1-1 Studying geography

What is Geography? Geography – study of the world, people, and landscape

Landscape – all the human and physical features of a certain area

Geography as a Science? Geographers are always asking question as to how the world works. Why are mountains here? What causes tornadoes?

Geography as a Science? Gathering data Studying data

Geography as a Social Science Social science – field that studies people and their relationships

Geography as a Social Science Study people Governments Languages

Looking at the World Geographers look at places at 3 levels: 1. Local Level How do people in a town live? Decide where to build schools, malls, arenas

Physical features – mountains 2. Regional Level Part of the world that has common features that distinguishes it from other areas Physical features – mountains Human characteristics – language or religion

Regions Small – China town in San Francisco Large – Americas (North and South America) Dividing into regions makes it easier to study

Relationships between people who live far apart 3. Global Level How people interact around the globe Relationships between people who live far apart Imports and exports

Maps and Globes Map – flat drawing of surface Distorted Easier with small areas Globe – spherical model of planet Shows Earth as it is

Satellite Images Collect information that we cannot see from Earth Help to draw accurate maps

Other Tools Computer programs Measuring devises Notebooks