RegionsAn area in the landscape that links places together using any parameter the geographer chooses.

An area that has something in common.

There is no set size for a “region.”

Functional regions – A functional region has a center point, or, a “node.”

The function of the region is most intense at the center but lose their characteristics or importance the further the distance from the focal point.

Why don’t we shop at Baybrook Mall in Clear Lake?

While it is the primary mall for the Clear Lake “region,” it is too far away and thus we are out of its “functional region.”

Distance decay

REGIONSFUNCTIONAL

Travel areas to shopping and work

Resources for Members of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM)

Regions are defined by something or many things they have in common.

Crossroads This Week is a community newspaper serving an approximately 4,000 square mile area northwest of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada.

Functional Regions

Vermont public radio classical radio stations

Perceptual regions

Everyone knows roughly where they are, though there are no defined boundaries.

Where do most of us live?

Who is the mayor, or, where is the city hall or downtown Cypress?

Most people know where Cypress or Cy-Fair is, but, we are not a city and don’t even have a “city limits” sign.

Use with the “regions” map lesson handout part 2

1. The South2. Northeast3. Southwest4. Midwest5. Northwest6. West7. North8. Sunbelt9. New England

On map B, outline and number where you think the “regions” below would be.

Outline five “regions” of the USA and label on map A.

Perceptual regions-these reflect human attitudes and feelings. They are subjective.

Where does the “South” begin and end?

Where is the “Southwest?”

REGIONS – PERCEPTUAL (VERNACULAR)

REGIONS – PERCEPTUAL (VERNACUALAR)

Regions can be neighborhoods – although different people may call the regions by different names.

The “rich” part of town, “across the tracks”, poor side of town, ghetto, barrio.

Think of several names that you might use for these areas of a town.

REGIONS - FORMALFormal regions have defined boundaries.

Parishes (counties) of Louisiana

Formal regions “get a sign.”

You know when you enter, you know when you leave.

Identify the functional and formal regions found on this map.

McDonalds restaurants are functional regions with loose areas where people will go to one or two restaurants.

The formal regions would be Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia, as well as each city.

Name the “regions”

Areas of influence Starbucks Stores States

Think about your school commons. Are there “regions” that certain people always eat in?

Would these be formal, perceptual, or functional regions?

Take a sheet of paper. Lay out the Cy-Woods commons and label the “regions” where people sit. (make certain not to use offensive language)-topics to consider: smart people, jocks, teachers, AP’s, band, ethnic groups, guys, girls, freshmen, sophomores, etc…

Are there differences? Compare and contrast.

Have several students discuss or draw on the board where their ideas of the regions are in the commons.