Sweden Year 4 (Mellanstadiet) School Syllabus - Geography

Living Environments

• The Earth's surface is constantly being shaped and reshaped by both natural processes (like plate tectonics and erosion) and human land use. These changes have significant consequences for both people and the natural world.
• Sweden, the Nordic countries, and other European nations each have unique natural and cultural landscapes. These landscapes are formed by underlying geographical processes and are characterized by distinct features and varying extents.
• The Earth possesses various natural resources, including water, arable land, forests, and fossil fuels. These resources are distributed unevenly across the globe and are utilized for diverse purposes. Water is particularly vital, and its distribution and recycling are crucial for human societies and ecosystems.
• Population distribution varies across Sweden, the Nordic region, and Europe. This distribution is influenced by a range of factors, and its patterns have significant consequences for these regions.

Geography: Methods, Concepts, and Working Practices

• Students learn the names and locations of key geographical features in Sweden (places, mountains, oceans, watercourses) and gain a general understanding of the Nordic region's geography.
• Students learn about European geography, including the names and locations of countries, major islands, bodies of water, mountains, regions, and significant locations.
• Map skills are developed, focusing on understanding map construction, the use of colors, symbols, and scale, and differentiating between topographical and thematic maps.
• Students learn to collect and measure geographical data in their local area, such as age distribution, traffic flow, and water consumption.
• Field studies are conducted to examine natural and cultural landscapes, including land use in the local environment.
• Essential keywords and concepts necessary for understanding, discussing, and writing about geographical topics are introduced.

Environment, People, and Sustainability Issues

• Students learn how everyday choices and priorities can impact the environment and contribute to sustainable development.
• Global inequalities in living conditions are examined, including disparities in access to education, healthcare, and natural resources. Students explore the underlying causes of these inequalities and learn about the work of individuals and organizations striving to improve living conditions worldwide.