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 § The purpose of the first essential element of geography is to study the relationships between people, places, and environments by mapping information about them into a spatial context.

#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 and Regions § The purpose of the second essential element of geography is to show identities and lives of individuals and peoples are rooted in particular places and in those human constructs called regions

#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 purpose of the third essential element of geography is to identify how physical processes shape the Earth’s surface and how they interact with plant and animal life to create, sustain, and modify ecosystems.

#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 purpose of the fourth essential element of geography is to show people are central to geography in that human activities help shape the Earth’s surface, human settlements and structures.

#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 and Society § The purpose of the fifth essential element of geography is to show the physical environment is modified by human activities, largely as a consequence of the ways in which human societies value and use Earth’s natural resources.

#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. The Uses of Geography § The purpose of the sixth essential element of geography is to show the knowledge of geography enables people to develop an understanding of the relationships between people, places, and environments over time -- that is, of Earth as it was, is, and might be.

#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.