Download United States History Introduction

United States History
Introduction
How does geography influence the way that we
live? (2 paragraph minimum.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Home Learning – Due Thursday August 27th 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
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.
Works Cited:
MgGraw Hill textbook.