Center for Geography Assessment

Description of Student Performance
present a timeline with appropriate milestones for project completion
conduct research on the evolution of an extractive site where resources have been depleted, such as cut-over timber land, exhausted mine site, eroded agricultural land, etc. (an appropriately scaled area anywhere in the world)
conduct research on the long term environmental impact of the extractive and attendant processes on the specific site
conduct research on the long term environmental impact of the extractive and attendant processes on the surrounding region (e.g., pollution of downstream watercourses)
make appropriate map of individual site and a general map showing relative location of the site
write a narrative describing the extractive use and exhaustion of the site and associated development that occurred
construct one or more population pyramids plus tables and graphs of population characteristics
develop a plan for an alternative use of the site and restoration of the landscape
present a completed, formal publication and lead an audience through an actual or virtual field trip

Work Plan/Timeline

1. select an extractive use site, where resources have been depleted, such as cut-over timber land, exhausted mine site, eroded agricultural land, etc., within an appropriate area of interest, in consultation with the teacher (most significant problems have an element of controversy, affect the lives of identifiable groups of people, and their solution is not obvious and involves compromise)
2. construct a schedule for completion of the following tasks
3. gather maps and information that describe the evolution of the situation and compare the site with similar sites in other places
4. interview available political and business decision makers and other interested parties involved in this and similar situations
5. conduct literature search for information describing solutions to similar problems
6. create a preliminary annotated bibliography showing what information exists, how the information is relevant and how the information is to be accessed
7. consult maps of the area showing land use, traffic flows and barriers, population distribution and characteristics, etc.
8. produce a draft map and data tables
9. discuss alternative solutions with teacher and other experts
10. produce final map and data tables
11. produce paper summarizing problem and preferred alternative solution

Research

1. use appropriate research techniques developed and described in other assessment packages, exploring the following items
2. collect appropriate illustrations of extractive processes and their impacts on the environment
3. collect relevant local statistics
4. read relevant portions of geography texts and specialized literature focused on the industry involved
5. study available atlases showing environmental and social characteristics of the study area and its connection to other elements within the larger world
6. consult appropriate persons within various organizations (e.g., local extractive industry personnel, regional planning officials, environmental organizations, etc.)

Making Appropriate Maps
map design

1. information is clear and complete (TODALSIGS)
2. message is neat and clear
   

   a. avoid unnecessary information
   b. minimize distortion information
   c. mappable data is portrayed accurately
   d. mappable data is portrayed at appropriate ranges and units
   

3. shading/fill pattern is clear and effective
   

   a. avoid distortion or optical illusion
   b. tone pattern reproduces well
   c. provide strong contrast between adjacent tones and patterns
   d. most important information is darkest
   

4. symbols represent data classifications appropriately
   

   a. pictorial symbols are closely related to idea presented
   b. symbols are simple and uncluttered
   c. symbols enlarge, reduce, and reproduce clearly
   

Essay
produce a paper that summarizes the history and nature of the problem, analyzes the issues involved, and proposes a solution
final product should be of high quality

1. describe the significance of the problem; place the problem in the context of local and regional forces (e.g., environmental forces and economic processes); since the problem is most likely of a political nature, be sure to describe the major political "players" and attitudes and values playing a role in the situation
2. propose and justify a practical solution
3. describe the forces that might prevent your solution from being implemented, including the preferences, biases, or assumptions which would affect the perceived value of your solution.

Graphs and Tables

1. data is in appropriate form
2. analysis of data provides useful information
3. categories relate to the problem at hand
4. gaps in information are clearly acknowledged
5. raw and processed data are used appropriately

Final Presentation

1. description of locale is presented with sufficient detail for a reader/audience that is unfamiliar with the problem and its history
2. description places the problem in geographic and historic context
3. analysis of the problem and presentation of proposed solution is supported by evidence from the research
4. text and/or visual images are integrated to create a coherent message
5. presentation uses text and images effectively to convey information effectively and present a convincing message
6. presentation meets the needs of the target audience