Geographers use the concept of spatial significance to determine the importance of a place or region.
With it, we can explore the connections that exist between the geographical location and physical characteristics of a site. We can analyze the unique relationships that exist in and between the natural and human environments in a particular place. In doing so, we understand that the significance of the same place may be different for humans, animals, and plants.
When applying the concept of spatial significance we ask questions like: What does a population settlement map tell us about the preferred range of latitude for settlement in Canada? How might the uniqueness of a destination make it more appealing to some and less appealing to others?
I can identify where places are located on the earth’s surface based on natural and/or human characteristics (What is Where?) determine the unique characteristics of places (Why there?) analyze the importance of spatial distribution of people, plants, animals, resources and earth’s physical processes (Why care?)
Geographers use the concept of patterns and trends to recognize characteristics that are similar and that repeat themselves in a natural or human environment (patterns) and characteristics or traits that exhibit a consistent tendency in a particular setting over a period of time (trends).The characteristics may be spatial, social, economic, physical, or environmental. We make connections between characteristics to determine patterns; we analyze connections between those characteristics over time to determine trends.
When applying the concept of patterns and trends we ask questions like: What factors have led to population movement in a region? What specific locations have attracted tourists? Why?
I can identify characteristics that are similar and repeat within and between places or regions (What is where?) determine if these characteristics repeat over time (What is where?) analyze why characteristics are similarities and/or repeat (Why there?) determine the importance of why the characteristics are similar and/or repeat (Why care?)
Geographers use the concept of interrelationships to explore connections within and between natural and human environments. The interconnected parts of an environment or environments work together to form a system. We need to understand the relationships that exist within a system and then critically analyze the relationships between systems in order to determine the impact they have on one another.
When applying the concept of interrelationships we ask questions like: How does surrounding farmland support a community, and what stresses might the community place on the farmland? Why do we need to understand the earth’s physical processes in order to predict their potential hazards?
I can identify where human and/or natural characteristics and processes interact or connect within and between each other (What is Where?) determine how the connections interact to form a system (Why There?) analyze the impact of an event, process or development on the natural characteristics, natural processes and human activities that occur through the system (Why care?)
The concept of geographic perspective allows us to to consider the environmental, economic, political, and/or social implications of the issues, events, developments, and/or phenomena that we live with. In order to solve problems, make decisions or judgements, or formulate plans of action effectively, we need to develop our ability to examine issues from multiple perspectives.
When applying the concept of geographic perspective we ask questions like: In what ways can cultural diversity enrich the life of a community? Does the financial benefit of extracting natural resources justify related social and/or environmental impacts?
I can identify the environmental, economic, political and/or social context of a geographic issue, event, development or phenomena (What is Where?) determine the potential stakeholders and their points of view that should be considered in the analysis of a geographic issue, event, development or phenomena (What is Where?) analyze the multiple points of view of the geographic issue, event, development or phenomena considering applicable environmental, economic, political and/or social lenses (Why There? Why Care?)