SS9 Geography Unit 1 Study Guide

Geography Unit 1 Study Guide
Chapters 1-4
Mr. Crane

Chapter 1 – The Basics of Geography
· What is geography, and the difference between human geography and physical geography?
· What are the Five Themes of Geography (difference between Location and Place?)
· What is the difference between absolute location and relative location?
· Why are map projections necessary, and why are none of them perfect?
· How are planar, conical, and compromise (cylindrical) projections created?
· How do we use and write latitude and longitude to describe absolute location?
· What are the various types of maps (e.g., qualitative) and what is each used for?

Chapter 2 – A Living Planet
· What are the three parts of the inside of the earth, and how is each unique?
· What are the various layers on and above the earth (e.g., lithosphere)?
· What is continental drift theory and how does it work?
· What are the various landforms found on earth (see pp. 34-35)?
· What are the various water features found on earth?
· What are the four ways in which plate boundaries interact with each other?
· What causes earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes?
· What causes weathering and erosion, and how are the processes different?
· How do water, wind, and glaciers impact the surface of the earth?

Chapter 3 – Climate and Vegetation
· What causes seasons?
· What are the three ways in which precipitation is formed?
· What are hurricanes and tornadoes, and why is each so devastating?
· What factors affect climate?
· What are the twelve climate regions, how can they be classified, and where are they located?
· Why is the highland climate region unique?

Chapter 4 – People and Places
· What is culture and what components do all cultures have?
· Why do cultures change over time, and how does geography impact these changes?
· How are languages, language families, and dialects related, and how are they spread throughout the world?
· What are the five major world religions, where are they practiced, and what are their core beliefs?
· How are the five major world religions alike and different?
· What factors are involved in the world’s population growth?
· How is population dispersed throughout the world (where is it dense and sparse)?
· How does geography impact national boundaries?
· What factors determine the location of cities, and what are their functions?

Skyscraper City Guess the City Contest

Using your geographic knowledge, and websites such as Google Earth, you can play a game to identify various cities around the world.

You can find the game at the Skyscraper City website:
http://xl.skyscrapercity.com/?page=satellite

It's fun exploring the world and trying to identify famous (and not-so-famous) cities from directly overhead. Challenge your friends (and Mr. Crane)!

While you're there, if you are interested in cities, especially Green Bay, feel free to become part of the conversation.

NOTE: Simple, free registration is required in order to play the game and/or participate in the Skyscraper City forums.

Where in Wisconsin is First Lady Jessica Doyle?

Here's an online geography game testing your knowledge of Wisconsin:

http://whereisjessica.wi.gov

Winning entries are placed in a drawing for prizes, including family passes for Wisconsin historical sites, coupons, or tickets to Wisconsin attractions!

NOTE: While it is officially open to 4th through 8th graders, perhaps you could play with a younger friend, brother, or sister.