UNIT 1 OVERVIEW-INTRODUCTION TO WORLD GEOMETRY: MAP SKILLS AND FIVE THEMES
Concepts / Key Understandings
Maps
Maps are spatial tools that can be used to answer geographic questions,
infer relationships and analyze change.
Different types of maps are used to show a variety of information.
Five Themes
The study of geography can be organized around the themes of movement,
region, location, human-environment interaction and place.
Place
The character of a place is shaped by its economic, social, political and
cultural characteristics.
Region
Region is a way of organizing the Earth’s surface into areas with unifying
human or physical characteristics.
Location
Location can be described in absolute and relative terms.
Movement
Physical and human factors affect the movement of people, goods and
ideas.
Human-Environment Interaction Humans depend on, adapt to and modify their physical environment.
Guiding Questions Correlated to Key Understandings
What elements of maps are necessary for information to be shown and understood?
What is a map projection and why is that knowledge important to the ability to answer geographic questions,
infer relationships and analyze change?
What are examples of different types of maps that represent geographic information?
What are the definitions and examples of vocabulary and concepts associated with economic, social, political
and cultural characteristics?
How do formal, functional and perceptual regions differ?
What physical and human factors can define a formal region?
What factors influence how various groups perceive regional characteristics?
What role do political, economic, social and environmental push-pull factors play in the movement of people?
What processes allow the movement of goods, ideas and people?
How do culture and technology influence human-environment interaction?
How do extreme weather and natural disasters impact human-environment interaction?
Why is it important to be able to read and interpret maps, charts and graphs? In what ways will you use your
ability to read and interpret maps, charts and graphs?