: analyze selected national and global population issues and their implications for
Canada and for various people who live in Canada (FOCUS ON: Spatial Significance; Geographic
Perspective)
E. LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES
E1. Land Use in Communities: analyze characteristics and impacts of land use in various communities in Canada, including urban communities, and factors affecting land use and land use planning (FOCUS ON: Spatial Significance; Patterns and Trends)
E2. Sustainability of Human Systems and Communities: analyze issues relating to, and strategies for improving, the sustainability of human systems and communities in Canada (FOCUS ON: Interrelationships; Geographic Perspective)
Outline of Course Content
In this unit, you will explore how Canada’s diverse physical environment—including landforms, climate, vegetation, and soil—is shaped by powerful natural forces such as tectonic activity, erosion, and climate systems. You will examine the patterns and characteristics of Canada’s physical regions and analyze how these natural processes influence ecosystems, population distribution, and human activities. By studying real-world events like climate change and natural disasters, you will also learn how geographic thinking helps us understand the interrelationship between humans and the environment and how to develop strategies to respond to environmental challenges in a rapidly changing world.
In this unit, you will investigate the diverse and critical natural resources that shape Canada’s economy, environment, and society. You will explore the geographic distribution, availability, and extraction of renewable,
non-renewable, and flow resources, and examine how sustainable development can be achieved through effective resource management. Through case studies and data analysis, you will evaluate the role of industries and energy sectors in Canada, and assess the implications of consumer choices on environmental sustainability. The unit emphasizes geographic thinking, the use of geospatial technologies, and the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding complex
resource-based issues in Canada.
In this unit, you will explore the demographic patterns, settlement trends, and population changes that shape Canada’s multicultural identity. You will examine how Indigenous communities and immigration have influenced Canada’s social, political, and economic landscapes. Using tools of geographic thinking and analysis, you will investigate historical and current population trends, assess Canada’s immigration system, and consider the challenges and opportunities associated with diversity, demographic shifts, and population policies. This unit fosters an inclusive and critical perspective on Canada’s evolving population and invites you to reflect on how geographic tools can support informed decision-making in a diverse society.
In this unit, you will explore the patterns and challenges of urban growth in Canada and how land use decisions impact sustainability and liveability. You will investigate the causes and consequences of urbanization, urban sprawl, and compact development, and examine how Canadian cities are planning for the future. Through the lens of geographic thinking, you will analyze strategies like Smart Growth and culturally informed city planning, and reflect on the social, economic, environmental, and political forces shaping urban communities. This unit empowers you to evaluate current planning models and envision more inclusive, sustainable urban futures.
Culminating Activity & Final Exam
Students assume the role of a geographer to examine liveability in a chosen Canadian community by framing an inquiry question and gathering data on physical geography, demographics, land use, infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives. They analyze this evidence to identify three key challenges and strengths, develop evidence-based recommendations, and produce a professional final product (infographic, policy brief, op-ed, or essay) complete with APA references. Finally, they deliver a recorded presentation that clearly communicates their analysis and proposals, demonstrating mastery of all CGC1W expectations.