1. Six Essential Elements
Managing Geography
Six Essential Elements
9Geog/Olson/2009

2. How do we study geography?
We organize geography into
Six Essential Elements
9Geog/Olson/2009

3. Essential Element #1 The World in Spatial Terms
Focuses on geography’s spatial perspective (where things are)
Uses maps to study people, places and environments
9Geog/Olson/2009

4. Essential Element #2: Places and Regions
Focuses on what makes a place different or similar to another place
Considers physical features and human features
9Geog/Olson/2009

5. Essential Element #3: Physical Systems
Focuses on natural features and systems of the Earth which include elements such as: climate, landforms, water, animals, and plants
9Geog/Olson/2009

6. Essential Element #4: Human Systems
Focuses on human features and systems which include population, migration, culture, governments, economies, and movement (which includes communication and transportation)
9Geog/Olson/2009

7. Essential Element #5: Environment and Society
Focuses on the relationship between people and their environment
How do they effect and each other?
9Geog/Olson/2009

8. Essential Element #6: Uses of Geography
Interpret the past
Understand the present
Plan for the future
9Geog/Olson/2009