1. Introduction to Geography

2. Geography – The study of where people, places and things are located and how they relate to each other.

3. Five Themes of Geography
Location
Place
Interaction between people/environment
Movement
Region

4. Location
The position on the Earth’s surface in relation to another place.
Absolute Location – Exact spot on earth using latitude and longitude lines.
Relative Location – Position of a place in relation to another location.

5. Latitude – Measures distances north and south of the equator.
Longitude – Measures distances east and west of Prime Meridian, (Greenwich, England)

6. Place
Incorporates physical and cultural characteristics. Describes “what it is like there”.
Ex. Vail, Colorado is surrounded by snow covered mountains.
Ex. Northern Minnesota has an abundance of fresh water lakes and pine trees.

7. Interaction between people and the environment
How people adapt to the environment in places in which they live.
Ex. People who live around the Nile River in Egypt have built irrigation ditches in order to farm.
Ex. People who move to Minnesota from Texas need to learn how to adapt to our winters.

8. Movement
The movement of people, goods and ideas.
The theme of movement helps us understand how we are connected with other regions, cultures etc….

9. Region Region can be defined by physical, cultural or
political characteristics.
Ex. Minnesota and Iowa are
part of the Midwest Region.
Ex. Saudi Arabia is located in
the region of the Middle East.