Six Essential Elements of Geography - Essay Example

s Elements of geography The spatial world – according to this element, geographers are first interested in identifying the location of a particular object. Accordingly, the purpose of this element is to analyze the relationships between places, environments and people by looking at the information through a spatial context (Swamson 54).Places and regions – When geographers analyze a particular place, they are not only interested in the geographic location, but also the special or unique characteristics that define the place.

Likewise, regions are places that share one or more characteristics, be it cultural or natural characteristics (Swamson 54).Physical systems – this element of geography seeks to study physical processes such as volcanoes, glaciers, climate, and how they shape the earth. In addition, it seeks to study the interrelationships among plant and animal life and their natural environment that sustain life.Human systems – this elements studies how people’s activities influence the earth’s surface.

In particular, the element looks at settlement patters and human structures (Swamson 55).Environment and the society – this element studies the impacts of human activities on the environment. In addition, geographers are also interested in knowing how humans use the environment and how the environment influences people’s lives.The uses of geography – this element show the importance of acquiring knowledge on geography. Geography is essential to humans in that it helps them understand the future as well as the past.

This knowledge enables geographers to understand better the relationships between the environment, people and places (Swamson 56).Ways a classroom teacher can could demonstrate competence in applying the elements of geographyThe teacher can apply the first essential element of geography in describing the absolute or relative location of a particular object. For example, the teacher can inform the students that the Geographic information centre is located at 805 Sherbrooke Street West (absolute location) or Sherbrook Street West near the Catholic Church (relative location).

The second element (places and regions) is applicable in distinguishing various parts of the world. For example, the teacher can use this element to explain the difference between the tropical regions and temperate zones.The teacher can apply the unique element of physical system by explaining to students the role played by natural phenomenon such as volcanoes, movement of glaciers and hurricanes. For example, volcanoes can produce rich soils that can support farming. On the flip side, volcanoes can cause destruction of natural vegetation and displace people.

The teacher can apply human systems in explaining human settlements. For example, the teacher can be able to explain why there are so many immigrants into the U.S from countries such as Philippines and Mexico.The teacher can apply environment and society to show the students how humans affect the environment. For example, pollution from industries has caused climate change, with devastating effects such as floods, prolonged droughts and changing weather patterns across the world. The last element is useful in informing students about the future.

For example, the teacher can predict that in future, the earth’s average temperatures will rise. Consequently, there will be more hurricanes, floods, droughts, and disappearance of species.How the neighborhood project meets the standards of the essential elements of geographyThe neighborhood project starts by identifying the location of the area, Flatbush, which meets the first element about the spatial world. The project also seeks to identify the unique characteristics of the place. This fulfils the second element – places and regions.

Flatbush neighborhood is predominantly comprised of black people. The neighborhood project also studies the interrelationships between plants and animals. For example, Flatbush area used to be a major cattle keeping area. This meets the physical systems. Human systems element is met by analyzing the movement of people in the area. By looking at how Flatbush area affects residents, the fifth element is met. For example, the area is rich with volcanic soils that support farming. Lastly, the project enables students to understand the relationships between the neighborhood and predominance of black people, hence meeting the last element.

Works CitedSwanson, Kelly. Ap Human Geography 2014. New York: Kaplan Publishing, 2013. Print.