Republic of the Philippines

COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher Education Regional Office VI (HERO VI)
City Government of Bago
BAGO CITY COLLEGE
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Tel: [034] 4611-363 | Fax: [034] 4610-546 | E-mail: bagocitycollege@yahoo.com.ph
COURSE GUIDE 2nd Cycle

MODULE IN SS4- PLACES AND LANDSACPES IN A CHANGING WORLD

2ND YEAR BSED – SOCIAL STUDIES

Module 2: ASIA, NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA, EUROPE, AFRICA AND AUSTRALIA/OCEANIA: PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Intended Learning Outcomes: At the end of this module, the student must have:
1. Described continent of Asia, North & South America, Europe, Africa and Australia/Oceania in terms of: Definition and Physical Features, History and
Demographics (Languages and Religions) through picture analysis.
2. Identified the different countries in Asia, North & South America, Europe, Africa and Australia/Oceania in terms of: Population, Economy and Resources,
Political Geography and Cultural Life.
3. Compared and Contrast continent of Asia, North & South America, Europe, Africa and Australia/Oceania in terms of: Political and Cultural Perspectives using
graphic analysis.

A. Introduction
The frequency of events combined with high population and widely varied culture, differing levels of education and knowledge of natural hazards, as
well as varied income, combine to give the country a high risk for natural disaster. Communication in hazard zones is affected by a number of factors such
as: differing terminology and perceptions of hazards by the public, scientists, and disaster managers; how scientists and emergency managers
communicate information; and how effectively the media transfers the information to the public. Communication is also complicated by culture, social
factors and a wide variety of local languages. In order to obtain efficient communication with the public, trusting relationships between scientists and
communities are required. An understanding by scientists and emergency managers of local culture, local languages and people’s character facilitates
communication and contributes to trust. In addition, the media used for information can contribute significantly to improving communication. Hazard
communication also aims to improve the capacity of communities through enhancing their knowledge and strengthening of their mitigation institutions.
Cultural perspective refers to the way that individuals are shaped by their environments as well as social and cultural factors. Such factors include a
person’s nationality, race and gender. Each of us comes with a unique story that shapes who we are and how we see the world. Where we grew up, the
size and makeup of our families, our ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and our educational background all contribute to our world view. Two people who
grew up next door to each other can have radically different cultural experiences and points of view. Biological siblings raised together have different
cultural perspectives from having different gender identities, and being interested in different things. Self-awareness about the origins of our beliefs gives
 us the understanding to appreciate the origins of the beliefs of others. We learn to receive people as part of a story that has brought them to where they
are today and what their future potential might be, rather than a predetermined set of assumptions based on stereotypes from external cues. Cultivating
cultural perspective is an important step in developing intelligent and agile social skills that create value in our organizations. Workplaces rely on our ability
to forge strong relationships, both internally and externally, to foster collaborative creativity, attract talent, retain clients and grow support.

B. Activities
1. The Continents
a. Continent of Asia
Describe Continent of Asia as a whole in terms of:

Physical Features:
https://images.app.goo.gl/hYU1TAShDZeqDnr2A
Asia is the largest of the world’s continents, covering approximately 30 percent of the
Earth’s land area. It is also the world’s most populous continent, with roughly 60
percent of the total population. Asia makes up the eastern portion of the Eurasian
supercontinent; Europe occupies the western portion. The border between the two
continents is debated. However, most geographers define Asia’s western border as
an indirect line that follows the Ural Mountains, the Caucasus Mountains, and the
Caspian and Black Seas. Asia is bordered by the Arctic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Asia’s physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be
considered separately. Asia can be divided into five major physical regions: mountain
systems; plateaus; plains, steppes, and deserts; freshwater environments; and
saltwater environments. The Himalayas mountains extend for about 2,500 kilometers
(1,550 miles), separating the Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia. Asia is home
to many plateaus, areas of relatively level high ground. The Iranian plateau covers
more than 3.6 million square kilometers (1.4 million square miles), encompassing
most of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Asia is the largest and most populous
continent, home to the largest (Russia) and most populous (China) nations.
b. Continent of North America
Describe Continent of North America as a whole in terms of:

Physical Features:
North America, the third-largest continent, extends from the tiny Aleutian Islands in
the northwest to the Isthmus of Panama in the south. The continent includes the
enormous island of Greenland in the northeast and the small island countries and
territories that dot the Caribbean Sea and western North Atlantic Ocean. In the far
north, the continent stretches halfway around the world, from Greenland to the
Aleutians. But at Panama’s narrowest part, the continent is just 50 kilometers (31
miles) across. North America’s physical geography, environment and resources, and
human geography can be considered separately. North America can be divided into
five physical regions: the mountainous west, the Great Plains, the Canadian Shield,
the varied eastern region, and the Caribbean. Mexico and Central America’s western
coast are connected to the mountainous west, while its lowlands and coastal plains
extend into the eastern region. Within these regions are all the major types of
biomes in the world. A biome is a community of animals and plants spreading over
an extensive area with a relatively uniform climate. Some diverse biomes represented
in North America include desert, grassland, tundra, and coral reefs.

https://images.app.goo.gl/ZTtsNVsNGfZZfLGw5

c. Continent of South America

Describe Continent of South America as a whole in terms of:
 Physical Features:
South America, the fourth-largest continent, extends from the Gulf of Darién
in the northwest to the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego in the south. South America’s
physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be
considered separately. South America can be divided into three physical regions:
mountains and highlands, river basins, and coastal plains. Mountains and coastal
plains generally run in a north-south direction, while highlands and river basins
generally run in an east-west direction. South America’s extreme geographic variation
contributes to the continent’s large number of biomes. A biome is a community of
animals and plants that spreads over an area with a relatively uniform climate. Within
a few hundred kilometers, South America’s coastal plains’ dry desert biome rises to
the rugged alpine biome of the Andes mountains. One of the continent’s river basins
(the Amazon) is defined by dense, tropical rain forest, while the other (Paraná) is
made up of vast grasslands. With an unparalleled number of plant and animal
species, South America’s rich biodiversity is unique among the world’s continents.

https://images.app.goo.gl/owzxbcHz4shyv8Q4A

d. Continent of Europe
Describe Continent of Europe as a whole in terms of:
 Physical Features:
Europe is the second-smallest continent. Only Oceania has less landmass. Europe
extends from the island nation of Iceland in the west to the Ural Mountains of Russia
in the east. Europe’s northernmost point is the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, and
it reaches as far south as the islands of Greece and Malta. Europe is sometimes
described as a peninsula of peninsulas. A peninsula is a piece of land surrounded by
water on three sides. Europe is a peninsula of the Eurasian supercontinent and is
bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the
Mediterranean, Black, and Caspian Seas to the south. Europe's main peninsulas are
the Iberian, Italian, and Balkan, located in southern Europe, and the Scandinavian
and Jutland, located in northern Europe. The link between these peninsulas has
made Europe a dominant economic, social, and cultural force throughout recorded
history. Europe’s physical geography, environment and resources, and human
geography can be considered separately. Europe can be divided into four major
physical regions, running from north to south: Western Uplands, North European
Plain, Central Uplands, and Alpine Mountains.

e. Continent of Africa
Describe Continent of Africa as a whole in terms of: Physical Features:

Africa, the second-largest continent, is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Red
Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is divided in half almost equally by
the Equator. Africa’s physical geography, environment and resources, and human
geography can be considered separately. Africa has eight major physical regions: the
Sahara, the Sahel, the Ethiopian Highlands, the savanna, the Swahili Coast, the rain
forest, the African Great Lakes, and Southern Africa. Some of these regions cover
large bands of the continent, such as the Sahara and Sahel, while others are isolated
areas, such as the Ethiopian Highlands and the Great Lakes. Each of these regions
has unique animal and plant communities. The Sahara is the world's largest hot
desert, covering 8.5 million square kilometers (3.3 million square miles), about the
size of the South American country of Brazil. Defining Africa's northern bulge, the
Sahara makes up 25 percent of the continent. The Sahel is a narrow band of semi-
arid land that forms a transition zone between the Sahara to the north and the
savannas to the south. It is made up of flat, barren plains that stretch roughly 5,400
kilometers (3,300 miles) across Africa, from Senegal to Sudan.
 f. Continent of Australia/Oceania
Describe Continent of Australia/Oceania as a whole in terms of:
Physical Features:
Oceania is a region made up of thousands of islands throughout the Central and
South Pacific Ocean. It includes Australia, the smallest continent in terms of total
land area. Most of Australia and Oceania is under the Pacific, a vast body of water
that is larger than all the Earth’s continental landmasses and islands combined. The
name “Oceania” justly establishes the Pacific Ocean as the defining characteristic of
the continent. Oceania is dominated by the nation of Australia. The other two major
landmasses of Oceania are the microcontinent of Zealandia, which includes the
country of New Zealand, and the eastern half of the island of New Guinea made up
of the nation of Papua New Guinea. Oceania also includes three island regions:
Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia (including the U.S. state of Hawaii). Oceania’s
physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be
considered separately. Oceania can be divided into three island groups: continental
islands, high islands, and low islands. The islands in each group are formed in
different ways and are made up of different materials. Continental islands have a
variety of physical features, while high and low islands are fairly uniform in their
physical geography.

2. Continents and its Countries

Given the table below as your guide, identify five (5) countries in Asia, North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Australia/Oceania in terms
of: Population, Economy and Resources, Political Geography and Cultural Life.
Sample Guide
Country Population Economy and Resources Political Geography Cultural Life

China Agricultural products, Fuels. China has both geometric and physical Chinese culture is one of the
1,442,252,066 (as of Mining products, Manufacturers borders. The physical borders are world's oldest cultures,
January 2021) and Others the Himalayan mountains, South China tracing back to thousands of
Sea, Gobi Desert, and the Pacific years ago. Important
Ocean. China's geometric boundaries components of Chinese
are the 44th parallel and culture include ceramics,
 135 meridians.
China's government structure is unitary
architecture, music,
and the government type is a
literature, martial arts,
communist state. China has 32 sub-
cuisine, visual arts,
national divisions 4 municipalities, 5
philosophy and religion.
autonomous divisions, and 23
territories. 

Countries Population Economy and Resources
The current population of the The Philippines reserves of
Philippines in 2021 is copper, gold, and zinc are
111,046,913, a 1.34% increase also among the largest in
from 2020. the world. In 2020, despite
the difficulties that resulted
from the pandemic,
agriculture was the only
sector that showed periods
of growth. The industry
sector contributes 30.1% of
GDP and employs 19.8% of
the workforce. The natural
resources of the Philippines
1. Philippines include copper, timber,
nickel, petroleum, silver,
gold, cobalt, and salt.
Amidst lingering global and
local uncertainties, the
Philippine economy is poised
to grow at 6.4 percent in
2019 and 6.5 percent in
2020 and 2021.
Political Geography
The Philippines is an
archipelago that comprises
7,641 islands with a total
land area of 300,000 square
kilometers (115,831 sq mi).
It is the world's 5th largest
island country. The
Philippine archipelago is
divided into three island
groups: Luzon, the Visayas,
and Mindanao. The
Philippines is a democratic
and republican State. The
Philippines is a republic with
a presidential form of
government wherein power
is equally divided among its
three branches: executive,
legislative, and judicial. The
government seeks to act in
the best interests of its
citizens through this system
of check and balance. The
Philippines is
administratively divided into
81 provinces and also there
are 1,488 municipalities
across the country.
Cultural Life
The culture of the
Philippines comprises a
blend of traditional Filipino
and Spanish Catholic
traditions, with influences
from America and other
parts of Asia. The Filipinos
are family-oriented and
often religious with an
appreciation for art, fashion,
music, and food. Filipino
lifestyle is a perfectly
blended mix of cultures of
Malay, Indonesian, and
aboriginal, Chinese, Indian,
Japanese, Spanish, and
even American. The staple
food is rice. They generally
eat three times a day and
the main protein source for
them is fish and many other
seafood products.
 The current population of U.S. in
2021 is 332,915,073, a 0.58%
increase from 2020.
2. United States
3. Brazil The current population of Brazil
is 213,547,458 as of Friday,
February 26, 2021, based on
World meter elaboration of the
latest United Nations data.
The United States of
America is a land with vast
natural resources including
coal, copper, lead, uranium,
molybdenum, nickel,
phosphates, silver, rare
earth elements, bauxite,
gold, iron, mercury, zinc,
potash, tungsten,
petroleum, and natural gas.
Petroleum, natural gas steel,
motor vehicles, aerospace,
chemicals,
telecommunications,
electronics food processing,
pharmaceuticals consumer
goods lumber, mining,
defense equipment,
healthcare, information
technology, construction,
retail. real estate financial
services and others.
Brazil is rich in a variety of
natural resources and is the
world's leading producer of
tin, iron ore, and phosphate.
It has large deposits of
diamonds, manganese,
chromium, copper, bauxite,
and many other minerals.
The agriculture of Brazil is
historically one of the
principal bases of Brazil's
economy. While its initial
focus was on sugarcane,
Brazil eventually became the
world's largest exporter of
coffee, soybeans, beef, and
The United States shares
international land borders
with two nations: The
Canada–United, and some
of these states have under
their jurisdiction territories,
dependencies, or
collectivities that are clearly
non-sovereign geographical
areas. The federal
government is composed of
three distinct branches:
legislative, executive, and
judicial, whose powers are
vested by the U.S.
Constitution in the
Congress, the president and
the federal courts,
respectively.
Political Geography Brazil
encompasses so much of
South America that it shares
borders with all South
American nations except
Ecuador and Chile. Brazil is
divided into 26 states and a
Federal District. The state of
Amazonas has the largest
area and the most populous
is Sao Paulo. Brazil's
physical features can be
grouped into five main
physiographic divisions: the
Guiana Highlands in the
North, the Amazon
American culture
encompasses the customs
and traditions of the United
States. U.S. culture has also
been shaped by the cultures
of Native Americans, Latin
Americans, Africans, and
Asians. The United States is
sometimes described as a
"melting pot" in which
different cultures have
contributed their own
distinct "flavors" to
American culture. There are
a number of foods that are
commonly identified as
American, such as
hamburgers, hot dogs,
potato chips, macaroni and
cheese, and meat loaf. "As
American as apple pie" has
come to mean something
that is authentically
American. Family
The culture of Brazil is
primarily Western and is
derived from Portuguese
culture, but presents a very
diverse nature showing that
an ethnic and cultural
mixing occurred in the
colonial period involving
mostly Indigenous people of
the coastal and most
accessible riverine areas,
Portuguese people, and
African people. Brazilians
are renowned for their love
of dance and music with
regular festivals taking

4. Germany The current population of
Germany is 83,960,193 as of
Saturday, February 27, 2021,
based on World meter
elaboration of the latest United
Nations data.
crop-based ethanol.
Germany has a social
market economy that
combines capitalism with
social policies favoring social
insurance. Germany is rich
in a number of natural
resources, including timber,
iron ore, potash, salt,
uranium, nickel, copper, and
natural gas. The key natural
resources of Germany
include timber, natural gas,
coal, lignite, uranium, iron
ore, arable land,
construction materials,
potash, nickel, salt, and
copper. Globally, the
country is A leading
producer of lignite. The
second-largest producer of
refined selenium.
lowlands, the Pantanal in
the Central-West, the
Brazilian Highlands
(including the extensive
coastal ranges), and the
coastal lowlands. Brazil is a
federal presidential
constitutional republic,
which is based on
representative democracy.
The federal government has
three independent
branches: executive,
legislative, and judicial.
Germany borders can be
described as being political
borders. There is one wall
that can be described as a
cultural border. The Baltic
Sea (physical), and the
North Sea (physical)The
Berlin Wall would be an
example of a cultural border
as it separated East and
West Germany. At the
federal level, the German
constitution divides power
between the executive
branch, the legislative
branch, and the judiciary.
Within the executive branch,
the most powerful official is
the Federal Chancellor, who
acts as head of state,
controls the federal
government, and appoints
Federal Ministers.
place; the most famous
being the Brazil festival held
in Rio de Janeiro each year
with revelry taking place
over a period of five days.
Brazil has an enormous
diversity of religious ideals
and affiliations, largely in
part to the extraordinary
variations between cultures
that stem from migration
and slavery. Yet the main
religion in the country is
Catholicism, with about
three-quarters of Brazilians
declaring themselves
Catholic.
Germany is known for its
long and rich history, one
that has put it at the
forefront of European
thought, politics, and art for
over 1,000 years. This
history has shaped a culture
that combines
predominantly Christian
values with literature, art,
philosophy, logic, reason,
and, of course, a love of
beer and sausages.
Germany is home to over 80
million people – as well as a
diverse array of religions,
customs, and traditions that
make up the rich national
psyche. Germany is known
for its long and rich history,
one that has put it at the
forefront of European
thought, politics, and art for

5. Australia The current population of
Australia in 2021 is 25,788,215,
a 1.13% increase from 2020.
Resource commodities make
up six of Australia's top ten
goods: iron ore, coal,
natural gas, gold, aluminum,
and petroleum. Since 2005,
the resources sector has
invested around $720 billion
in Australia, accounting for
more than 40 percent of
total investment over this
period. The most
economically important
mineral reserves are located
in Western Australia (iron
ore, nickel, bauxite,
diamonds, gold, mineral
sands, and offshore natural
gas), Queensland (bauxite,
bituminous [black] coal,
lead, mineral sands, zinc,
and silver), New South
Wales (bituminous coal,
lead, zinc, silver, and
mineral.
Australia is composed of the
mainland of the Australian
continent, the island of
Tasmania, and numerous
smaller islands. Australia
has a compact state shape.
This shape is efficient and
considered ideal. The capital
is in the center, has the
shortest possible boundaries
to defend, and improved
communications. Although it
is a large country, its
topography is not too
varied, and most of it
consists of a low desert
plateau. The southeast,
however, does have fertile
plains. Australia's climate is
mostly arid to semiarid, but
the south and east are
temperate and the north is
tropical. The Parliament is
at the very heart of the
Australian national
government. The Parliament
consists of the Queen
(represented by the
Governor-General) and two
Houses (the Senate and the
House of Representatives).
These three elements make
Australia a constitutional
monarchy and
parliamentary democracy.
over 1,000 years.
The culture of Australia is a
Western culture derived
primarily from Britain but
also influenced by the
unique geography of the
Australian continent, the
diverse input of Aboriginal,
Torres Strait Islander, and
other Oceanian people.
Australia's lifestyle is
laidback, sure, but there's
nothing that excites an
Aussie more than sport.
Australia's sporting culture
has been passed through
generations, making for a
population deeply invested
in cricket, rugby, Australian
Rules Football, soccer,
tennis, and more. The
'Australian way of life' is
seen as reflecting traditional
virtues of egalitarianism,
classlessness, 'a fair go',
stoicism, and again mate
ship. It is sometimes
referred to as the 'national
ethos' whereby a certain
lifestyle is seen as central to
the welfare of the whole
community, not just one
class of society. Iconic
Australian takeaway food
(i.e. fast food) includes
meat pies, sausage rolls,
pasties, Chico Rolls, and
dim sims. Meat pies,
sausage rolls, and pasties
are often found at a milk
 bar and bakeries, where
they are kept hot in a pie
warmer.

C. Analysis
Using the graphic organizer below compare and contrast continent of Asia, North & South America, Europe, Africa and Australia/Oceania in terms of:
Political and Cultural Perspectives.

Asia North America South America

Europe Africa Australia/Oceania

How they are alike in terms of Political and Cultural Perspectives

Asia, North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia and Oceania are alike in
terms of Political and Cultural Perspectives in a way that they are all well-organized by
their own political structures as well as having a unique and orderly boundary and
regarding to their own cultural perspectives they are all influences by other countries
resulting to a diverse culture.

How they are different in terms of Political and Cultural Perspectives

North America in terms of political

and cultural perspectives, its
political power favored strong
 Asia in terms of political and
cultural perspectives, it focuses on
strategies and political style and it
encompasses the collective and
diverse customs and traditions of
art, architecture, music, literature,
lifestyle, etc.
Europe in terms of political and
cultural perspectives, it has a
multinational political union where
negotiated power is delegated to
an authority by governments of
member states. They strongly
endorse harmony–egalitarianism,
rather than mastery–hierarchy.
Africa in terms of political and
cultural perspectives, the systems
of governance across the African
continent are diverse. Classified
the systems of governance in
Africa that encompass democratic,
autocratic, and 'hybrid regimes'.
They are interconnected between
the physical and spirit realms,
food, dance, and artifacts.
South America in terms of political
and cultural perspectives, it
generally embraces democracy as
their preferred form of
government. They developed their
physical, as well as cultural,
landscape.
Australia/Oceania in terms of
political and cultural perspectives,
maintained a stable liberal
democratic political system under
its Constitution. A federation,
where power is divided between
the federal government and the
states and territories. Reflecting
traditional virtues of egalitarianism,
classlessness, stoicism, and again
mate ship.

How can you justify the specific characteristics of each continent in terms political and cultural perspectives?
Each continent has unique political and cultural perspectives as well as history. Their particular characteristics and individual political and
cultural perspectives are justified because of their distinctions where each continent shows separate views and elements. Their attributions
influence by other countries in which the viewpoint of their political and cultural aspect is interchange. Each continent has diverse features, as
well as their political and cultural structures, which have a solitary standpoint.

In what way political and cultural perspectives creates common landscapes in terms of multilateral cooperation of countries around the world
in addressing global issues despite of their differences?
The unification of individual countries can create a common landscape in addressing global issues. Having a harmonious relationship with
another country even they are not similar from a political and cultural perspective can help them to resolve the global complication. Their
different individual viewpoint in political and cultural cannot be a hindrance in settling the world’s problem if they have a good relationship as
well as without a discrimination in this way other countries can fix the conflict between global issues.
D. Abstraction
Asia is the largest of the world’s continents, covering approximately 30 percent of the Earth’s land area. It is also the world’s most populous
continent, with roughly 60 percent of the total population. It makes up the eastern portion of the Eurasian supercontinent; Europe occupies the western
portion. The border between the two continents is debated. However, most geographers define Asia’s western border as an indirect line that follows the
Ural Mountains, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Caspian and Black Seas. Asia is bordered by the Arctic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Asia’s physical
geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be considered separately. Asia can be divided into five major physical regions:
mountain systems; plateaus; plains, steppes, and deserts; freshwater environments; and saltwater environments.
Mountain Systems: The Himalaya Mountains extend for about 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles), separating the Indian subcontinent from the rest of
Asia. The Indian subcontinent, once connected to Africa, collided with the Eurasian continent about 50 million to 55 million years ago, forming the
Himalayas. The Indian subcontinent is still crashing northward into Asia, and the Himalayas are growing about 5 centimetres (2 inches) every year.
Plateaus: Asia is home to many plateaus, areas of relatively level high ground. The Iranian plateau covers more than 3.6 million square kilometers
(1.4 million square miles), encompassing most of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The plateau is not uniformly flat, but contains some high mountains and
low river basins. The highest mountain peak is Damavand, at 5,610 meters (18,410 feet). The plateau also has two large deserts, the Dasht-e Kavir and
Dasht-e Lut.
Plains, Steppes, and Deserts: The West Siberian Plain, located in central Russia, is considered one of the world’s largest areas of continuous
flatland. It extends from north to south about 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) and from west to east about 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles). With more than
50 percent of its area at less than 100 meters (330 feet) above sea level, the plain contains some of the world’s largest swamps and flood plains.
Terrestrial Flora and Fauna: Botanists nickname China the “Mother of Gardens.” It has more flowering plant species than North and South
America combined. Because China has such diverse landscapes, from the arid Gobi Desert to the tropical rain forests of Yunnan Province, many flowers
can adapt to climates all over the world. From roses to peonies, many familiar flowers most likely originated in northern China. China is the likely origin of
such fruit trees as peaches and oranges. China is also home to the dawn redwood, the only redwood tree found outside North America.
Aquatic Flora and Fauna: The freshwater and marine habitats of Asia offer incredible biodiversity. Lake Baikal’s age and isolation make it a unique
biological site. Aquatic life has been able to evolve for millions of years relatively undisturbed, producing a rich variety of flora and fauna. The lake is known
as the “Galápagos of Russia” because of its importance to the study of evolutionary science. It has 1,340 species of animals and 570 species of plants.

North America, the third-largest continent, extends from the tiny Aleutian Islands in the northwest to the Isthmus of Panama in the south. North
America’s physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be considered separately. North America and South America are
named after Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci. Vespucci was the first European to suggest that the Americas were not part of the  East Indies, but an
entirely separate landmass. The portions of the landmass that widened out north of the Isthmus of Panama became known as North America.
 Historic Cultures: Indigenous cultures shaped, and were shaped by, the geography of North America. The first North Americans are believed to
have migrated from Siberia, in northeast Asia, by crossing a land bridge over the Bering Strait. These populations fanned out southward, to present-day
Florida, California, Mexico, and Central America. The Olmec and the Maya, indigenous to Central America, built the first cities on the continent, eventually
leading to the great urban areas of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. These cities, in what is now central Mexico, boasted sophisticated engineering
structures, such as canals, apartment buildings, and irrigation systems.
Contemporary Cultures: Contemporary North American societies are also greatly influenced by the continent’s rich and varied environment. Our
globalized world has pressed these societies to develop complex ways of interacting with, and profiting from, geographic resources. North America’s
economic base is centered largely on the extraction, development, and trade of natural resources. Local communities, as well as national governments and
regional organizations, also use natural resources. Guatemala, for example, has a traditional medicine system, which includes  herbalists and spiritualists
who use medicinal plants to treat ailments. Costa Rica has developed a network of sustainable and fair-trade coffee growers tailored to a growing
international market.
Political Geography: North America's history and development have been shaped by its political geography. Political geography is the internal and
external relationships between its various governments, citizens, and territories.

South America, the fourth-largest continent, extends from the Gulf of Darién in the northwest to the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego in the south.
South America’s physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be considered separately. It can be divided into three
physical regions: mountains and highlands, river basins, and coastal plains. Mountains and coastal plains generally run in a north-south direction, while
highlands and river basins generally run in an east-west direction. South America’s extreme geographic variation contributes to the continent’s large
number of biomes. A biome is a community of animals and plants that spreads over an area with a relatively uniform climate. Within a few hundred
kilometres, South America’s coastal plains’ dry desert biome rises to the rugged alpine biome of the Andes Mountains. One of the continent’s river basins
(the Amazon) is defined by dense, tropical rain forest, while the other (Paraná) is made up of vast grasslands. With an unparalleled number of plant and
animal species, South America’s rich biodiversity is unique among the world’s continents.
Mountains & Highlands: South America’s primary mountain system, the Andes, is also the world’s longest. The range covers about 8,850
kilometers (5,500 miles). Situated on the far western edge of the continent, the Andes stretch from the southern tip to the northernmost coast of South
America. There are hundreds of peaks more than 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) tall, many of which are volcanic.
Coastal Plains: A coastal plain is an area of low, flat land next to a seacoast. South American coastal plains are found on the northeastern coast of
Brazil, on the Atlantic Ocean, and the western, Pacific coast of Peru and Chile. The coastal plains of northeastern Brazil are extremely dry. The Brazilian
Highlands act as a wedge that pushes moist sea winds away from the coastal plains.

Europe is the second-smallest continent. Only Oceania has less landmass. Europe extends from the island nation of Iceland in the west to the Ural
Mountains of Russia in the east. Europe’s northernmost point is the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, and it reaches as far south as the islands of Greece
and Malta. It is sometimes described as a peninsula of peninsulas. A peninsula is a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides. Europe is a peninsula
of the Eurasian supercontinent and is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean, Black, and Caspian
Seas to the south. Its main peninsulas are the Iberian, Italian, and Balkan, located in southern Europe, and the Scandinavian and Jutland, located in
northern Europe. The link between these peninsulas has made Europe a dominant economic, social, and cultural force throughout recorded history.
Europe’s physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be considered separately. It can be divided into four major physical
regions, running from north to south: Western Uplands, North European Plain, Central Uplands, and Alpine Mountains.
The Western Uplands is defined by hard, ancient rock that was shaped by glaciation. Glaciation is the process of land being transformed by glaciers
or ice sheets. As glaciers receded from the area, they left a number of distinct physical features, including abundant marshlands, lakes, and fjords. A fjord
is a long and narrow inlet of the sea that is surrounded by high, rugged cliffs. Many of Europe’s fjords are located in Iceland and Scandinavia.
Most of the Great European Plain lies below 152 meters (500 feet) in elevation. It is home to many navigable rivers, including the Rhine, Weser,
Elbe, Oder, and Vistula. The climate supports a wide variety of seasonal crops. These physical features allowed for early communication, travel,
and agricultural development. The North European Plain remains the most densely populated region of Europe.
The Central Uplands are lower in altitude and less rugged than the Alpine region and are heavily wooded. Important highlands in this region include
the Massif Central and the Vosges in France, the Ardennes of Belgium, the Black Forest and the Taunus in Germany, and the Ore and Sudeten in the Czech
Republic. This region is sparsely populated except in the Rhine, Rhine, Elbe, and Danube river valleys.
Africa, the second-largest continent, is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is divided in
half almost equally by the Equator. Africa’s physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be considered separately. It has
eight major physical regions: the Sahara, the Sahel, the Ethiopian Highlands, the savanna, the Swahili Coast, the rain forest, the African Great Lakes, and
Southern Africa. Some of these regions cover large bands of the continent, such as the Sahara and Sahel, while others are isolated areas, such as the
Ethiopian Highlands and the Great Lakes. Each of these regions has unique animal and plant communities.
The Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert, covering 8.5 million square kilometers (3.3 million square miles), about the size of the South American
country of Brazil. Defining Africa's northern bulge, the Sahara makes up 25 percent of the continent. The Sahel is a narrow band of semi-arid  land that
forms a transition zone between the Sahara to the north and the savannas to the south. It is made up of flat, barren plains that stretch roughly 5,400
kilometers (3,300 miles) across Africa, from Senegal to Sudan.
The Ethiopian Highlands began to rise 75 million years ago, as magma from Earth’s mantle uplifted a broad dome of ancient rock. This dome was
later split as Africa's continental crust pulled apart, creating the Great Rift Valley system. Today, this valley cuts through the Ethiopian Highlands from the
southwest to the northeast. The Ethiopian Highlands are home to 80 percent of Africas tallest mountains.
Southern Africa is the epicenter of Africas well-known reserves, which protect animal species such as lions, elephants, baboons, white rhinos, and
Burchells zebras. Other important animal species include the impala, a type of deer, and the springbok, a type of gazelle that can spring several feet into
the air to avoid predators. Southern Africas Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants in the world. While the Cape Floral Region covers less
than 0.5 percent of Africa, it is home to nearly 20 percent of the continents flora. The giant protea, South Africas national flower, is found in the Cape Floral
Region.
Oceania is a region made up of thousands of islands throughout the Central and South Pacific Ocean. It includes Australia, the smallest continent in
terms of total land area. Most of Australia and Oceania is under the Pacific, a vast body of water that is larger than all the Earth’s continental landmasses
and islands combined. The name “Oceania” justly establishes the Pacific Ocean as the defining characteristic of the region. It is dominated by the  nation of
Australia. The other two major landmasses are the microcontinent of Zealandia, which includes the country of New Zealand, and the western half of the
island of New Guinea, made up of the nation of Papua New Guinea.
 Oceania also includes three island regions: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia (including the U.S. state of Hawaii). Melanesia includes the
independent nations of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and the islands of New Caledonia, a “sui generis collectivity” of France.
Micronesia includes the independent nations of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Kiribati, and Nauru; the Northern Mariana Islands, a
commonwealth in political union with the United States; and Guam and Wake Island, two territories of the United States. Polynesia includes the
independent nations of Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu; the Cook Islands and Nieu, two self-governing islands in free association with New Zealand; Tokelau,
an island territory of New Zealand; French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna, two French overseas collectivities; American Samoa, an unincorporated
territory of the United States; and the Pitcairn Islands, a British overseas territory.
Governments and intergovernmental agencies in Australia and Oceania are taking steps to minimize the effects of climate change. As part of the
2009 Copenhagen Accord, countries such as Australia and New Zealand agreed to reduce carbon emissions. Other Oceanic countries, such as Tuvalu,
argued that the international agreement unfairly disadvantages developing countries, especially small island states. The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
advocates increased support from the international community to assist these island states in their efforts to adapt to climate change. As part of the Pacific
Environment Community initiative, the PIF secured about $66 million from Japan to support projects that focus on solar power generation and
seawater desalination.

E. Application
 Video clips on documentaries about How places change in 32 Years - Google Earth Timelapse
https://youtu.be/fYA-7A80shI
 Submit a Reaction Paper as graded based on the rubrics below:
Reaction Paper Rubric
Aspect Beginning Developing Accomplished Exemplary
Identifies feeling(s), has a
Identifies feeling(s) and Identifies feeling(s) & has clear and supported
Feeling speculates about the cause a reasonable hypothesis hypothesis about its
Identifies some feeling(s)
of it about it origins origins, development, and
connection to course
Intellectual – knowledge and
thoughts Comments on prior Describes prior knowledge Outlines prior knowledge,
Knew little and had not knowledge and interests in and interests in specific impressions, and
 thought about the topic a global way—no specific terms; relates topic to text misconceptions. Uses
related experiences/textual relevant skills, course
references knowledge, and specific
quotations from the text

Describes local and wider

Has no idea of any Describes some importance Describes importance to importance. Some
importance to the topic to a discrete group of immediate and extended explanation of why the
Importance/ Significance
individuals groups topic or issue is important
to more that the immediate
group
Refers to other sources of
No further information Identifies possible information but does not Consulted other sources
Additional Information sought or desired additional sources but does integrate them into the and integrated the
not consult them paper information in the reaction
paper
Sloppy report with
Error free, well written
numerous grammatical and Neat report: one or two
Writing Sloppy report but few errors report; follows MLA citation
punctuation errors errors
guidelines

Total possible Score 50 points

Student Score: ___

Application: Reaction Paper

In the video entitled How places change in 32 years, the video has shown a time-lapse about how the surroundings and places
 change over the years. The development of individual countries throughout the years contributes a significant value as well as it brings a
disadvantage factor. The satellite images taken during the years witness the growth of every country as well as the construction of
landscapes and cultural features. I clearly witness the massive evolution of buildings, houses, bridges, harbors, etc., and even the
alteration of the environment of individual countries over the years. The expansion of each site indicates the maturation of its economy
and the enlargement of its area is evidence of advancement.

The video testifies the growth of Singapore and the stumbling block of Germany causes the resettlement of their entire villages due to
mining. Germany is the biggest lignite miner in the world but the way of developing their economy is a sort of destruction in nature and
the environment. As I continue studying the video, the main factor why the development of the country is growing and ruining is it
depends on the people’s mindset. People are the main source of this evolution as well as they are the reason why the surroundings are
being wrecked.

The deforestation in South America is not a good example to everyone. It can bring destruction to humankind and can demolish the
numerous lives of each individual. This is one of the main factors of flooding, soil erosion, higher temperatures, and desertification in
which people are the main cause of it. The same thing to Brazil, where nearly 2/3 of the continent’s deforestation occurred, pasture was
the main culprit and comprising a whopping 81.8 percent. Sadly, human activity is the main cause of this deforestation worldwide.

Aral Sea soviet irrigation projects also lead to the decline of its original size but the effect of this human activity can affect the lives of
many. Their way of making their country to be more develop lead to devastation and a consequence, the rest of their lake never been
recovered. The expansion of businesses, hotels, villas, and leisure facilities in Dubai is great but the places are overcrowded. At the end
of the video, there is a statement that states “We only have one” by interpreting this phrase. It is a reminder that there is one planet and
over the years of development, thinking the consequence is a must and growing in a bad way to produce a good outcome is not always
beneficial and advantageous.

F. Evaluation
 Based on the following procedures of this module; the activities conducted and the ideas gathered, I want you to make a reflection by filling up the
table below. As a student, the lesson I got in this module are as follows: Based on the given rubrics.
Criteria Superior (20points)
Response demonstrates an
in-depth reflection on, and
personalization of, the
theories, concepts, and/or
Depth of
strategies presented in the
Reflection
course materials to date.
Viewpoints and
interpretations are insightful
and well supported. Clear,
detailed examples are
provided, as applicable.
Response includes all
components and meets or
exceeds all requirements
Required
indicated in the instructions.
Components
Each question or part of the
assignment is addressed
thoroughly. All attachments
and/or additional documents
are included, as required.
Writing is clear, concise, and
well organized with excellent
sentence/paragraph
Structure construction. Thoughts are
expressed in a coherent and
logical manner. There are no
more than three spelling,
grammar, or syntax errors
per page of writing.
Evidence and Response shows strong
Rubrics for Reflection Evaluation Criteria
Sufficient (15 points)
Response demonstrates a
general reflection on, and
personalization of, the theories,
concepts, and/or strategies
presented in the course
materials to date. Viewpoints
and interpretations are
supported. Appropriate
examples are provided, as
applicable.
Response includes all
components and meets all
requirements indicated in the
instructions. Each question or
part of the assignment is
addressed. All attachments
and/or additional documents are
included, as required.
Writing is mostly clear, concise,
and well organized with good
sentence/paragraph
construction. Thoughts are
expressed in a coherent and
logical manner. There are no
more than five spelling,
grammar, or syntax errors per
page of writing.
Response shows evidence of
Minimal (10points) Unacceptable (5points)
Response demonstrates a
minimal reflection on, and
Response demonstrates a lack
personalization of, the
of reflection on, or
theories, concepts, and/or
personalization of, the theories,
strategies presented in the
concepts, and/or strategies
course materials to date.
presented in the course
Viewpoints and
materials to date. Viewpoints
interpretations are
and interpretations are missing,
unsupported or supported
inappropriate, and/or
with flawed arguments.
unsupported. Examples, when
Examples, when applicable,
applicable, are not provided.
are not provided or are
irrelevant to the assignment.
Response is missing some
components and/or does not
fully meet the requirements Response excludes essential
indicated in the instructions. components and/or does not
Some questions or parts of address the requirements
the assignment are not indicated in the instructions.
addressed. Some Many parts of the assignment
attachments and additional are addressed minimally,
documents, if required, are inadequately, and/or not at all.
missing or unsuitable for the
purpose of the assignment.
Writing is unclear and/or
Writing is unclear and
disorganized. Thoughts are
disorganized. Thoughts ramble
not expressed in a logical
and make little sense. There
manner. There are more
are numerous spelling,
than five spelling, grammar,
grammar, or syntax errors
or syntax errors per page of
throughout the response.
writing.
Response shows little Response shows no evidence of
 evidence of synthesis of
ideas presented and insights
gained throughout the entire
Practice
course. The implications of
these insights for the
respondent's overall teaching
practice are thoroughly
detailed, as applicable.
I LEARNED…….
I have learned the physical and cultural
perspectives of Asia, North & South
America, Europe, Africa, and Australia
and Oceania.
I have learned the population, economy
and resources, political geography and
cultural life of Asia, North America, South
America, Europe, Africa, and
Australia/Oceania.
Evaluation: Reflection Paper
evidence of synthesis of
synthesis of ideas presented and synthesis of ideas presented
ideas presented and insights
insights gained throughout the and insights gained throughout
gained throughout the entire
entire course. The implications the entire course. No
course. Few implications of
of these insights for the implications for the
these insights for the
respondent's overall teaching respondent's overall teaching
respondent's overall teaching
practice are presented, as practice are presented, as
practice are presented, as
applicable. applicable.
applicable.
I UNLEARNED……. RELEARNED……..
Unlearned the other countries' physical and I’ve been relearning the physical features
cultural perspectives of Asia, North & South of Asia, North & South America, Europe,
America, Europe, Africa, and Australia, and Africa, and Australia, and Oceania.
Oceania.
Unlearned the other countries the population, I’ve been relearning the population,
economy and resources, political geography economy and resources, political
and cultural life of Asia, North America, South geography and cultural life of Philippines.
America, Europe, Africa, and Australia/Oceania
because I discuss only limited countries.
 As a student, the lesson I got in this module is studying the physical and cultural perspectives of Asia, North and South America,
Europe, Africa, and Australia/Oceania wherein each individual continent has different physical features and unique distinctions. Each
continent is surrounded by different landforms such as; mountains, coastal plains, highlands, cliffs, lakes, rivers, plateaus, etc.
I have learned that the continent's physical features exert important information to determine the history, traditions,
demographics, linguistics, etc. in which people can have a benefit to recognize the trademark and characteristics of each continent. It is
one way to cultivate my mind regarding their culture and to instill the significant value of their attributions.
In my continuation, I realize that every continent is influenced by other countries which leads to adaptation of culture. I
learned that the political geography, population, economy, and resources of each continent are necessary to know and comprehend in
order for me to distinguish their similarities and differences so that it will help me to answer my analysis questions. The continents have
different numbers of populations as well as their population is changing over the years. Nevertheless, every country has different
resources, governmental, and cultural practices that make them distinct from each other.
In my application in which I review a time-lapse video, I also learned how the places and surroundings change over the
years. I witness the expansion and development of each country but some of their activities are not quite advantageous in which some
may lead to the ruination of nature and the environment and at the end of the day, humankind will be the subject of the consequences
and worst, it may lead to the destruction of the world.

Prepared by:

IAN T. LASTIERRE, M.Ed

Par Time Instructor

EDUARDO D. QUIDTA JR., M.A.Ed, M.Ed

Part Time Instructor