What is Geography? A Basic Geography Lesson Francisci WG.1

What is Geography? Why study Geography? Geography is the study of Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. Geography is an education for life and for living. Learning geography helps us all to be more socially and environmentally sensitive, informed and responsible citizens and employees.

Geography inform us about… The places and communities in which we live. The pressures our natural environments face. The interconnectedness of the world. How the world is changing globally and locally. The choices that exist in managing our future world.

Geography Basics A continent is one of several very large landmasses on Earth. The Seven Continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America.

Geography Basics An ocean is a body of water that composes much of a planet’s hydrosphere. 5 Oceans of the Earth: Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Southern oceans.

Geography Basics Latitude: Location north or south of the Equator, measured by imaginary lines called parallels numbered in degrees north or south. Important lines of Latitude: Arctic Circle, Tropic of Cancer, Equator, Tropic of Capricorn, Antarctic Circle

Geography Basics Longitude: Location east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured by imaginary lines called meridians numbered in degrees east or west. Prime Meridian: Zero degrees longitude.

Geography Basics Hemisphere: a half of the earth, usually as divided into northern and southern halves by the equator, or into western and eastern halves by an imaginary line passing through the poles. Hemispheres of Earth: Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western.