Introduction to Geography and Maps

Key Terms & Definitions

• Define all key terms from the provided "Keys Terms Sheet" focusing on introductory concepts and physical interactions.

What is Geography?

• Geography encompasses four key themes: people-environment relationships, regional landscapes, distribution patterns, and changing geographic patterns.

Map Types

• Identify and understand the characteristics of at least five different map types (e.g., topographic, thematic, choropleth, etc.).

Map Components

• Familiarize yourself with essential map components: title, border, legend, scale, compass rose, and key lines of latitude and longitude. Understand how to interpret each.

Earth's Spheres

• Understand the four main spheres of the Earth: lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), biosphere (life), and atmosphere (air). Be able to describe their interactions.

Atmosphere Layers

• Know the different layers composing the atmosphere (e.g., troposphere, stratosphere, etc.) and their key characteristics.

Geological History & Plate Tectonics

• Understand the concept of plate tectonics and its evidence (fossils, landforms, climate).
• Describe the three main types of plate boundaries: transform, divergent, and convergent (including subduction).
• Differentiate between constructive and destructive forces shaping the Earth's surface.

Glaciation & Erosion

• Explain the impact of glaciation and glacial erosion on landforms.

Rock Cycle

• Understand the rock cycle and the processes involved in the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Be prepared to interpret a diagram.

Landform Regions

• Be familiar with major landform regions and the processes that create them.

Weather & Climate

• Differentiate between weather and climate.
• Understand the factors influencing climate (consider the acronym L.O.W.E.R.N. if provided in class materials).

Climate Graph Interpretation

• Be prepared to calculate and interpret data from climate graphs.

Short Answer Preparation

• Anticipate short answer questions requiring in-depth explanation of concepts covered above. Practice applying your knowledge to hypothetical scenarios or specific examples.

Key Terms

• Review the key terms sheet for definitions and understanding of introductory concepts and physical interactions.

What is Geography?

• Geography has four main themes: People-environment relationships, regional landscapes, distribution patterns, and changing geographic patterns.

Map Types

• Study the five types of maps and their characteristics (e.g., topographic, thematic, choropleth).

Map Parts

• Understand the function and importance of map components: title, border, legend, scale, compass rose, and grid system (latitude and longitude).

Key Lines of Latitude and Longitude

• Know the equator and prime meridian, and how latitude and longitude coordinates pinpoint locations.

Earth's Spheres

• Earth’s systems: lithosphere (solid rock), hydrosphere (water), biosphere (living things), and atmosphere (gases). Study the layers of the atmosphere.

Geological History and Plate Tectonics

• Understand the basics of plate tectonics, including the evidence (fossils, landforms, climate) supporting it.
• Know the types of plate boundaries (transform, divergent, convergent, including subduction), constructive and destructive forces, and resulting landforms.
• Review the rock cycle and the three rock types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
• Understand and interpret glacial erosion and the associated landforms.
• Be familiar with various landform regions.

Weather and Climate

• Understand the difference between weather and climate.
• Learn the characteristics of climate using the LOWERN mnemonic (Latitude, Ocean Currents, Winds, Elevation, Relief, Nearness to Sea).

Climate Graphs

• Practice interpreting and calculating data from climate graphs.