GeographySocial Studies 20F

What is geography?• Before we start to study geography, we should take some time to think

about what exactly we are studying.

• Create a definition for geography based on your previous understanding

• Think of the prefix “Geo-”. Examine the words provided that begin with this prefix and consider what they have in common.

• Think of the suffix- “-graphy”. Using dictionaries or smart phones, look up the definitions of the words provided. Consider what they have in common.

• Based on your findings, come up with a definition of “geography”.

• Share your lists with a partner. Together, create a definition of geography.

A definition• “Geo-” is taken from the Greek word for “earth”.

It is often used to refer to land or ground.

• “-graphy” : A form of writing or drawing or a field of study.o Cartography – The study of making mapso Demography – The study of human populations and how they

change

• Geography – The study of the Earth’s physical and human systems and the relationship among them.

Two main branches of geography

• 1. Physical geography – The study of the processes of patterns of the natural environment.o Atmosphere o Hydrosphere (water systems)o Biosphere (ecosystems)o Geosphere (rock/earth)

o Example: The Grade Five Weather watchers are reporting a low pressure system (atmosphere) moving into Manitoba, which will bring rain (hydrosphere). This rain will bring much needed rain to local crops (biosphere) and will result in very minor erosion (geosphere).

Two main branches of geography

• 2. Human geography – The study of processes and patterns that shape human society.o Culturalo Developmento Economico Healtho Demographics (the study of populations)o Religiono Political

o EX: Armstrong Point has seen a significant growth in population (demographics) since Mr. Siemens started teaching at Westgate. This trend also resulted in more businesses opening in the area (economic), which has resulted in more pollution (health).

Maps• A map is a representation of the earth’s features

drawn on a flat surface.• Given that our world is nearly spherical , globes

remain the most accurate representation of our planet. The process of transferring the features of a globe to a map is known as a map projection.o There are many different ways to project a

globe on to a flat surface. Each of these projections has certain characteristics that make it useful for specific purposes.

Working with projections

• This map is based on the Mercator Projection.• On this map, locate and label the following countries:

1) Greenland 2) Canada 3) Brazil 4) Argentina 5)Algeria 6) Sudan 7) Saudi Arabia

• In your notebook, rank the countries by size from largest to smallest based on how they appear

• Use you atlas (184-191) to find the actual size of each country. Rank them again

• Compare your rankings between your two lists. What major differences do you see?

• What does this suggest about the Mercator Projection? Why do you think this projection was created?

Map projections• The Mercator Projection was created for

navigation charts as it gives true compass points between main points. However, it distorts the size of land masses.

• The Hobo-Dyer Projection is an equal-area projection which focuses on showing countries in their true size, but it distorts their shape.

• The Winkel Tripel Projection provides the best balance between size, shape, distance and direction. It is still somewhat distorted, but was created to give a balanced and realistic view of the world.

Maps and global perception

• Every map presents a particular picture of the world. These differences can influence how we view the world.o Relative size – A country’s perceived size can vary from map to

map. Since certain associations are made between big countries and power, this can change how we view a given country.

o Position – Most maps present north as “up”. Being on top of the map can be viewed as a position of superiority. Thus, how one orients a map can shape one’s perceptions.

o Data – Since maps can present a wide range of facts about the world, they also hold the possibility to present a country in a particular light.

EX: A country be presented positively on a map that highlightsnational wealth, but it may be perceived negatively on a map that focuses on pollution.

LandmarksLandmark - A significant, easily observable, and immobile landscape feature. Used to determine one’s position on the landscape, where one is traveling, and where one has been.

• Give directions from here to the computer lab using landmarks

• Give directions from here to McDonald’s using landmarks (no street names)

• Give directions from here to the airport using landmarks

Topographical Maps• Topographical maps are detailed maps that

highlight ground relief (landforms and terrain), drainage (lakes and rivers), forest cover, administrative areas, populated areas, transportation routes and facilities (including roads and railways), and other constructed features.

Locating places on a map

• One key tool used in maps is the compass rose. This icon identifies the orientation of the map in regards to North/South and East/West.

• The most accurate way to give directions is the use degrees instead of compass points (NE, SE, SW, etc.)

Grid Systems• The most common way to identify a place on a

map is a grid system. There are three main kinds, but we will only focus on two:

• Alphanumeric grids use letters and numerals to identify squares in a grid pattern. This pattern is often used on road maps. Grid squares are identified by a letter on one side and a number of the other.

Grid Systems• Latitude and Longitude – This grid systems

allows one to locate any position in the world with a global address.

• Lines of longitude are imaginary lines that run north and south around the world. They measure the angular distance (in degrees) from the prime meridian.

• Lines of latitude are imaginary lines that run east and west around the world. They measure the angular distance (in degrees) from the equator.

Latitude and Longitude

Biomes and Ecozones• A global environmental type (biome) is a large

geographical area characterized by specific plant and animal communities. Biomes are determined primarily by climate and geography (landforms, soil, vegetation) of a region.

• Biomes can be both terrestrial (land) and aquatic (marine)

• Ecozones provide another system of classification for environment types. There are 15 ecozones in Canada.

Biomes/Ecozones• Biomes/ecozones are a means of classification

that allows geographers to easily describe different environment types.

• The life forms in a biome/ecozone are intricately linked to the specific environment, and depend in some way on other living and non-living things in their surroundings. This interrelationship is so delicate that any change in one component causes a ripple effect that will alter other components of the biome.

Biomes• Forest

o Boreal (Taiga)o Temperateo Tropical

• Deserto Arido Semi-arido Coastalo Cold

• Grasslandso Prairie (Temperate)o Steppeo Savanna

• Tundrao Arctico Alpine

Change over time• Another important concept in geography is the

study of change over time. This concept applies to both human and physical elements.

• Think about Winnipeg/Manitobao What are some physical changes that have taken place

during your life time?o What are some important changes in elements of human

geography that have taken place during your life time? (Politics, economy, etc.)