The Five Themes of Geography A Framework for Studying the World

Theme 1: Location Where is It? Why is It There? Two Types of Location Absolute Relative

Absolute Location WHAT IS IT? A specific place on the Earth’s surface Latitude and longitude A global address

EXAMPLE: Rhode Island Absolute Location 41° N Latitude 71° W longitude

Relative Location: WHAT IS IT? Where a place is in relation to another place, such as borders Uses directional words to describe a location.

EXAMPLE: Relative Location RHODE ISLAND: Rhode Island is bordered by Massachusetts to the north and east, Connecticut to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

Theme 2: Place Physical Characteristics WHAT IS IT? Land Features Mountains, plains, and plateaus Climate Bodies of Water

EXAMPLE: Rhode Island: Physical Characteristics Rhode Island's climate is usually mild, but in summer and winter, weathers can get extremely high or low. Narragansett Bay Jerimoth Hill: 812 ft Foster, RI

Theme 2: Place Human Characteristics WHAT IS IT? People Culture Language Religion Buildings and Landmarks Cities

EXAMPLE: Rhode Island : Human Characteristics Providence, RI Capitol Building Rhode Island slang wicked: used to describe something that is super awesome, very cool, or clever. Coffee Milk: one of Rhode Island’s favorite family beverages. Newport Bridge and Rose Island Lighthouse

Theme 3: Human Environment Interaction WHAT IS IT? **How People Interact With Their Environment People... Adapt to their environment Modify or change their environment Depend on their environment

EXAMPLE: Rhode Island Human Environment Interaction Adapt to Rhode Island, by utilizing the oceans for jobs Modify by building bridges to make travel easier

Theme 4: Movement WHAT IS IT? The Mobility of People Goods-Products Ideas How Places are linked to one another and the world

EXAMPLE: Rhode Island Movement

Theme 5: Regions What Places Have in Common Political Regions Landform Regions Agricultural Regions Cultural Regions

EXAMPLE: Rhode Island Regions