1. Introduction to World Geography
Periods 1, 2, 3, and 4
Ms. Maitland

2. What’s wrong with this picture?

3. Analyze (or describe) this picture

4. 5 Themes of Geography Location Place Regions Movement
Describes where something is
Place
Describes physical and human characteristics that make the place unique
Regions
Areas that share common characteristics
Movement
Explains how and why people and things move and are connected
Human-Environment Interaction
Describes relationship between people and their environment

5. 6 Essential elements of Geography
The World in Spatial Terms
Places and Regions
Physical Systems
Human Systems
Environment and Society
The Uses of Geography

6. The World in Spatial Terms
Spatial relationships: links people and places have towards one another based on location
Absolute location is the exact spot a place is found on earth
Longitude: degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian
Latitude: degrees north or south of the Equator
Relative location is when you locate a place in relation to another

7. Places and Regions Every place on Earth has unique characteristics
Places on Earth are grouped into regions to better understand the complexity of Earth
The defining characteristics of a region can be:
Physical; climate, landforms, soils, vegetation, animal life
Human; language, religion, political systems, economics, population

8. Physical Systems and Human Systems
Two branches of Geography:
Physical: focuses on earth’s physical features
Human (or cultural): focuses on human activities and their relationship to the cultural and physical environments
Geographers also study how natural phenomena affect Earth’s physical features and also how those physical features interact with plants and animals to influence ecosystems
Another topic of interest: The migration and settlement patterns of people

9. Environment and Society
Geographers examine ways people use their environment, how and why they change it, and the consequences of such changes
Mountains
Dams
Geographers help people make better decisions about how to interact with their environment

10. Uses of Geography

11. Research Methods Direct Observation Mapping Interviewing
Analyzing Statistics
Using Technology
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

12. Geography and Other Subjects
Past Environments and Politics
Society and Culture
Economies