Six Essential Elements of Geography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Six Essential Elements of Geography - Essay Example Physical systems – this element of geography seeks to study physical processes such as volcanoes, glaciers, climate, and how they shape the earth. In addition, it seeks to study the interrelationships among plant and animal life and their natural environment that sustain life. Environment and the society – this element studies the impacts of human activities on the environment. In addition, geographers are also interested in knowing how humans use the environment and how the environment influences people’s lives. The uses of geography – this element show the importance of acquiring knowledge on geography. Geography is essential to humans in that it helps them understand the future as well as the past. This knowledge enables geographers to understand better the relationships between the environment, people and places (Swamson 56). The teacher can apply the first essential element of geography in describing the absolute or relative location of a particular object. For example, the teacher can inform the students that the Geographic information centre is located at 805 Sherbrooke Street West (absolute location) or Sherbrook Street West near the Catholic Church (relative location). The second element (places and regions) is applicable in distinguishing various parts of the world. For example, the teacher can use this element to explain the difference between the tropical regions and temperate zones. The teacher can apply the unique element of physical system by explaining to students the role played by natural phenomenon such as volcanoes, movement of glaciers and hurricanes. For example, volcanoes can produce rich soils that can support farming. On the flip side, volcanoes can cause destruction of natural vegetation and displace people. The teacher can apply human systems in explaining human settlements. For example, the teacher can be able to explain why there are so many