SSED 42 Teaching Social Studies in Elementary Grade

( CULTURE & GEOGRAPHY )

Christian L. Villanueva

THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF GEORAPHY

CHAPTER 1

The Concept of Geography

Geography is an ancient and honorable field of learning with its roots firmly set in
classical antiquity. The world geography comes from two Greek words: geo which
mean the “earth” and graphe” which means “ to write” or “ to draw” . geography
then literally mean “ earth descriptions.” It is a broad and interesting discipline
that brings together two important aspects of both physical and social sciences.
As well as impinging on the humanities. The following definitions of Geography as
developed by some prominent geographer as developed by some prominent
geographer will provide us with a clear concept of this interesting field of study.

The description and explanation of the world’s landscapes and a scientific

description of inhabited landscapes and their description over the globe.
( Longmans, 1965)

The study of spatial relationships, whose subject matter includes physical, biotic,
and societal elements, and focuses on the distributions and relationship of
phenomenon according to places, ( Leonard Clark, 1973)

The accurate, orderly and rational description and interpretation of the variable
character of the earth surface. ( Yeung Yue Man, 1753)

The science of the earth and its life, dealing with land, sea and air conditions, the
distribution of plant and animal life especially with man and his industries. ( Jhon
W. Frazier, 1982)

The collections of the facts intended to give a complete pictures of a continent, a

state, or a region. ( James Rubenstein, 1989)
The study if the distributions of phenomena, how that distributions come about ,
and the significance of that distributions to an understanding of the world.
( Mcknight , 1990)
The study of the locations and distributions of phenomenon ( human as well as
physical) on the Earths surface; the reasons or causes behind these distribution
are predictions on how and whu changes will take places. ( de Blij and Muller,
1992)

Longmans classifies the various definitions and concept of geography into three
main types, namely:
1. Synthetical Geography
2. Spatial Relations of Phenomena, and
3. Science Of Land Use.

Synthetical Geograhy
Synthetical Geography uses analysis synthesis. Here, the fist and the most
important task of a geographer are to show all aspects, all facets of a subject or
problem under study. It presents a complete picture of any geographic problem,
be it physical, social, political, or economic and analyzes the relations between
phenomena such as climate, soil rainfalls, habitats, and ways of life. Instead of
treating them in isolations, it puts together facts to form a whole picture which
will establish the interdependence and interactions of phenomena and
geographic facts.

Spatial Relations of Phenomena

All phenomena on the Earth’s surface occupy places or locations.

Geography’s concern is to focus its attention on localization or placement of
phenomena. To carry this out, maps are needed. Map study is a vital part of
geography to locate places and study the location of phenomena. In short, the
relations between and among the phenomena present in a given space are
described and studied.

Science of Land Use

 Man uses land for his benefit and welfare. He has appropriated this piece of
land, parceled it out, developed it, cleared the ground, dug canals, and selected
sites for farms, factories, village, towns, and cities. He has used this piece of land
for farming, fishing, herding, manufacturing, and fro his many this activities.
Concentration on the study of land used is the focus of this scientific study.

To summarize: Geography is the study of Earth as the home of presented day

human beings; it is a scientific description of the surface features of the Earth,
especially as these features affect human activities. Geography is concerned with
the environment as it provides a home for humankind and the way that humans
utilize that environmental home. This definition conforms to the concept and
ideas that form the modern field of geography.

CHAPTER 2

IMPORTANCE OF GEOGRAPHY

MANKIND is on the last decade of the twentieth century. World leaders

have begun to talk about “ a new world order.” With the end of the Cold War,
they have glimpsed on the horizon an international order based on cooperation
among nations and the rule of law. Is this possible? How do we achieve this?

Meanwhile, real dangers are facing us nuclear annihilations, ecological

disaster, racial fanaticism or regional violence, over- population crisis vis-à-vis
natural resources, energy crisis, and many more. All these world issues lend a
sense of urgency to geographic inquiry. Geographic knowledge can benefit the
analysis of problems of environmental degradations ( global warming, ozone
depletion, acid rain, desertification, rainforest destruction, waste accumulation,
fresh water scarcity) , rational use of natural resources, the resettlement of
refugees from was – torn nations, and political repression and terrorism. A good
geographic education provides the perspectives, information, concepts, and skills
to understand ourselves, our relations to the earth, and our interdependence
with other people of the world Geographic study is not merely useful—it is
crucial.
In addition to the distinctive value of geography.

 Man wants to know about his vast domain. Of all the school subjects,
geography is the only one that can give him a picture and an explanation
of it.
 Geography presents information’s and facts about the world; it
introduces and reinforces the concepts of location, places, relationship,
and movements between and among places and the region.
 Geography examines values and attitudes towards environments and
sharpens intellectual and practice skills.
 Geography provides students with the challenge of problems solving,
which are within their comprehension and require a solution which will
identify those who have a real vocation for research.
 Geography provides students of all ages with a balance appreciation of
world problem and perhaps to moderate their youthful enthusiasm for
certain exploits such as those in space travel. This is significant at a time
when millions of humans being are crying out for a life worthier of our
age. Geography will thus instill in the young the valuable idea of
solidarity which could exist between all men, called international
understanding.
 Geography will help students gain a better understanding of the world in
which they live, te part they can and should play. This broader concept
of geography will help young people understand the great tasks of
agronomists, geologists, engineers, sociologists, architects, and
geographer in shaping a new world.
 The perspectives and skills gained from studying geography can classify
knowledge about the earth and its people, enrich the social sciences,
history, and humanities, and provide a spatial dimension to the physical
sciences.
 Studying geography equips students with the fundamental technical
knowledge and skills that eventually prepare them for planning,
research or teaching careers in geography.
  Studying geography also provides excellent preparations for allied fields
such as surveying and mapping, geology, meteorology, business, urban
or land used planning, managing economic development, environmental
analysis, management, and personnel work.

The importance of studying geography cannot be over-emphasized. It is an

essential ingredient in the total process of educating informed citizens.