1. Let’s Talk Georgia Geography

2. Topics of Discussion
Section 1: What is Geography?

3. What is Geography?
Science of studying Earth as the home of humans.

4. Why do we study Geography?
Geography helps us understand why Georgia’s native peoples and later settlers chose certain parts of the state for their home.

5. Understanding Georgia: Uses of Geography
Uses of Geography: Interpret Georgia’s past, understand its present, plan for its future (For Example)
England believed that Georgia could produce silk
The Blue Ridge mountains affected early settlement of Georgia
Location from one settlement to another affects how each settlement develops
Georgia’s location relative to other states affects Georgia’s growth and economic development

6. Understanding Georgia: Spatial Geography
Spatial: How Georgians organize their space and environment:
How many counties does Georgia have?
159
What are Georgia’s 5 bordering states?
FL, AL, SC, NC, TN

7. Understanding Georgia: Places and Regions
Places and Regions: People create regions to understand Earth’s complexities
Georgia has five physiographic regions
18 islands
58, 910 square miles
854 square inland water miles

8. Understanding Georgia through Geography
Physical Systems: Physical processes that shape the earth’s surface
Coastal islands (southeast Georgia)
Appalachian Mountains (north Georgia)
Fall Line divides east and west Georgia

9. Understanding Georgia: Human Systems
Human Systems: Where Georgians migrated and settled
Atlanta (Fulton County) is the capital
Twiggs County (geographic center)
Port of Savannah (first major settlement)
Brasstown Bald (highest geographic point)

10. Understanding Georgia: Environment and Society
Environment and Society: Actions of humans modify the environment
Suburban sprawl in metropolitan Atlanta
Interstates and highways
Urban population centers
Rural farmlands and agricultural regions

11. Location!
Let’s review the following terms on your handout before we move on:
-- absolute location
-- relative location

12. Understanding Location
Absolute location: A precise position on Earth’s surface
Georgia is located at 30°– 35°N latitude, 80°– 85° W longitude
Georgia borders Florida (south), Alabama (west), Tennessee and North Carolina (north), and South Carolina (east).

13. Understanding Location
Relative Location: Where Georgia is located compared with other places
North America
Southeastern United States
Atlantic coast

14. Google Earth Activity
Fill in the blanks to complete the paragraph about where Georgia is located.
We will use Google Earth to help us.

15. Reading Maps Activity
You and a partner will read the handout about maps & Georgia’s climate and answer the questions together on your notes page.

16. Check Your Understanding