Chapter 1-Understanding Social Studies Lesson 2-Tools of Geography

What is Geography? Geography-is the study of the Earth, it natural features, its people, and the ways they interact. Parts of Geography:  Landforms  Water systems  Climates  Natural resources  Human beings

Places and Experiences: Landforms- natural features of the land that make it unique.  Beach  Mountain range Climate- general weather pattern of a place over time.  Beach = breezy, sunny, humid  Mountain range = hot, dry What is Geography?

Places and Experiences: Urban- living or working in the city. Rural- Living or working in the country. Potential- likely, possible. What is Geography?

Five Themes of Geography: Location describes the position of a place on Earth.  Absolute Location- the physical location of a place.  Pearland, TX 29°33′16″N 95°17′45″W  Relative Location- the location of a place in relationship to other places or features.  Pearland Jr. High East is located on Old Alvin Rd. next to St. Helen Catholic Church. What is Geography?

Five Themes of Geography: Place is a geographic location, such as city or a town and its physical or human characteristics. (natural landmark, buildings, and roads) Regions are areas that share common characteristics (Gulf Coast Plains- flat land, tall grass, 50” rain per year, hot and humid) What is Geography?

Five Themes of Geography: Movement refers to the study of how and why people, and things move. Human Environment Interaction is how the natural environment has affected humans and how people adapt and use their surroundings. What is Geography?

Using Globes and Maps A globe is a round model of the Earth that shows its shape, lands, and directions as they truly relate to one another.

Using Globes and Maps The Prime Meridian divides the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Everything east of the Prime Meridian for 180 degrees is in the Eastern Hemisphere. Everything west of the Prime Meridian for 180 degrees is in the Western Hemisphere.

Using Globes and Maps The Equator divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Everything north of the Equator is in the Northern Hemisphere. Everything south of the Equator is in the Southern Hemisphere.

Using Globes and Maps Latitude: Lines of latitude are imaginary circles that run east to west around the globe. Known as parallels. These parallels divide the globe into units called degrees. The Equator circles the middle of the Earth like a belt. It is located halfway between the North and South Poles. The Equator is 0° latitude. The letter N or S that follows the degree symbol tells you if the location is north or south of the Equator. The North Pole is 90°N (north) latitude. The South Pole is at 90°S (south) latitude.

Using Globes and Maps Longitude: Lines of longitude run from the North Pole to the South Pole. Known as meridians. The Prime Meridian is 0° longitude. It runs through Greenwich, England. It is also called the Meridian of Greenwich. The letter E or W that follows the degree symbol tells you if the location is east or west of the Prime Meridian. On the opposite side of the Earth is the 180° meridian, also known as the International Date Line.

Using Globes and Maps Using Maps: Map is a flat drawing of all or part of the Earth’s surface. Cartographers, or mapmakers, use mathematical formulas to transfer information from the round globe to a flat map. When the Earth’s surface is flattened on a map, big gaps open up. Mapmakers stretch parts of the Earth to show either the correct shapes of places or their correct sizes.

Using Globes and Maps Globes and Maps: Globes and maps serve different purposes, and each has advantages and disadvantages.

Using Globes and Maps Types of Maps: Physical Map- shows the physical features of an area.

Using Globes and Maps Types of Maps: Political Map- shows the names and boundaries of political entities, along with cities, counties, etc. Entity- something that exists as its own unit; anything that is real.

Using Globes and Maps Types of Maps: Thematic Map- shows specific topic in detail. Examples include: climate, vegetation, natural resources, population density, historical expansions.

Using Globes and Maps Types of Maps: Age Distribution- the structure of a population according to age. Growth Rate- speed at which a population grows.