Why do we study geography. Why do we need geography in life? Why study geography? The growing role of geography in the modern world due to the increasing complexity

Why study geography? This question immediately brings to mind the episode with geography from Fonfisin's comedy "The Minor". I suggest you watch it.

Perhaps Madame Prostakova was right when she spoke of “a cabman who will take you where you order”? There are specially trained people who will take me to the right place, a lot of maps, including digital ones, colorful guidebooks, GPS receivers, travel agencies, an endless set of geographic videos. Finally, the internet! And modern schoolchildren ask the question: why study geography?

In a wide range of educational disciplines, geography is given little place in the basic curriculum. For example, in the sixth grade it is only one hour per week (excluding the regional component). In the seventh, eighth and ninth - two hours a week, in the tenth and eleventh - one hour a week, provided that the class is general education. And if the class has a specific profile, geography may not be taught at all. There are 9 - 10 hours left for all parallels instead of 17-20. The regional component has practically disappeared; children pay little attention to the study of their small homeland.

Another problem is that modern students have become much more rational and, accordingly, intensively study such subjects that will be useful not even in life, but when entering universities. Geography is not such a subject. Science, which should form the basis of economic, geographic specialties in universities, for some reason is completely ignored by them. Although, in my opinion, the manager needs geography more than social studies. Even when entering a pedagogical university for a specialized specialty, we do not see geography, but all the same social studies. Although, you must admit, it is difficult to imagine a competent international relations officer or a manager of the tourism industry who does not deeply know geography.

Now such an area of \u200b\u200bknowledge as geography is represented in Russian classical universities (24 faculties) and pedagogical universities (41 faculties). In large universities and academies, these are separate faculties that graduate bachelors, specialists and masters in their respective narrow fields of knowledge.

So according to statistics in the largest university in Chelyabinsk, SURGU, the entrance test in geography must be passed only for 1 of more than 100 areas of the bachelor's program!

However, the Federal Law "On Education in the Russian Federation" formulates as a principle of state policy "fostering mutual respect, citizenship, patriotism, individual responsibility, as well as the protection and development of ethnocultural characteristics and traditions of the peoples of the Russian Federation in a multinational state", which is impossible without geography!

So back in 1845, by the highest order of Nicholas I, the Russian Geographical Society was founded. Today it is one of the oldest geographical societies in the world. It brings together specialists in the field of geography and related sciences, as well as enthusiastic travelers, ecologists, public figures and everyone who seeks to learn new things about Russia, who are ready to help preserve its natural resources. Regional branches of the Company operate in each of the 85 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Since 2009, the President of the Society has been Russian Defense Minister Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu.

Since 2015, the Russian Geographical Society, at the initiative of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Society, Vladimir Putin, has been annually holding the All-Russian Geographical Dictation. Its main purpose is to assess the level of geographical literacy of the population. This year, some students of our school took part in the online dictation.

In the context of the modernization of education, the requirements for the professional skills of teachers are increasing. One of the requirements is to improve the lesson, which, despite the variety of forms of organization of training, remains the basis of the educational process. Traditional lesson delivery requires a fundamental change in response to the new generation of educational standards. One of the main conditions for the effectiveness of the lesson is the employment of all students in the class with productive educational activities, teaching them to independently acquire knowledge and instilling the skills of independent work. The basis of a modern geography lesson is the system-activity approach. The teacher's task is not just to present educational material, to check the content learned, but to organize the activities of students with various sources of geographic information, formulate cognitive tasks and provide assistance in solving educational problems, and create situations of interaction.

Oddly enough, scientific and technological progress. The digital revolution has led to the emergence of electronic media and the ability to get instant access to any information, including geographic ones. Internet, electronic maps, GPS-navigation, etc. Why study dryly written textbooks on geography and look at paper atlases when you can go online and see information about different territories of the Earth. As a last resort, purchase a DVD of geographic films. At the same time, the student does not care that the textbook is aimed at developing systemic and complex thinking, and everything on the Internet is chaotic.

The value of school geography lies in the fact that it is the only school subject of an ideological nature that forms a comprehensive, systemic and socially oriented view of the Earth as a human planet in students. It is also the only subject that introduces them to the territorial approach as a special method of scientific knowledge. The value of geographical knowledge in the formation of personality allows us to formulate the general goal of geographical education. Thus, students master a complete system of geographic knowledge and skills, the possibilities of their application in life, various situations, i.e. show competence. What competencies can be formed in geography lessons? - Valuable and semantic competencies form an attitude to life, correctly set value orientations. - General cultural competences are formed in the study of ethnic groups, family and social values, traditions and way of life of different peoples. - Educational and cognitive competencies are formed in the student's lesson and extracurricular activities, when he gains knowledge from the world around him during excursions, learns to distinguish facts from speculation, uses statistical information. - Information competencies imply mastery of modern information media and information technologies. For example, create a presentation for a lesson or extracurricular event, show and analyze pictures of the studied territories from Space. - Communicative competencies are formed in the process of communication, include knowledge of ways of interacting with others, skills of working in a team, possession of various social roles.

I remember in my school years, sitting at a geography lesson, I involuntarily thought: “Why are we studying geography at all? Why is it needed?"Such thoughts haunted me for quite a long time. But after graduating from school, I realized that there is simply nothing to do without knowledge of geography. And now I will tell you why.

Why do people need geography

Geography has always played one of the leading rolesin human life. This is one of the oldest sciences, the importance of which can hardly be overestimated.

And after the blank spots disappeared from the earth's map, the leading task of geographers was knowledge of the laws by which nature and modern society exist people. Even today, geography has room for amazing discoveries.

But back to the role of this science. Modern geography conducts studies in the field of agriculture, international relations, solves global problemsand comprehends the influence of man on the nature around him. The complex of geographical sciences is very large, it includes the study of:

• our planet as a celestial body;
• the internal structure of the Earth;
• landforms, their features;
• origin and location mineral;
• stories and cultures of different peoples;
• shells of our planet(hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere ...);
• structures of oceans, local topography, flora and fauna;
• weather research... And many other areas.

Geography is truly an amazing science, even after centuries it is constantly discovering something new.

Why does an ordinary person need geography

Before that, I spoke about geography as a great science that benefits all of humanity and develops other areas. But how is geography useful to ordinary people?

First of all, geography gives us information about the structure of the earth... We learn the location of the continents, where our country is located, our hometown. We also get acquainted with terrain featuresour region, its structure and properties.

All this helps a person do not get lost and get out of any situation without panic... In addition, we broaden our horizons. I would even say that geography teaches us to live on earth.

Geography concept

From the very moment of his appearance on the planet, a person was forced to interact with his environment. In order to satisfy his needs, man had to study the environment. Initially, knowledge was limited to trial and error. Then, in the course of observations and comparison of facts, a person began to describe the phenomena, analyze the pattern of their appearance, and study the causes of their occurrence. This is how science was formed.

In the course of the development of scientific knowledge, philosophy was the first to take shape. It began to be called the science of everything or the science of sciences. Later, general science began to differentiate into separate branches (directions) as factual material was accumulated and systematized. Already in Ancient Greece, the sciences of nature were formed - geography, biology and medicine. It is with the Hellenic period that the formation of geography as a science is associated.

Definition 1

Geography is a complex of sciences about the geographic shell of our planet, the processes and phenomena occurring in it, the patterns of their manifestations and distributions.

According to the specifics of the objects of research, the following branches of geography are distinguished:

• physiography;
• economical geography;
• social geography.

Each of these branches is further subdivided into a number of more specialized branches (hydrology, climatology, geology, geomorphology, geography of production, geography of population, etc.).

Geographic research methods

Like any other science, geography uses scientific methods of knowledge.

Definition 2

The scientific method is a method of obtaining information about the object under study.

For a long time in geography (as in other branches of science) the descriptive method was the leading one. Travelers and researchers described what they saw (countries, peoples, customs, phenomena and events). This method served to accumulate factual material.

The next step was the method of analysis and systematization. All the accumulated material was subjected to comparison, highlighting common and distinctive features, generalization and formulation of conclusions. This method made it possible to create forecasts for the further development of processes, phenomena, states and peoples.

According to the method of obtaining information, cartographic, literary and statistical methods are distinguished. The cartographic method consists in creating drawings of the area, plotting the areas of distribution of processes and phenomena, and analyzing their changes. The statistical method consists in collecting and analyzing quantitative indicators of various processes and phenomena (area, volume, number, productivity, etc.).

In geography, in addition to theoretical methods, the method of field research is also actively used. It consists in research directly on the ground. All methods are closely related and complement each other.

Role and functions of geography

Remark 1

It is difficult to overestimate the role of geography in human life. Geographic science penetrates into all spheres of human activity. She also studies the objects surrounding the person. Figuratively speaking, we can say that geography is a science. providing a person with knowledge of the world around him.

The basis of the complex of geographical sciences is physical geography. It provides knowledge of the processes taking place in all shells of our planet:

• atmosphere;
• lithosphere;
• hydrosphere;
• biosphere.

The study of processes and phenomena allows us to conclude about the patterns of their manifestation. This makes it possible to foresee certain natural phenomena. The most important thing in modern conditions is the study of human influence on natural processes and forecasting their possible consequences.

On the basis of data about nature, a person can plan the development of production, the location of an enterprise and settlements. Economic geography deals with these issues. And again, as in physical geography, economic geography makes it possible to predict the consequences of the interaction of man, society, industry and nature. Recently, the influence of human activity has acquired a global character. Therefore, underestimating human influence on nature can have disastrous consequences.

Social geography studies the influence of nature and production on humans. Thanks to social geography, the patterns of the emergence of settlements, the settlement of peoples, the formation of classes and class relations are explained. The direct use of geography consists in the use of geographical maps and terrain plans in economic activities, the use of weather forecasts in transport and agriculture, and geological exploration data in the establishment of mining.

Geography is a necessary science that studies the Earth. For most people, she is associated only with a school subject, while others value her for her knowledge of the places they choose to travel. It is a science that ensures the full existence of people on Earth with the available nature, products and even treatment options.

Geography at school

Geography is the only subject at school that forms a comprehensive understanding of our planet and people in students. She introduces them to the territorial approach as a way of cognition and a significant tool for influencing socio-economic and natural processes.

The following meanings of geography exist:

• understanding of the modern world as a single, but diverse and at the same time indivisible, understanding of certain places in the world and awareness of the involvement of each person in life on the planet;
• the formation of geographical thinking, which makes it possible to look at phenomena and objects in close interconnection in space and time, and allows you to be aware of the situation at the present moment in time;
• implementation of humane ideas, which are manifested in the preservation of nature and animals, in-depth study of natural places and people.

Why study geography?

It is necessary to study this science in order to know how and why typhoons and tsunamis occur, how mountains are formed, where people cannot study nature, how various insects, animals and birds live, and much more.

In addition, there are several areas of this science. There is even a medical one that studies how the geographic environment affects human health. It is not doctors who are engaged in this science, but professors and academicians of geographical sciences.

How it comes in handy in life

Knowledge of geography helps in various areas of life. Everyone knows its benefits when traveling. Thanks to her, you can navigate the world map. In addition, time and time zones are taken into account. This science explains everything about time zones, and in which of them this or that city is located.

It is also needed in the field of satellite and cellular communications, navigation. All modern GPS satellites, navigators and cellular operators use local knowledge. All operators have their own coverage area and outside of it it is no longer possible to call, or roaming may start. This is where modern knowledge of geography comes in handy. If you know the area where the action of your operator ends and expensive calls begin, you can connect to another cellular connection.

Modern technology is inextricably linked with this science. Navigators are devices that help you get to your destination. And this is possible thanks to the built-in compass. GPS satellites also require mapping. They send coordinates to Earth, which are indicated in seconds, minutes and degrees. They are then deciphered and help you navigate.

Tourists especially need knowledge in such science. After all, before you go to a certain place, you need to learn everything about the climate there. Otherwise, inappropriate weather conditions can simply ruin your holiday. In addition, knowledge warns tourists against danger. After all, there are places on Earth where it periodically becomes very dangerous, hurricanes and earthquakes occur.

A dream to visit Australia or Lake Baikal are different goals, because they are located in completely different places. Something is further away, something closer. Knowledge gives an idea of \u200b\u200bwhat parts of the world they are located in and what kind of climate there is. This helps you plan your travels wisely.

In addition to the above, geography allows you to navigate in weather conditions. For example, mushroom pickers and fishermen always need to know when there will be a successful harvest and catch. And in these cases, as you know, they are possible when there are rains and warm nights are observed.

Thus, geography is widely used in our lives. It helps you navigate life, learn a lot and draw conclusions in all sorts of areas - nutrition, weather forecast, travel, traditions, entertainment, and so on.

Geography presentations

Such presentations contribute to the students' awareness and perception of the comprehended materials, broaden their horizons, instill love in this science and their native land. Download presentations on geography on this site.

This material is one of the important and interesting stages in consolidating the studied material or in checking homework after passing a certain topic. Thanks to the presentations, students begin to develop the ability to work with all kinds of information geographic sources, analyze data and argue their opinion. Anyone can download and use the presentations. They can analyze various maps, draw up diagrams, present slides with textual accompaniment, music video files. It all depends on the topic.

Geography lesson in grade 5 according to the Federal State Educational Standard

Lesson objectives:

- to acquaint students with a new subject - geography;

- to reveal the features of the course content;

- to show the practical importance of geography at different stages of the development of society;

- find out what tasks geography solves;

- to acquaint with the methods of geographical science;

- to acquaint students with the new textbook and teacher requirements.

Equipment: physical map of the hemispheres, portraits of travelers, famous geographers, atlases, contour maps, textbook, workbook "My simulator".

The cognitive component of the lesson: geography; tasks and methods of geographical science.

Activity component of the lesson: familiarize yourself with the text and extra-textual components of the textbook, atlas, simulator; study the features of the construction of sections and paragraphs; enter into a dialogue with the aim of determining the significance of geography for oneself and society.

The emotional-value component of the lesson: to assess the importance of geographical science in the modern world; to realize the idea that geography is one of the oldest sciences and at the same time the most modern, allowing people to navigate the world and give answers to complex questions of the relationship between man, nature and society.

Working with the tutorial: acquaintance with a new textbook while working with it.

Lesson type: introductory.

Learning new material

In this lesson, the teacher solves three main problems.

First, it acquaints students with a new academic subject - geography, its tasks and modern research methods.

Secondly, it reveals the main features of a new geography textbook for students and the principle of working with it.

Thirdly, it focuses the attention of students on the fact that successful study of geography is impossible without the use of geographical maps, as well as additional literature, Internet materials, periodicals and other sources of knowledge.

It is advisable to build a lesson based on studying the content of a geography textbook. First, the teacher poses questions to the students, referring to their personal experience: what do they know about geography? With what or with whom do they connect geography? What would they like to learn by studying geography? What books, magazines have they already read? What TV shows and films of geographic content have you seen? Where did the students manage to visit in their area, country, world?

The teacher writes down the answers to the questions posed on the board under the general title "Our geographical experience".

Then students are encouraged to review and study the short title with the title of the topic (p. 3).

The teacher draws attention to the fact that the word “geography” is Greek and means “description of the land”. Geography deals not only with describing complex processes on Earth, but also explaining them, making forecasts. At the origins of geography were great scientists: Strabo, who was called the Geographer, Eratosthenes, who wrote the essay "Geography". Since then, this word has become the name of the science of the planet Earth.

The history of geography began with travel and navigation. As a result, the geographic horizons of people expanded, new lands were mastered and then settled, important information about them was collected.

The first fragment of the paragraph is called "Why does a merchant need geography?" After studying this section of the paragraph, the teacher asks the students a question: where were the goods that surround you at home produced?

Further, the students discuss why we, modern people, need geography; how it matters for all people and for each of us personally; are there people among their relatives and friends whose profession is related to geography, can they name professions related to geography. The teacher asks what qualities, according to the students, people associated with geography should have.

The main conclusion that geography helps us to see and reveal the image of the world, to navigate in it, the students find on p. 5 tutorials.

To appreciate the importance of geography, the teacher gives an example of how scientists evaluated geography. The outstanding Russian scientist M.V. Lomonosov wrote about the role of geography: “What is more useful to the human race for the mutual communication of its surpluses, what is safer for those who swim in the sea, what is more necessary for travelers to different states, how to know the position of places, the flow of rivers, the distance of hail, the magnitude, abundance and proximity of different lands, customs, customs and governments peoples? This is clearly shown by Geography, which subjects the entire universe to a single glance "... Our contemporary scientist-geographer V.S.Preobrazhensky believed that "Geography is a science that creates a special geographical picture of the world with man, and it is not just a combination of the world and man, it is a man's awareness of his place in the world"... From these quotes it is clear that at all times, scientists have highly appreciated the importance of geography.

Each science sets itself tasks that are studied using certain research methods. Using the diagram on p. 6 Geography Problems, students call these problems.

For a clearer presentation of the methods of geographical science, students fill out in the simulator or sketch in a notebook a diagram:

The next stage of the lesson is familiarization with the textbook and the requirements for a geography lesson. First, students identify how the textbook is built, what topics and paragraphs it consists of. Having carefully studied the diagram on p. 7, students will have a clear understanding of the structure of the textbook. The teacher draws attention to the fact that the symbol of the textbook is the North Star, which will serve as a guide and help highlight the most important thing in the paragraph. Moving along the route laid by the "Polar Star", students will be able to achieve good results and pass the "easy exam" for themselves, their parents, and comrades.

At the end of each paragraph, there is a "Remember" section, which gives basic terms, place names and names. You need to know them and be able to find them on the map. To better assimilate the material of the paragraph, students should answer the questions and perform tasks under the headings "This I know," "This is I can," "This is interesting to me." The first section helps to assimilate the text of the paragraph, the second and third allow students to get creative with the matter by completing various tasks.

A faithful companion that students should constantly turn to is the "How to Better Work with a Textbook to Be Successful?" in the section “Step by Step” (p. 7). The study of this section introduces the basic techniques of working with the textbook.

The teacher pays attention to the cards at the end of the textbook, reveals their role and purpose. During the lesson, students get acquainted with the workbook "My simulator" and its headings.

At the end of the lesson, the teacher explains the meaning of the weather calendar in the geography classroom, says that keeping it systematically throughout the year is the job of the class attendants.

Homework

1. Study § 1.
2. Answer questions 1-3.
3. Complete task 4.
4. Find out from the labels where the food came from. Fill in and analyze the table: