Agenda Organize materials Preview Content Instruction-Six Essential Elements of Geography Process (Paired Activity)

Preview How would you rate your knowledge of geography? What are the top three things you want to learn about geography before you finish this course?

The Six Essential Elements of Geography Studying and making sense of the world around us.

What is GEOGRAPHY? The study of the earth and its features and of the distribution of life on the earth, including human life and the effects of human activity.

Why study it? Understand yourself and others better Spatial thinking Citizenship 21 st Century Skill Globalization History will make more sense The Olympics are more fun to watch You might be on Jeopardy Travel becomes easier Michael Jordan majored in Geography! You’ll always be able to find your way out of a paper bag. Lost? NEVER!

Don’t be one of these people?

How do geographers look at the world? Spatial Terms Places and Regions Physical Systems Human Systems Environment and Society The Uses of Geography

1. Spatial Terms Where is it located? Where can it be found on a map? How do I make sense of it in my own mind? (mental maps) LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

2. Places and Regions What is special about this place? What makes it different from other places? How is this place like others near or around it?

3.Physical Systems What physical processes define the area? What ecosystems define the area? What is the weather/climate like? This is a “sciency” branch of geography— Yes, I made that word up the correct term is scientific.

4. Human Systems How might people, goods, and ideas travel into and out of this place? Where do people live? How does language and other cultural characteristics vary around the world? How are economies interconnected? Who has the power? Most of our focus in this course will be here.

5. Environment and Society How do human impact the environment, and vice versa? How do resources affect our understanding of geography? This too is a scientific branch of geography.

6. The Uses of Geography How can we use geography to understand the past and present? How can geography help us plan for the future?

Review: Turn to a partner and discuss. What is geography in your own words? Why Study Geography? What are the 6 Essential Elements? How does breaking geography into elements help organize the study of the field? Which Element is the most intriguing to you? Why?

Photo Analysis Activity Directions: For each photograph in the following series, 1) select the element you think the photo best represents and 2) explain your reasoning for your selection. PhotoWhich element does it best represent? Why? (Justify your selection.) A B C D E F G H