The Six Essential Elements of Geography

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.The World In Spatial Terms 2.Places & Regions 3.Physical Systems 4.Human Systems 5.Environment & Society 6.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 modify the physical 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.________________