In the first unit, "Using Geography to Investigate the World," students are introduced to major concepts that will focus their study for the entire course. Students will explore the concepts of geography, geographic inquiry, region and review the concept of culture. Throughout the rest of the course, students will use the five geographic inquiry skills described in the first unit. In addition, each subsequent unit will incorporate the use of instructional technology, the development of critical thinking skills, as well as instruction in strategic reading and writing.

This on-line curriculum guide includes major elements of Anne Arundel County Public School's curriculum, including the Unit Description, correlation with the Maryland Learning Outcomes and Indicators, Key Questions, Essential Concepts/Content, Skills and Processes, and Student Outcomes. The on-line version of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools' Curriculum Guide is designed to help Anne Arundel County Public School teachers with unit planning, as well as to inform parents, and other members of our educational community about our Social Studies curricula.