Geographer’s Tools

What they use to help them analyze spatial relationships.

Table of ContentsDate Title Lesson #

**Thinking Like a Geographer**

8/26 Spatial Analysis 1

8/27 5 Themes of Geography 2

8/28 The 5 A’s 3

8/31 Geographer’s Tools 4

1. Draw a line underneath wherever you left off yesterday.

2. Write the title “Geographer’s Tools”

Tools – 1. Globes vs. 2. Maps

• Globe Characteristics– Spherical– 3-dimensional– Accurate– Global perspective

• Map Characteristics

ROBINSON PROJECTION – the earth “unfolded”

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AZIMUTHAL PROJECTION – a picture of the globe

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AZIMUTHAL – a picture of the globe

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Map Flaws

- Which is bigger Greenland or South America?

1. Distortion a loss of accuracy

Greenland

South America

WRITE WHAT IS IN THE BOX

Tools – 1. Globes vs. 2. Maps

• Globe Characteristics– Spherical– 3-dimensional– Accurate– Global perspective

• Map Characteristics– Flat– 2-dimensional– Not accurate– Distorts size, shape,

distance

Tools – 3. Demographics

• Demographics – data collected about the characteristics of a population

• Which of the 5 A’s would this fit under?– Acquire

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Now lets collect some demographics

A. Middle School – Dean = 3– Campbell = 14– Truitt = 12– Other = 1

B. Family Position

- Youngest = 15

- Middle child = 3

- Old cool kids = 8

C. Age- 13 = 0- 14 = 20- 15 = 6- 16 = - 17 =

D. Gender- Boys 11- Girls 15

Tools – 4. Charts and 5. Graphs

• Which of the 5 A’s does creating charts and graphs fit? – Arrange

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Same data in a chart…

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Task

• Use the data we collected to create 1 bar graph using the demographics we collected about the class– Include labels on each axis– Include a key and title

• Create 1 pie graph using the demographics we collected about the class– Calculate the correct percentages and try to create

accurate pie graphs– Label the percentages– Include a key and title

Baltimore Crime Map

• As you look at the map. Figure out the following: – After this information is presented to you as

mayor what is one thing you would do? – Who else would make decisions based on this

map?

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Ask Acquire Analyze Arrange Apply

Analyze• geographers must determine which is the most

important by analyzing it.

• Who might make decisions after analyzing this map?

Apply- Acting on the decisions that were made.- What actions may change based on the map?

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Tool #6 GIS

• GIS Geographic Information Systems

• GIS Information stored in digital databases used by geographers

- uses layers to show information

Write the name of your favorite celebrity in your notebook…

Things he/she will need Things to do for fun

1. Hotel

2.

3.

4.

1. Visit friends

2.

3.

4.

Closure

1. Question of the Day.

2. Do A and B

A. GIS Geographers use ________________ to display different types of information on Maps.

B. The information is stored in ________________.

Crisis!

• Your celebrity friend has only one day to spend with you.

• What tool could you use to ensure that you do everything on your list in one day?

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Tool #7 - GPS

• GPS Global Positioning System

• Definition – directions are given using satellites to determine absolute location

• Clip: – Explain how turn-by-turn directions work.– How could this help a geographer?

Task

• Pretend you have a GPS in your hand. Create turn-by-turn directions to the lunch room, auditorium, gym, your bus line, Wal-Mart, etc.