Indiana Social Studies GHW.10.3
The Standard
Analyze the human and physical geographic forces that either bind and unite (centripetal forces) or divide (centrifugal forces) a country or countries. Predict the impact of these forces on the future of these countries, and analyze possible strategies that could be implemented to overcome the impact of centrifugal forces.
2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify how geography, transport, language, and public services can connect or separate people in a country. They use evidence to predict what might change and suggest a way to reduce a divide.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can explain how water between Indonesia’s islands makes travel harder, while ferries and a shared language connect people. They can predict who might be affected by fewer ferry crossings and suggest a practical response.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may assume seas only divide people, even when ferries carry people and goods between islands. They may think a shared language means every island has equal access to services. Some predict a country will split without explaining why.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Indonesia’s islands are separated by water, but many people speak Indonesian. Name one dividing force and one uniting force, predict an effect of fewer ferry crossings, and suggest a response.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs an Indonesia map, string, and ferry-route cards; have them connect Java to Sumatra and mark where water slows travel.
Ask students to write: How can a shared language connect Indonesian islands while uneven ferry service leaves some communities isolated?
Play a card sort using island gaps, ferry links, shared language, and uneven services; teams defend which forces unite or divide.
Show a Merak to Bakauheni ferry schedule; have students propose one service change and explain who would benefit.
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