World Studies WHAT IS GEOGRAPHY?

DEFINITION OF GEOGRAPHY Simple definition : The study of the Earth and it’s people. Best definition: The scientific study of the location of people and activities across the Earth, and the reasons for their distribution.

IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING GEOGRAPHY Helps us better understand our world, its people, and cultures. Helps us study and understand history. Helps us on a daily basis.

Studies the interaction between people and the natural features of the Earth. Studies the physical/ natural features of the Earth. TWO MAIN BRANCHES OF GEOGRAPHY PhysicalHuman

Used to help us understand the links between people and the Earth. M ovement R egion L ocation I nteraction P lace Remember MR. LIP! 5 THEMES OF GEOGRAPHY

Examines the movement of people, goods, and ideas. Movements often occur together. MOVEMENT

An area with similar and unifying characteristics. Similarities may be physical, cultural, political, or economic REGION

The position of a place on the Earth’s surface. Can be: relative (Harlan is in Chicago) or absolute (Harlan is located at 9652 S. Michigan Ave.) LOCATION

Studies the relationship between people and their environment. INTERACTION

The physical and human characteristics of a location. PLACE

TO SUM IT UP…. The 5 Themes of Geography help geographers analyze and describe different places on the Earth’s surface.