MAP SKILLS
What does a map scale tell you?
How distance on the map relates to distance on Earth
Which theme answers “Where is it?”
Location
Name one landform that can affect travel.
Mountains, rivers, deserts, etc
Give one example of a cultural tradition in the U.S.
Thanksgiving, 4th of July,etc.
Which ocean is east of the United States?
Atlantic Ocean
If you’re at 45°N, 90°W, which two hemispheres are you in?
Northern & Western Hemispheres
Give one example of how people modify their environment.
Building dams, roads, cutting down trees, etc
Which climate zone usually has hot temperatures and lots of rainfall?
Tropical
Why is language important to culture?
Helps people communicate and share ideas
What is the purpose of latitude and longitude lines?
To find absolute location
Which map feature explains what symbols and colors mean?
Map key/legend
A group of countries in South America that speak Spanish is an example of which theme?
Region
What’s the difference between a mountain and a plateau?
Mountain = tall, pointed elevation; Plateau = flat-topped elevated area
What’s an example of how food can show culture?
Tacos = Mexican culture, Sushi = Japanese culture, etc
Give one example of human-environment interaction you saw in your community.
Roads, farming, construction, air conditioning, etc.
If a city is located northeast of Austin, is that relative or absolute location?
Relative location
Goods made in China being sold in the U.S. is an example of which theme?
Movement
Why might people choose to live near rivers?
Water supply, farming, trade, transportation
What’s the difference between culture and an ethnic group?
Culture = shared way of life, customs, traditions; Ethnic group = people with common ancestry/heritage
Why do geographers study maps and cultures together?
To understand how people interact with their environment and each other around the world
A map shows Dallas at 32°N, 97°W and Houston at 30°N, 95°W. Which city is farther south, and which is farther east?
Houston is farther south and farther east
Choose a country (any). Explain how all 5 Themes of Geography apply to it. (1 example per theme).
Mexico: Location = South of U.S., Place = deserts & tacos, HEI = farming with irrigation, Movement = exports oil, Region = Latin America
Compare how people might live differently in a desert region vs. a polar region. (Give at least 2 differences.)
Desert = light clothing, farming needs irrigation, houses designed to stay cool; Polar = heavy clothing, heated houses, rely on hunting/fishing instead of farming, etc.
Imagine you moved to another country. What 3 cultural changes would you expect to experience (ex: food, language, traditions)?
eating new foods, learning a new language, celebrating different holidays
You are a geographer planning a trip to study another country. List 3 tools you would bring and explain how each helps you.
Map = location, GPS = navigation, Camera = record landforms, Notebook = record culture, etc