The Five Themes of Geography

Basic “Tools” we use for studying geography. These are called THE FIVE THEMES OF GEOGRAPHY MR. LIP (Acronym)

MR. LIP M- Movement: How do people, goods, and ideas move from one location to another? R.- Region: How are places similar or different? L- Location: Where is it? I- Interaction: How do people impact the physical world? P- Place: What is it like?

IV.Movement: How has the place been affected by the movement of people, goods, and ideas? Transportation Communication Trade

V.Regions: How are the characteristics of a place similar to and/or different from other places? Q: What is a region? A: A group of places with similar characteristics. Examples??

I.Location: Where is the location of this place? Two ways we can tell what the location of a place is… 1.Absolute location: The EXACT place- latitude & longitude 2.Relative location: Compare it to the things around it

Examples Absolute location: Kansas City is located at approximately 39 degrees North, 98 degrees West. Relative location: ?

Examples Let’s pretend Johnson County streets are “latitude” and “longitude” Shawnee Mission West High School: Quik Trip: Price Chopper:

III.Human-Environment Interaction: How have people changed or interacted with the environment? Changes can be deliberate or unplanned, favorable or destructive.

The Hoover Dam (border between NV and AZ)

Three Gorges Dam in China

II.Place: Can be both physical or cultural characteristics. III.Physical Characteristics 1.Landforms & processes that shape the landscape 2.Climate 3.Soils 4.Natural Vegetation 5.Animal Life 6.Bodies of Water

Kansas

B.Cultural/Human Characteristics 1.Religion/Food/Dress 2.Languages 3.Population factors 4.Settlement patterns 5.Economic Activities

Kansas

Example: Different languages of India

Acronym that will help you remember the Five Themes of Geography… M R. L I P