The 5 Themes of Geography Theme: a recurrent idea or topic of discussion 1. Location 2. Place 3. Human-Environment Interaction 4. Movement 5. Region

Location A) Absolute Location (unchanging) Uses lines of longitude And lines of latitude Example: 34°N, 113°E

Latitude and Longitude Lines Lines that run East & West and measure North & South of the Equator Lines that run North & South and measure East & West of the Prime Meridian

Location B) Relative Location: Describes a place in terms of its relation to other places and things around it. Any location that does not involve latitude/longitude coordinates Example: Your home Address

Place Physical Characteristics Describing the appearance and features of a place, including landforms, weather, plants & animal life. Examples:

Place B) Human Characteristics Describes the people that live in the area and what they have done with or to their environment. Examples: government, religion, land use architecture, communication, languages

Human-Environment Interaction The positive & negative affects of people interacting with the environment. Examples: building dams to store water, cutting down trees, driving cars, fishing, hunting, hobbies determined by climate.

Movement People have a similar culture because people, goods & ideas migrate or move between various places. Examples: Imported goods, missionaries spreading religion, transportation, music, traveling places, food

Region An area is defined by certain unifying characteristics (physical, cultural or human) Examples: The Bay area, San Joaquin Valley, The West side, Your neighborhood, The South