The Five Themes of Geography

A Framework for Studying the World

Theme 1: Location

• Ask yourself…• Where is It?• Why is It There?

Two Types of Location

•Absolute

•Relative

Absolute Location

• A specific place on the Earth’s surface

• Latitude and longitude• A global address

Rhode IslandAbsolute Location

• Cranston, RI41° N Latitude 71° W longitude

Relative Location

• Where a place is in relation to another place, such as borders or states or cities

• Uses directional words to describe– Cardinal and

intermediate directions

RHODE ISLAND: Relative Location

• Rhode Island is bordered by Rhode Island to the north and east, Connecticut to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

• Rhode Island is part of the New England Region and is located in the Northeastern part of the United States.

Theme 2: PlacePhysical Characteristics• Land Features• Mountains, plains,

and plateaus• Climate• Bodies of Water

Rhode Island: Physical Characteristics

Rhode Island's climate is usually mild, but in summer and winter, weathers can get extremely high or low.

Narragansett Bay

Jerimoth Hill: 812 ft Foster, RI

Theme 2: PlaceHuman Characteristics

• People• Culture• Language• Religion• Buildings and

Landmarks• Cities

Rhode Island : Human Characteristics

Providence, RI Capitol Building

Rhode Island slang wicked: used to describe something that is super awesome, very cool, or clever.

Coffee Milk: one of Rhode Island’s favorite family beverages.

Newport Bridge and Rose Island Lighthouse

Theme 3: Human Environment Interaction

How People Interact With Their Environment

People . . .• Adapt to their environment• change their environment• Depend on their environment

Rhode Island: Human Environment Interaction

Adapt to weather and jobs Change the environment: build Bridges

Theme 4: Movement

The Mobility of• People• Goods-Products• Ideas

How Places are linked to one another and the world

Rhode Island: Movement

Movement of ideas

Theme 5: Regions

What Places Have in Common

• Political Regions• Landform Regions• Climate Regions

Rhode Island: Regions

Rhode Island Counties Rhode Island climate region