Bell Ringer
How many hemispheres can this map be divided into?
Unit 2Studying Geography
GQ: What methods do geographers use to show the Earth’s surface?
1. Displaying the Earth’s Surface
Early models of the Earth were flatSailors proved it was round
Globes – spherical models of the Earth
Most accurate size, shape, distance, direction
Hard to carry
Maps – flat drawings of all or parts of the Earth
Show small areas in great detailShow specific informationCan’t show accurate size, shape, distance,
direction togetherEasy to carry
Reflect: Describe how an explorer could set sail thinking the Earth was flat and return knowing it was round.
Hemispheres – “half spheres”
Equator – circles the middle of the EarthDivides Northern and Southern
hemispheres
Prime Meridian – runs pole to poleDivides Eastern and Western hemispheres
Finding LocationGrid system – imaginary lines on
maps and globesLatitude – parallel to Equator
Measure distance in degrees north or south
Longitude – parallel to Prime MeridianMeasure distance in degrees east or west
Absolute location – exact spot where latitude and longitude lines meet
Projections – ways of showing the Earth on a flat sheet of paper Each map projection shows the Earth in a different
way
Choose which one to use depending on goals
Bell Ringer
How can different types of weather systems affect the Earth’s surface over time?
Chapter 2Lesson 2
GQ: How do geographers use the five themes and six essential elements of geography?
1. Five Themes of Geography
Theme – a topic that connects ideas
1. Location
2. Place
3. Human-Environment Interaction
4. Movement
5. Regions
2. Six Essential Elements
The World In Spatial Terms
Studies where a certain place is locatedRaises awareness of the world around you
Places and Regions
Describes:Natural features – weather, animals,
landformsHuman features – language, way of life
Physical Systems
Analyzes how weather systems shape Earth’s surface
Volcanoes, glaciers, hurricanes
Studies how plants and animals depend on each other for survival
Human Systems
Why humans choose to settle in certain places
How they move and exchange goods or ideas
Environment and Society
How the environment affects way of life How humans affect the environment
Uses of Geography
Helps understand how people, places, and environments interact with each other
Reflect: How would living far from a water source affect the way a community lives?
GQ: What are some key ways that maps are used?
3. Types of Maps
Physical Maps – show land and water featuresUse colors to show different featuresHas a key to explain each color
Political Maps – show names and borders of countriesLocation of cities and other man made
featuresAlso show physical features
Special Purpose Maps – show specific kinds of information
Examples: climate natural resources roads population historical information
Reflect: Draw a special purpose road map of your surrounding neighborhood.
How To Read Maps
Map Key – explains information shown on the map
symbols, lines, and colors
Map Scale – measuring line that shows distance represented
Helps calculate distance between points on the map
Cardinal DirectionsNorth, South, East, West
