Singapore Secondary 1 Geography Syllabus (Implemented from 2021)

This syllabus focuses on "Sustainable Resource Use and Management." It aims to develop students' interest in geography and their understanding of the world, promoting their growth as informed and concerned citizens. Students learn to use geographical knowledge and skills to demonstrate care and concern for the world and contribute to a sustainable future.

Introduction to Geography:

This introductory section acquaints students with key aspects of geography and the approaches geographers use to study the world. It emphasizes respect for Earth as a habitat and care for people and the environment. Key concepts covered include:

• What is geography? Geography studies the world and the relationships between people and environments. It includes physical and human geography, focusing on the physical environment (atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere) and the built environment.
• Geographical Concepts: Space, place, environment, and scale are introduced as ways of thinking about the world.
• Geographical Inquiry: Students learn to pose geographical questions and carry out investigations to answer them.

Theme: Sustainable Resource Use and Management

Thematic Question 1: How Can We Sustainably Manage Natural Resources?

This theme explores the concept of natural resources, both renewable and non-renewable, and how their value influences extraction and use. It emphasizes respecting diverse views on natural resources and showing care for the Earth and future generations.

• What are natural resources? This section differentiates between renewable and non-renewable resources.
• How do people view and use natural resources? This explores nature-centered (preservation) and human-centered (extraction) views, along with the concepts of resource depletion and environmental degradation.
• Sustainable use of natural resources: This section focuses on conservation and sustainable practices (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover) and developing technologies to manage environmental footprints.

Topic 1.1: Water

This topic examines water as a precious resource, its distribution, and the threats to its availability. It encourages responsible water use and care for those affected by water pollution.

• What is water and where is it found? This covers the physical states of water and the distribution of water stores (oceans, glaciers, rivers, lakes, groundwater, soil).
• Why is water available on Earth? This explains the hydrological cycle and the concept of a water budget within a catchment.
• What relationships does water have with the environment and people? This explores the impact of precipitation variations (floods and droughts), the support of river ecosystems, and human uses of water (domestic, recreational, agricultural, industrial). It also addresses water pollution and its impact.
• How can these relationships be sustainably managed? This examines strategies for managing water resources, including improving water quality, reducing consumption, developing technologies (desalination), and importing water.

Geographical Investigation for Topic 1.1: Water:

Students investigate a water store, exploring factors affecting water quality, stakeholders' roles, and sustainable management strategies.

Topic 1.2: Tropical Rainforests and Mangroves

This topic explores the characteristics, distribution, and importance of these biodiverse ecosystems. It promotes respect for their value and care for those affected by deforestation.

• What are tropical rainforests and mangroves, and where are they found? This covers their characteristics (evergreen, diverse plant species, structure – layers in rainforests, zonation in mangroves), and distribution (tropical climates, sheltered coasts and river mouths).
• Why are tropical rainforests and mangroves located in the tropics? This examines the conditions for their growth (high rainfall and temperature for rainforests; warm waters, sheltered environments for mangroves).
• What relationships do tropical rainforests and mangroves have with the environment and people? This explores their environmental functions (habitat, carbon storage, oxygen generation, erosion protection), human uses (habitation, raw materials, recreation, food sources), and the impact of resource extraction (deforestation, enhanced greenhouse effect).
• How can these relationships be sustainably managed? This examines strategies like protecting areas (national parks, biosphere reserves), regulating forestry, rehabilitation (reforestation), and public education.

Geographical Investigation for Topic 1.2: Tropical Rainforests and Mangroves:

Students investigate a tropical rainforest or mangrove, exploring factors affecting growth conditions, stakeholders' roles, and sustainable management strategies.

Geographical Data Skills and Techniques:

This section covers skills related to graphs, maps, images, field sketches, tables, texts, and schematic diagrams. Students learn to read, construct, analyze, and interpret these data types in context. This includes calculating mean, total, range, identifying trends and anomalies, describing spatial and temporal patterns, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.