Summer Reading

Eighth Grade Summer Reading Assignment for World Geography

Read Walkabout by James Vance Marshall, (ISBN 0-88741-099-5)

This book can be ordered new or used from the following web sites:
www.amazon.com
www.abebooks.com
www.bn.com

We recommend you order the book as soon as possible. A used copy is fine—members of the Class of 2013 read this book last year.

After reading the book, complete the following assignment, which is due the first day of school, Monday, August 25. The late penalty will be one letter grade per day.

Paragraphs should be typed in 12 point font. Staple the paragraphs to the picture. All writing should be in your own words. You should not copy directly from the book or other sources without using quotation marks and citations. Failure to follow the citation expectations will result in a reduced grade and a required rewrite.
  1. The book mentions the territory where the children met. Look in your textbook on page 711 and note the location of this territory. Using the maps on pages 703-705, note the climate and elevation of this area. Using the information in your textbook and Walkabout, write a paragraph about the natural environment of this region.
  2. The book describes many plants and animals unique to Australia. Look up the definition of endemic species. Select one of the species described in Walkabout. Using descriptions from Walkabout and information you have gathered from other sources, write a paragraph about this species. Include a photograph of the species (at least 5 inches by 7 inches, if possible) in your final project. Suggestion: conduct a Google search of your species and select Images.
  3. Read the information about Aborigines in your textbook on page 715-716. Using information from at least two of the following—the textbook, Walkabout, or other sources-- write a paragraph about the Aborigines. Include details on how their lifestyle and how it has changed as they have had more contact with European settlers.
  4. We tend to think of the Outback as a place where everyone eats thick steaks and blooming onions. Walkabout presents a different picture. Write a paragraph describing how the Aborigine boy helped Mary and Peter survive during their time in the Outback. Use as many specific details from the book as possible.

This assignment will count as a test grade during the first trimester.

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