Geography!Essential Question:

What does it mean to “think like a geographer?”

Warm Up- 9/5Think how our world has changed since the

beginning of time. What do you think the world will be like in 100 years? Think about technology, government, economics(money), religion, social activities, transportation,

Geography is the study of the location and distribution of physical features and living things on Earth’s surface, and how they relate to each other.

 A geographer asks questions such as “Where?”, “Why there?,” and “Why is this issue important?”

Geographers see the world in spatial terms. In other words, they organize their work by focusing on spatial areas, or places. This sets them apart from other scholars, such as historians, who focus on time periods.

How do geographers look at the world?

Grand CanyonThe Grand Canyon in the state of Arizona, carved by the Colorado River, is a dramatic example of how flowing water can change the surface of the earth.

continuedGeographers look for both similarities and differences

among various places on Earth. This helps them group places into regions—nearby areas that share common characteristics. 

Common characteristics may be physical characteristics, such as terrain and climate, or cultural characteristics, such as histories, languages, religions, political systems, or economies.

To acquire, process, and report information, geographers use a variety of tools, including maps and measuring instruments. Also, geographers often construct mentalmaps. A mental map is a map in a person’s mind that contains his or her knowledge of an area or people. 

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Class Assignmentuse the Main Idea Web graphic organizer to

group the characteristics of geography, based on the information found on pages 1–4 of the Text.

When done, glue the Main Idea Web into your notebook on page 9.

Warm Up – September 5Using the glossary or GREEN BOOK, list the

differences between absolute and relative location

Reading MapsMaps—flat drawings that show the features of

an area—are essential tools for geographers. Some maps show natural, physical features such as mountains, lakes, oceans, and continents.

A compass rose is a diagram on a map that shows where north, south, east, and west lie in relation to the place shown. North, south, east, and west are the cardinal directions, the main ones that geographers use. Some compass roses also show the intermediate directions of northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest.

Compass RoseThe compass, which is used to determinedirection, was a revolutionary tool when it was invented. It continues to be very useful today.

Reading mapsA map key, or legend, explains the colors and

symbols that are found on a map. Thekey will show readers a list of symbols, such as a star for a capital city or an oil well for deposits of underground oil.

A map scale helps readers calculate distance, or the amount of space between two locations. A map scale explains how distance on the map corresponds to actual distance on Earth’s surface. A map scale might be presented in words, such as “One inch equals 200 miles.” The same scale could also be shown visually, as an inch-long straight line with markings at specific intervals. 

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Class AssignmentAs you read page 6, complete the main idea

web on maps.

Compass Rose

AstrolabeThis instrument, developed in the Middle East, was used to make precise measurements of latitude. It was important in astronomy as well as in navigation and was crucial in the Iberian expansion at the end of the 15th century. It is believed that al-Fazari (d. 777 A.D.) was the first scientist in the Middle East to make an astrolabe, following the arrival of an Indian mission to Baghdad. The astrolabe illustrates the importance of cultural interaction and technological diffusion among the civilizations of Eurasia.

AstrolabeDuring the Middle Ages in Europe, roughly

between 500 CE and 1400 CE, theastrolabe became a commonly used geographic instrument for finding latitude. This device could measure the angles of the sun and stars above the horizon and help sailors navigate by the night sky. Unfortunately, the astrolabe could not determine longitude.

GPS (Global Positioning System)Many people now use electronic devices that use the 

Global Positioning System  (GPS) to navigate over land or water. A GPS receiver takes in radio signals from space satellites and uses these signals to calculate the locationof the GPS user. GPS receivers can be placed in ships, airplanes, and cars. People on foot, including hikers in the wilderness and pedestrians in cities, can carry portable models. GPS receivers can identify where someone is according to latitude,longitude, and altitude (the height above sea level). These devices can even tell the time of day and give directions aloud.

GPS (continued)

Advertisement ActivityImagine that you work at an advertising

agency, and have been hired by a company that makes geographic instruments. In this activity, you will create a magazine advertisement for one of the following instruments or tools: astrolabe, compass, or Global Positioning System (GPS).

Use your notes, handouts, and GREEN BOOK from this unit to help you with your advertisement