CGC1W
Exploring Canadian Geography
This Grade 9 Geography course examines relationships within and between Canada’s natural and human environments. Students use geographic inquiry and geospatial technologies to investigate physical processes, natural resources, population change, land use and sustainability.
Grade
9
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
None
About This Course
This Grade 9 Geography course examines relationships within and between Canada’s natural and human environments. Students use geographic inquiry and geospatial technologies to investigate physical processes, natural resources, population change, land use and sustainability.
What You'll Learn
- Use geographic inquiry and the concepts of geographic thinking to investigate Canadian issues.
- Explore Canada's physical environment and the processes that shape it.
- Analyze Canada's natural resources, industries and sustainability challenges.
- Examine demographic patterns, population movement and settlement.
- Investigate land use, planning and the sustainability of communities.
- Use maps, GIS/geospatial technologies, spatial data, graphs and other evidence.
Skills You'll Develop
- Geographic inquiry and evidence-based reasoning
- Mapping, GIS and spatial-data interpretation
- Analysis of climate, demographic and resource data
- Research, current-events analysis and multiple-perspective thinking
- Sustainability, land-use and community planning analysis
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Use geographic inquiry and geographic thinking to investigate issues relating to Canadian geography.
- Apply geospatial technology skills and other transferable skills in everyday and career contexts.
- Describe Canada's natural environment and analyze physical processes that shape it.
- Analyze interactions between the natural environment and human activity.
- Analyze natural resources, industries and issues related to sustainable development.
- Analyze demographic patterns, population movement, settlement and population issues.
- Analyze land use and strategies for improving the sustainability of Canadian communities.
Course Units
The following reflects the school’s planned organization of the course. Approximate time allocations may be adjusted while all curriculum expectations and required planned learning are maintained.
| Unit | Title / Major Learning Focus | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Interactions in the Physical Environment | 27 hours |
| 2 | Managing Canada's Resources and Industries | 27 hours |
| 3 | Changing Populations | 25 hours |
| 4 | Liveable Communities and Land-Use Planning | 25 hours |
| 5 | Geographic Inquiry, Geospatial Technologies and Transferable Skills (integrated and consolidated) | 4 hours |
| Final | Mandatory Written Final Examination | 2 hours |
Assessment
Assessment uses evidence gathered over time from student work, conversations and observations. The final grade for 2026–2027 is determined as follows:
| Component | Weight | How It Is Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Course work throughout the course | 65% | Evaluation evidence gathered throughout the course, with emphasis on consistent and more recent achievement. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 20% | Comprehensive written final examination. |
| Attendance and participation | 15% | Based on meaningful engagement and participation in planned learning. |
Examples of Assessment Evidence
Assessment may include maps and GIS work, data analysis, case studies, research, oral explanations, discussions, projects, presentations, written reports, tests and final evaluations.
Pathways
Students develop geographic and spatial-technology skills relevant to pathways and careers in geography, GIS, urban and regional planning, environmental science, public policy, education, tourism and many other fields.
The course also develops transferable skills that can be applied in other subjects, postsecondary learning, community contexts and future employment.
Teacher Support
- Students learn primarily through the school's secure online learning environment and receive ongoing support from qualified teachers.
- Teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support are available as appropriate.
- Teachers guide students through geographic inquiry, mapping, GIS/geospatial tools and interpretation of spatial data.
- Support includes analysis of graphs, climate data, demographic data, satellite images, case studies and current issues.
- Structured discussions, research projects, oral explanations and presentations provide multiple ways to demonstrate learning.
- Teachers communicate learning goals and success criteria and provide timely descriptive feedback and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
CGC1W — Exploring Canadian Geography, Grade 9, De-streamed.
How many credits is CGC1W?
The course is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
Is there a prerequisite?
No. There is no prerequisite or co-requisite.
Does the course use GIS or mapping tools?
Yes. Geographic inquiry, mapping, geospatial tools and spatial data are integrated throughout the course.
How is the course delivered?
It is delivered through the secure learning management system, primarily asynchronously, with teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support as appropriate.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% course work, 20% mandatory written final examination, and 15% attendance and participation.
What topics are covered?
Major areas include the physical environment, resources and industries, population change, liveable communities, land-use planning, sustainability and geographic inquiry/geospatial technologies.
Ready to Take This Course?
$549 / Credit
- Provided by CSW — Canadian School of the World
- Ontario Ministry of Education registered
- Delivered fully online
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure if this is the right course? Book a free 30-minute meeting with a CSW advisor.
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