5 Themes of Geography

Today’s Target I can… Define and explain the 5 Themes of Geography. Apply the 5 Themes to describe a city, country, cultural group, etc.

1. Location Relative location: location is compared to something else Absolute location: location is compared to something else Ex: “My house is south of the store.” exact coordinates of a location Ex: Address, latitude & longitude coordinates

2. Place Human Characteristics: Physical Characteristics: Pertaining to the people in an area (culture, religion, ethnicity, education, etc.) Pertaining to the physical features in an area (mountains, rivers, farmland, etc.)

3. Human-Environment Interaction Adapt: Modify: Depend: People changing themselves based on their environment People changing their environment to better suit their needs People relying on their environment to provide physical, monetary, or cultural support

4. Movement People: Goods: Ideas: Relocation of people within a location, or from one location to another Sending items from one location to another (often due to trade) Sharing of opinions, philosophies, or believes between and within cultures

5. Region Formal: Functional: Vernacular: Location with a specific start and stop point (boundaries) Location formed around a transportation hub or center Location defined by a shared culture or identity