Importance of Geography

Importance of Geography

• Geography is a dynamic and relevant subject, teaching about communities, countries, the physical environment, and daily activities.
• Geography helps understand interactions with the environment: protecting resources, using them responsibly, and understanding how human actions impact the environment.
• Geography explores natural hazards, including geophysical hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes), meteorological hazards (hurricanes), and hydrological hazards (floods).
• Geography examines how climate affects populations, influencing elements like housing and lifestyles.
• Geography involves geographical enquiry and field work, developing research and data analysis skills, and utilizing the scientific method.
• Activities like mining, agriculture, and tourism can impact the environment.
• Geography provides a framework for understanding these impacts.

Careers in Geography

• Careers related to geography include
  • Land surveyor: determining land boundaries and heights
  • Soldier: a role within the armed forces. Could be part of national park or other protected area management.
  • Astronomer: studying celestial bodies like stars, planets, and asteroids.
  • Cartographer: creating maps and spatial data visualization
  • Hydrologist: studying the dynamic nature of water.
  • Archaeologist: studies ancient civilizations.
  • Architect: designs and oversees construction of buildings.
  • Farmer: cultivates land.
  • GIS Analyst: interprets spatial data using software.
  • Post Office employee: a diverse job with geographic elements.
  • Oceanographer: studies chemical and biological features of the ocean.
  • Personnel in other branches of government, that need to identify land contours, and the related resources.

Geography Objectives

• State three reasons why geography is important.
• Identify and describe three careers in geography.
• Discuss the importance of geography in these careers.

Geography Challenge Examples

• Geography Challenge 1: Students state one country/region and explain how its location affects its climate. (This is an example of a challenge assignment.)
• Geography Challenge 2: Students choose a climate zone and explain why they would or would not want to live there. (This is an example of a challenge assignment.)