Introduction to Social Studies Welcome to the World!!!!

Introduction to Social Studies

Welcome to the

World!!!!

Introduction to Geography

Geography – the study of the Earth

Two basic questions: 1. Where are things

located? 2. Why are they there?

Introduction to Geography

Latitude

- lines that run east and west around the earth.

-Parallels -latitude lines are sometimes known as because they run parallel to each other

-Equator - 0° latitude

-North and South poles are 90°

-Each degree of latitude is equal to 69 miles.

Lat is fat!!!!

Introduction to Geography

Longitude

-the location lines that run around the earth north and south.

-Meridians – another

name for the longitude lines.

-Prime Meridian - 0°

runs through Greenwich, England. Opposite side of the earth would be 180°

Longitude

Introduction to Geography

Globes and Maps

-Globe – The best way to present a map of the Earth. A round map like to Earth itself.

-Scale – The difference between the actual

and the model.

-Distortion – By changing the shape of the Earth map, you create distortion between the real Earth and the map.

Globes and Maps Cont. Projections –The act of putting the

globe onto a flat map.

http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/es0301/es0301page03.cfm?chapter_no=investigatio

Introduction to Geography

The Parts of the Map

-Compass Rose – A model of a compass on the map that show the cardinal directions.

- Cardinal Directions – North, South, East, and West

-Key or Legend – The place on the map where certain symbols will be explained.

Absolute vs. Relative Location

Absolute location is the exact spot on Earth where a place is found

Relative location is where a place is in relation to other places example:

"Turn right when you see the big monkey statue, move 5 blocks down and on your left will be a water fountain".

Our Absolute Location

With your group, determine our absolute location. You want to describe it in terms of where you are right now and work your way out!

Mrs. Shook’s Room#506 Freedom Middle School City- Canton County-Cherokee State-Georgia County- United States Continent- North America Hemisphere- Northern

and Western Planet-Earth System- Solar Galaxy- Milky Way

Introduction to Geography

Part 2

EQ: What are some different types of maps?

Physical Maps

Landforms Rivers/Lakes Mountains Plains Plateaus

Political Maps

State borders Capitals Major cities Roads

Thematic Maps

Focus on one specific theme or idea Population Climate Time Zones

Earth’s Physical Geography

EQ: What forces shape the Earth?

Land, Air, and Water

Earthquakes and volcanoes are two forces that shape the Earth. • The Ring of Fire –

area surrounding the Pacific Ocean which contains 90% of the worlds volcanoes and earthquake activity.

Earth’s Physical Geography

EQ: What is the Earth made of?

Landforms - shapes and types of land.

• Mountains – rise more than 2000 feet and peak.

• Hills – less steep than mountains and rounded

Plateau – A large mostly flat area that rises above the land.

Plains – large areas of flat or gently rolling land.

Earth’s Physical Geography

Earth’s Physical Geography

Water – 97% of the Earth’s water is salt water in the oceans.

EQ: What affects Earth’s climate?

Weather – The day-to-day changes in the air.

Climate – The average weather for a region over many years.

Temperature – How hot or cold the air feels.

Precipitation – Water that falls to the ground as rain, sleet, hail, or snow.

What affects Earth’s climate?

1. Wind2. Water

3. Latitude4. Landforms

How does climate affect vegetation?

Adaptation – Features developed to help plants and animals adapt to a particular climate.

Vegetation – The plants that grow naturally in a particular climate.

EQ: What causes seasons on Earth?

The Seasons – The seasons occur because of the tilt of the Earth’s axis.

The Seasons

EQ: What are some types of climates?TROPICAL

CONTINENTAL

POLAR

MODERATE

DRY

EQ: What five things determine where most people live?

1. Food2. Water3. Shelter4. Climate5. Flat Land