1. United States History Introduction How does geography influence the way that we live? (2 paragraph minimum.)

2. What is Geography? Geography is the study of the Earth and its people. A geographer tries to understand a place—not just where it is, but what it is like, what takes place there, and how the people there live. 5 Themes of Geography - Location describes where something is. Absolute location describes a place's exact position on the Earth's surface. Relative location expresses where a place is compared to another place. Place explores the physical and human features that make a city, state, or country unique. Regions are areas that share common features. A region may be land, water, or a specific area in a city or state. Movement explains how and why people, things, and ideas move Human-environment interaction explores the relationship between people and their environments.

3. Maps and Globes Tools that geographers use to learn more about the Earth. Globe – round model of the Earth Map – flat drawing of all or part of the Earth’s surface. Physical maps – show elevation, landforms, relief Political maps - show the names and political boundary lines, or borders, of a place. may also show human-made features, such as cities or transportation routes. Special Purpose/Thematic maps - Some maps present specific kinds of information. These are called thematic or special purpose maps. They usually show themes or patterns, or emphasize one subject.

4. 6 Essential Elements of Geography 1.Spatial Terms – Where is it located? Absolute? Relative? 2.Places and Regions – describes all of the characteristics that give an area its own special quality. These can be physical features such as mountains, waterways, climate, and plant or animal life. Places can also be described by human features. These include language, religion, and architecture. 3.Physical Systems – Physical systems include the complex forces that create weather—wind, rain, snow, and storms. These, of course, can change the Earth. 4.Human Systems- includes all the things humans create as they build their lives together on Earth. It includes all the people and their settlements, as well as the cultures they form. 5.Environment and Society – The relationship between people and their surroundings. 6.The Uses of Geography - Knowledge of geography helps people understand the relationships between people, places, and the environment.

5. Group Activity 1.As a group, work together to brainstorm different physical and cultural (human) attributes that define and differentiate the major regions throughout American history. As a group, try and come with at least two attributes for each region. (One physical and one cultural.) Have one person jot down your findings with each member of the groups name on the paper. Regions: Northeastern Region, Mid-Atlantic Region, South Central Region, Southeastern Region, Northwestern Region, Southwestern Region, Midwestern Region.

6. Home Learning – Due Thursday August 27 th in Class. 1.Use geographic terms and tools to analyze case studies of regional issues in different parts of the United States that have had critical economic, physical, or political ramifications. Present your findings in a 3-4 paragraph write up. Please include an APA bibliography for any sources that you used. 3-4 Paragraphs 12 font, Times New Roman, Double Spaced. APA Bibliography Heading: Name Date Class Period Ms. Turner

7. Exit Tweet - List the 6 essential elements of geography through ranking these 6 themes importance from most important to least in terms of focus. Justify your answer.

8. Works Cited: MgGraw Hill textbook.