The Five Themes of Geography A Framework for Studying the World

Location Place Region Movement 1 2 3 4 5 Human – Environment Interactions

Theme 1: Location Where is it? Why is it there? Two Types of Location Absolute Relative Where is it? Why is it there? A specific place on the Earth’s surface (A global address) Uses a grid system Latitude and longitude Cary, NC 35.79°N 78.79°W Where a place is in relation to another place Uses directional words to describe

Theme 2: Place Physical Characteristics Human Characteristics Climate Land Features Bodies of Water Types of Vegetation and animal life Mountains, Plains, and Plateaus Human Characteristics People Culture and Traditions Language Religion Buildings and Landmarks Communities

Theme 3: Regions Region divides the world into manageable units for geographic study. Regions have some sort of characteristic that unifies the area. What Places Have in Common Political Regions Landform Regions Agricultural Regions Cultural Regions

North Carolina: Regions

Theme 4: Movement People interact with each other through movement Movement of Ideas Movement of people Movement of Goods

Theme 5: Human Environment Interaction Describes how humans: Adapt to their environment Modify their environment Depend on their environment

Student Presentations Work in groups of 2 - 3 Use National Geographic Magazines to select photos that represents each of the five themes of geography (5 pictures total). Cut out photos and glue them to colored construction paper. Label each picture with the theme it represents. Each group will present their photos to the class and explain how each shows the theme chosen.