The Five Themes of Geography

A Framework for Studying the World

Definition of Geography

• ge·og·ra·phy1 : a science that deals with the description, distribution, and interaction of the diverse physical, biological, and cultural features of the earth's surfaceSource-Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary

In Plain English

• Geography is the study of the earth and everything on it.

Theme 1: Location

• Where is It?• Why is It There?

Two Types of Location•Absolute•Relative

Absolute Location• A specific place on the Earth’s surface• Uses a grid system• Latitude and longitude• A global address

Massachusetts Absolute Location

• Massachusetts42° N Latitude 72° W Longitude

• Boston42° N Latitude 71° W Longitude

Relative Location• Where a place

is in relation to another place

• Uses directional words to describe– Cardinal and

intermediate directions

Massachusetts • Massachusetts is bordered by

Vermont and New Hampshire on the north, Connecticut and Rhode Island on the south, and New York on the west.

• The Atlantic Ocean forms Massachusetts's east coast.

• Massachusetts is one of the Northeastern States

Theme 2: PlacePhysical Characteristics• Land Features• Mountains, plains,

and plateaus• Climate• Bodies of Water

Massachusetts: Physical Characteristics

Theme 2: PlaceHuman Characteristics

• People• Culture• Language• Religion• Buildings and

Landmarks• Cities

Massachusetts: Human Characteristics

Theme 3: Human Environment InteractionHow People Interact With Their

Environment

People . . .• Adapt to Their Environment• Modify Their Environment• Depend on Their Environment

Massachusetts: Human Environment Interaction

Theme 4: MovementThe Mobility of• People• Goods• Ideas

How Places are linked to one another and the world

Massachusetts: Movement

Theme 5: RegionsWhat Places Have in

Common• Political Regions• Landform Regions• Agricultural Regions• Cultural Regions

Massachusetts: Regions

Steve Pierce

Remembering the 5 themes

• If you can’t remembering what they are just ask MR. HELP!!!•M – Movement• R – Regions•HE – Human Environment interaction• L – Location• P - Place