The Six Essential Elements of Geography Chapter 1

The Six Essential Elements of Geography Chapter 1, Section 1 Pages 2 -8

What is Geography? § The study of the physical, biological & cultural features of the Earth’s surface.

What is perspective? § The way a person looks at something. § Geographers use spatial perspective. Spatial perspective looks for patterns in where things are located on the Earth & how they are arranged and then geographers try to explain these patterns.

The Two Branches of Geography § Human Geography looks at the distribution & characteristics of the world’s people. § Physical Geography focuses on Earth’s natural environments, which includes landforms, atmosphere, animals, plants, soils, & the processes that affect them.

Subfields of Geography § Cartography – map makers § Meteorology – weather forecasters

How do we study Geography? § We organize information by regions, or areas that share one or more features that make it different from the surrounding areas. § Ex. Cities, states, countries, continents, etc. § Regions are defined by their human & physical characteristics.

The 6 Essential Elements 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The World In Spatial Terms Places & Regions Physical Systems Human Systems Environment & Society Uses of Geography

#1 The World in Spatial § Terms How to acquire, read, & process information from maps to report information. § Examples?

#1 World in Spatial Terms § How to use mental maps to organize information about people, places, and environments. § What are mental maps?

#1 World in Spatial Terms § How to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on Earth's surface.

#2 Places & Regions § Looks at the physical & human characteristics of places.

#2 Places & Regions § How people create regions to understand the Earth’s complexity.

#2 Places & Regions § How culture and experience influence people's perception of places and regions. BIBLE BELT

#3 Physical Systems § The physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth's surface.

#3 Physical Systems § The characteristics and spatial distribution of ecosystems on Earth's surface.

#4 Human Systems § The characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earth's surface. § Why do people live where they do?

#4 Human Systems § The characteristics, distributions, and complexity of Earth's cultural. § Looks at language, religion, music, dance, etc. § Where are these cultures located? § How do they help make up the Earth’s culture?

#4 Human Systems § The patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth's surface.

#4 Human Systems § How forces of cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of Earth's surface.

#5 Environment & Society § How human actions the physical modify environment.

#5 Environment & Society § How physical systems affect human systems.

#5 Environment & Society § The changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources.

#6 Uses of Geography § How to apply geography to interpret the past. § “You can’t understand history without understanding geography. ” § To apply geography to interpret the present and plan for the future.

#6 Uses of Geography § What are some uses of Geography? 1. _______ ___ 2. ________ _ 3. ________ _ § What are some professions that incorporate Geography? 1. _______ ___ 2. ________ _ 3. ________ _