Geography: An Introduction – SS1 Geography Lesson Note (First Term)

Geography is the study and description of the earth. It covers the surface of the earth and its features, and the relationship between people and their environment. It deals with people, their activities, places and physical things on the earth. Geography is a social science subject, and its study helps people understand their surroundings and the wider world.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain the meaning of geography;
• state the origin of the word geography;
• describe the scope of geography;
• list the values (importance) of geography.

What is geography?

The word Geography is derived from the Greek word Geo, meaning the earth, and graph, which means description. Geography can therefore be defined as the description of the earth. However, Geography does not only describe the surface of the earth and its features. It also investigates the interrelationship between man and his environment. Hence Geography can also be referred to as the study of people, their activities, places and physical things within the earth.

Geography deals with the study of different people in different locations of the earth, including their activities like agriculture, mining, trading, fishing, manufacturing and construction. It also relates to different peoples of the world, their occupations, cultures, ways of dressing, religion, etc. In addition, Geography involves physical features such as plains, valleys, rivers, oceans, weather, rainfall, soils and vegetation.

What is the scope of geography?

Geography is a social science subject which deals with the study of man, his activities and his environment. Its relevance cuts across many other subjects like Economics, Agricultural Science, Government and History.

It is concerned with the study of the size, shape and movement of the earth and other heavenly bodies, landmass, bodies of water, climate, vegetation and events in different places of the world. It also deals with the spatial distribution of animal and natural resources as well as human activities.

What is the value of geography?

The value of geography, or its importance, includes the following:

1. It enables man to have a better understanding of his environment.
2. Geography raises issues, problems and solutions vital to modern society.
3. It consists of knowledge of the world around us, i.e. it enables us to study the ways of other people in other parts of the world.
4. A well-trained geographer can perform many vital roles in the politics and socio-economic sector using his geographical knowledge in such areas as economic, rural or regional planning.
5. Geography helps us to understand some other related topics in physics, chemistry, biology, economics, history, mathematics, etc.
6. It enables us to have a better understanding of physical things around us such as vegetation, climate, rivers, soil, oceans and mountains.
7. It enables us to choose a career from which we can earn a living.

Evaluation

1. What does the word Geography mean, and which language does it come from?
2. Name four human activities studied in Geography.
3. State three things that the scope of geography covers.
4. Give four reasons why geography is important.

Assignment

List five physical features studied in Geography and explain, in your own words, how geography helps us to understand our environment.