The Grade 11 Geography CAPS curriculum is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of various geographical concepts, skills, and techniques. The curriculum is divided into four main topics: Geographical Skills and Techniques, The Atmosphere, Geomorphology, and Development Geography. Additionally, the curriculum covers the theme of Resources and Sustainability, focusing on the responsible use of resources and the importance of sustainable development. This curriculum aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze, interpret, and understand the world around them through the lens of geography.
Geography Grade 11 Topics and Learning Objectives
The first topic, Geographical Skills and Techniques, focuses on practical skills such as mapwork, aerial photographs, orthophoto maps, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These skills are essential for spatial analysis and understanding the physical world. Fieldwork and the use of atlases further enhance learners’ abilities to conduct geographical research and data collection.
The second topic, The Atmosphere, delves into the Earth’s energy balance, global air circulation, and the weather and climate of Africa. Learners will also study the causes and consequences of droughts and desertification, which are critical environmental issues.
In the third topic, Geomorphology, learners will explore various aspects of the Earth’s surface, such as topography associated with different types of rock formations, slopes, and mass movements. They will also investigate human responses to these natural processes, highlighting the interaction between humans and their environment.
Development Geography, the fourth topic, examines the concept of development, its frameworks, and the relationship between trade and development. The curriculum also addresses development issues and challenges, as well as the role of development aid in fostering growth and progress.
Finally, the theme of Resources and Sustainability explores the responsible use of resources, soil properties and erosion, conventional and non-conventional energy sources, and energy management in South Africa. This theme emphasizes the importance of sustainable development in preserving our planet for future generations.
By engaging with these topics, Grade 11 learners will develop a strong foundation in geographical concepts and skills, preparing them for further study and fostering an appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world.
Geography Grade 11 Topics Overview
Introduction to Geographical Skills and Techniques
- Mapwork Skills: Understanding various types of maps and their uses.
- Working with 1:50 000 Topographic Maps: Interpreting and analyzing topographic maps.
- Aerial Photographs and Orthophoto Maps: Utilizing aerial images for geographical analysis.
- Geographical Information Systems: Applying GIS technology for spatial analysis.
- Using Atlases: Gaining insights from geographical reference materials.
- Fieldwork: Conducting geographical research and data collection in the field.
- Questions: Assessing comprehension of geographical skills and techniques.
Topic 1: The Atmosphere
- Earth’s Energy Balance: Investigating the balance between incoming and outgoing energy on Earth.
- Global Air Circulation: Understanding atmospheric circulation patterns and their effects.
- Africa’s Weather and Climate: Examining the climate and weather systems of the African continent.
- Droughts and Desertification: Exploring causes and consequences of these environmental issues.
- Questions: Assessing understanding of atmospheric concepts and processes.
Topic 2: Geomorphology
- Topography Associated with Horizontally Layered Rocks: Analyzing landscape features related to horizontal rock layers.
- Topography Associated with Inclined Rock Strata: Examining landscape features related to inclined rock layers.
- Topography Associated with Massive Igneous Rocks: Investigating landscapes formed by large igneous rock formations.
- Slopes: Understanding the formation, classification, and significance of slopes.
- Mass Movements and Human Responses: Exploring the impacts of mass movements and human adaptation strategies.
- Questions: Assessing comprehension of geomorphological concepts and processes.
Topic 3: Development Geography
- Concept of Development: Defining and understanding the various aspects of development.
- Frameworks for Development: Analyzing different models and approaches to development.
- Trade and Development: Examining the relationship between trade and development.
- Development Issues and Challenges: Investigating the obstacles and difficulties in achieving development.
- Role of Development Aid: Understanding the function and impact of aid in the development process.
- Questions: Assessing understanding of development geography concepts and issues.
Topic 4: Resources and Sustainability
- Using Resources: Exploring resource utilization and its implications.
- Soils and Soil Erosion: Investigating soil properties and processes, and the issue of soil erosion.
- Conventional Energy Sources and their Impact on the Environment: Examining the environmental consequences of traditional energy sources.
- Non-conventional Energy Sources: Analyzing alternative and renewable energy sources.
- Energy Management in South Africa: Exploring the country’s energy policies and strategies for sustainable development.