The 5 Themes of Geography

1. The 5 Themes of Geography Chapter 1, Section 1

2. Geography – study of the distribution and interaction of physical and human features on the Earth • maps are the most common tool • other tools are charts, graphs, tables, and models

3. Theme 1 – Location • “Where is it?” • Absolute location – exact location • Earth is divided into hemispheres • Equator divides north and south • Prime Meridian divides east and west • latitude lines run parallel with the equator • longitude lines go around the poles • Relative location – describes a place in comparison to other places

5. Theme 2 - Place • “What is it like?” • physical features • climate, landforms, vegetation, human development • cultural characteristics • food, religion, community celebrations

7. Theme 3 - Region • “How are places similar or different?” • areas are grouped together based on similar characteristics • Formal regions • Defined by a small number of related characteristics • Ex: U.S., Canada, Latin America, etc. • Functional regions • Organized around the interactions and connections of different places. • Ex: Houston and it’s suburbs • Perceptual regions • People perceive the characteristics of the region in the same way

9. Theme 4 – Human-Environment Interaction • “How do people relate to the physical world?” • We alter the environment to fit our needs • Examples: building homes, cutting down trees, creating lakes

11. Theme 5 - Movement • “How do people, goods, and ideas move from one location to another?” • 3 types of distance 1. linear – how far 2. time – how long • both are relative to circumstances (ex. traffic) 3. psychological – how we view how far away something is

13. Exit Ticket On you sticky answer one of the following: • How would you describe the location of Mansfield using relative or absolute location? • What is one way you have altered your environment to fit your lifestyle? • What is one example of movement that you have experienced in your life?