Lesson 1 - Studying Geography
This term is defined as the study of the world, its people and the landscapes they create
Geography
These are the two MAIN branches of geography.
Human and Physical
List the 5 themes of geography. (do not use abbreviations)
Location, Place, Region, Movement, Human/Environment Interaction
All flat maps contain some level of distortion, but they do offer advantages over globes. Provide one advantage of a flat map.
They are easier to work with and often show much greater detail.
What is the zero degree line of latitude? What is the zero degree line of longitude?
Latitude - Equator
Longitude - Prime Meridian
Explain why geography is a science.
Because geographers gather information, make observations, analyze data and draw conclusions from that information.
Provide a physical feature that a geographer may study.
The climate, a river, a mountain, types of trees, an ocean etc.
What are the two types of location? Provide an example for each.
Absolute - an address or 40 N, 70 W
Relative - next to, around the corner from
This helps provide the exact location of a given object on the planet by gathering information from 24 satellites orbiting the earth.
GPS - Global Positioning System
What term is used to describe a line of latitude? A line of longitude?
Latitude - a parallel
Longitude - a meridian
Because geography studies humans and how they live, it is considered this type of academic field. (two words)
a Social Science
Provide a human feature that a geographer might study (think beyond a road, a house, a building etc)
Languages, urban areas, governments, religions, cultural beliefs etc.
What two types of characteristics are used to describe the theme of PLACE?
An area's combination of Human and Physical characteristics.
GPS is able to pinpoint location by using this process, which relies on knowing the exact distances from specific points. (HINT - It starts with T)
Trilateration
List three common types of map projection.
Cylindrical, Conic, and Flat-plane projections
Term defined as a part of the world that has one or more common features that distinguish it from surrounding areas.
Region
Another field of geography is the science of making maps. What is the name for this?
Cartography
This theme refers to how goods, people, and ideas are transferred around the globe.
Movement
This is a geographic tool that combines and provides geographic information from many different sources
GIS - A geographic information system.
What four features are seen on most map projections?
A title, a compass rose, a scale, and a legend (key)
Geographers study the world on local, regional, and global levels. Develop a geographic question that a global geographer would seek to find an answer to?
Many examples ie - How does a drought in Africa, impact Southeast Asian countries?, What imports does Europe receive from the U.S.?, How does conflict in the Middle East impact Europe?
1) This field of geography is the study of water on earth, 2) this field of geography is the study of weather and what causes it.
1) Hydrology 2) Meteorology
Provide an example of a region. Why can it be considered a region?
Regions share something in common....this could be climate, culture, rooting interests, governments, physical geography/landforms etc.
A spherical, or ball-shaped, model of the entire planet
Globe
What type of map shows country borders, major cities, and national capitals?
A political map