Frameworks of Geography: What and Why of Geography The North Carolina Geographic Alliance PowerPoint Slide Presentations 2007

Geography - The study of: WHERE places are located, WHY places are located where they are, HOW those places affect the lives of people, and HOW people interact with their environment. What Is Geography?

"Geography is the science of spatial relationships of humans and their environment. Geography encompasses the physical and human world by examining what is where, why it is there, and what we can make of it." Daryl Byklum, Journal of Geography Vol. 103, No. 5 p. 221

 Geography deals with the natural and the human world.  Geography is both a physical science and a social science.  Geographers seek relationships between people and the environment. What Is Geography?

 Geography often takes a regional approach with an emphasis on cultures and place  NC Standard Course of Study takes a regional approach in grades 4 – 7  Geography is locational. It asks "Where?" "Why there?" and "So what?" What Is Geography?

 Geography is spatial  "Geography helps us identify patterns, distributions, diffusions, circulations, and interactions... the ways in which the physical and human worlds are laid out, interconnect, and interact." Harm diBlij, Why Geography Matters. p.8 What Is Geography?

The study of the characteristics that make one place different from another place. What Is Geography? It’s Geography if you can map it! (Speaking of maps...)

Why Geography?

The Power of Geography Economic Reason

The Power of Geography As America’s economic well-being is increasingly dependent upon the ability to compete successfully in a global marketplace, a geographically literate work force is more critical than ever. Economic Reason

The Power of Geography Environmental Reason

The Power of Geography As our nation and the world face increasing environmental pressures, a perspective in geography offers a Critically needed understanding of the relationships between human activity and the condition of the planet. Environmental Reason

The Power of Geography Geo-Political Reason

The Power of Geography As our world becomes ever more interconnected, a practical knowledge of geography becomes more critical. Citizens need to understand people and cultures in order to make informed decisions about our role in world affairs. Geo-Political Reason

The Power of Geography Aesthetic Reason

The Power of Geography Geography is visual. It captures the imagination and stimulates curiosity about the world; its diverse inhabitants and places, as well as about local and regional diversity. Often the classroom is a student’s first “window on the world.” Aesthetic Reason