Geographic Tools
Instruments used to collect, organize and, store, or display geographic information
Physical Characteristics
Features of the earth's surface, such as landforms, water systems, climate patterns, and plant and animal life
Physical Processes
Actions of nature that change the physical environment
Climates
Regional long-term trends in weather and atmospheric conditions
Ecosystems
networks of plants and animals interacting with the environment
Patterns of Settlement
distribution of populations among urban and rural communities
Urbanization
Increase in the percentage of people living in cities
Migration
Movement of people often influenced by push and pull factors
Population Growth
increase in the number of people in a specific area
Cultures
learned behavior of people, including their belief systems, languages, governments, and material goods
Science and Technology
Discoveries and inventions that help people to change or adapt to their environments
Government and Citizenship
How different viewpoints influence political decisions, divisions, and policies connected to geographic issues
Cooperation and Conflict
Methods used by countries and organizations to pursue goals, such as maintaining or expanding control over territory
Economic Systems
Ways in which a society satisfies basic needs through the production and distribution of goods and services
Economic Activities
Use of natural resources, production of goods, provision of services, and distribution of information
Global trade patterns
international networks for exchanging goods and services
Natural Resources
any part of the natural environment that people need and value
Natural Hazards
Natural events in the physical environment that are destructive, such as volcanoes and hurricanes
Environmental change
Natural or human alterations to the environment
Understanding the past
Analysis of how geography has affected historic events and how places, environments, and cultures have changed over time
Planning for the future
Use of geographic knowledge and skills to analyze problems and make decisions that affect the future