The 5 Themes of Geography

DEFINITION OF GEOGRAPHY ge· og· ra· phy 1 : a science that deals with the description, distribution, and interaction of the diverse physical, biological, and cultural features of the earth's surface

Geography is the study of the earth and everything on it. IN PLAIN ENGLISH Geography is the study of the earth and everything on it.

Human-Environment Interaction 5 THEMES OF GEOGRAPHY PLACE Human-Environment Interaction MOVEMENT REGION LOCATION

WHERE DID THE 5 THEMES COME FROM? The 5 Themes of Geography originated by the National Geographic Society to fulfill a need for geographers (people who study the earth and everything on it) categorize everything they learn. These 5 places are easy to remember. Just say the word “PRILM”.

What is it like there, what kind of place is it? Human Characteristics What are the main languages, customs, and beliefs. How many people live, work, and visit a place. Physical Characteristics Landforms (mountains, rivers, etc.), climate, vegetation, wildlife, soil, etc.

REGIONS How are Regions similar to and different from other places? Formal Regions Regions defined by governmental or administrative boundaries (Cities, States, Countries) Regions defined by similar characteristics (Corn Belt, Rocky Mountain region, Chinatown). Functional Regions Regions defined by a function (zip codes, newspaper service area, cell phone coverage area). Vernacular Regions Regions defined by peoples perception (middle east, the south, etc.)

HUMAN-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION How do humans and the environment affect each other? We depend on it. People depend on the Mississippi River for water and transportation. We modify it. People modify our environment by building structures for shelter, growing crops for food, etc. We adapt to it. We adapt to the environment by wearing clothing suitable for summer (shorts) and winter (coats), rain and shine.

LOCATION Where are we? Absolute Location Relative Location A latitude and longitude (global location) or a street address (local location). Paris France is 48o North Latitude and 2o East Longitude. The White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Relative Location Described by landmarks, time, direction or distance. From one place to another. Go 1 mile west on main street and turn left for 1 block. You are Here

Every point on earth corresponds to a number showing latitude, plus a number showing longitude.

MOVEMENT How are people, goods, ideas moved from place to place? Human Movement Trucks, Trains, Planes Information Movement Phones, computer (email), mail Idea Movement How do fads move from place to place? TV, Radio, Magazines

This map shows language regions. Examine the map This map shows language regions. Examine the map. Tell one thing you notice or are surprised by.

What is this map showing? Make a comment about one aspect of this map that is interesting or surprising to you.

Question 1 Which of the following is NOT a geography theme? B. human-environmental interaction D. people A. movement C. region

Question 2 Which of the following is an example of Human-Environmental Interaction? A. getting the mail C. playing Gameboy B. watching TV D. Rainforest Clearing

Question 3 Which of the following helped create the 5 Themes of Geography? A. Geographica Institute C. National Council for Social Studies B. National Geographic Society D. Social Studies Teachers of America

Question 4 Which of the following is an example of place? A. Deep South C. Dodge County Middle School B. McDonalds D. Skating rink

Question 5 Which of the following is NOT an example of Location? B. Dodge County Middle School 1103 Herman Ave Eastman, GA 31023 D. the hills A. Springfield, Missouri C. Georgia

Question 6 Which of the following is an example of region? A. Georgia C. United States B. South America D. The Midwest

Question 7 What is the name of a person who studies the earth and everything on it? A. Photographer C. Geographer B. Cartographer D. Mapographer

Key 1) D 2) D 3) B 4) A 5) B 6) D 7) C

Your Assignment Options Describe you and your family using the 5 Themes of Geography. Create a map of your home. Make sure you use every theme.