Chapter 1: Geography as a Social Study and as a Science
📚 Complete Chapter for PSTET Paper II (Social Studies)
🎯 Learning Objectives for PSTET Aspirants
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
Define geography and explain its dual nature as both a social study and a science
Analyze the interdisciplinary approach of geography in the school curriculum
Distinguish between physical and human geography with clear examples
Explain the importance of geography in understanding current events and environmental issues
Apply pedagogical strategies to teach geography effectively to upper primary students
Connect geographical concepts to the PSTET examination perspective
1.1 Introduction to Geography: Meaning, Definition, and Its Place in the School Curriculum
🌍 What is Geography?
The term "Geography" is derived from two Greek words:
"Geo" meaning Earth
"Graphien" meaning to describe or to write
Thus, geography literally means "description of the Earth" .
However, modern geography goes far beyond mere description. It is an integrated discipline that seeks to understand:
Where things are located on Earth's surface
Why they are located there
How places differ from one another
📖 Definitions by Renowned Geographers
| Geographer | Definition | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Eratosthenes (Father of Geography) | "Geography is the description of the Earth" | Early descriptive approach |
| Richard Hartshorne | "Geography is concerned with the description and explanation of the areal differentiation of the Earth's surface" | Spatial variation |
| Vidal de la Blache | "Geography is the science of places" | Human-environment relationships |
| Ellen Churchill Semple | "Geography is the study of the influences of the natural environment on humans" | Environmental influence |
🏫 Place of Geography in the School Curriculum
Geography holds a unique and vital position in the school curriculum, particularly at the upper primary level (Classes VI-VIII) .
Why Geography is Essential in Schools:
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Interdisciplinary Nature | Bridges natural sciences and social sciences, helping students make connections between different subjects |
| Citizenship Education | Prepares students to become informed global citizens who understand world issues |
| Environmental Awareness | Develops sensitivity towards environmental conservation and sustainable development |
| Spatial Thinking | Enhances ability to think in spatial terms—understanding maps, directions, and locations |
| Current Events Understanding | Helps students comprehend news about climate change, disasters, migration, and conflicts |
| Cultural Appreciation | Fosters respect for diversity by understanding how people live in different regions |
📝 PSTET Focus Point: Questions often ask about the importance of geography in the school curriculum and its interdisciplinary nature. Be prepared to explain why geography is taught in schools.
1.2 Geography as a Social Science: Understanding Human Societies and Their Interaction with Environment
👥 Geography in the Social Science Domain
As a social science, geography examines how human societies:
Organize themselves in space
Utilize resources from the environment
Develop cultural landscapes (modifying natural landscapes)
Create settlements, transport networks, and economic systems
Interact with each other across regions
🔍 Key Aspects of Geography as a Social Study
A. Human-Environment Interaction
How do people adapt to their environment? (e.g., houses on stilts in flood-prone areas)
How do people modify their environment? (e.g., terrace farming in hills)
What are the consequences of human modification of environment?
B. Cultural Geography
Study of cultural differences across regions
Language, religion, ethnicity, and traditions
How culture shapes the landscape (temples, churches, mosques, cultural regions)
C. Economic Geography
How people earn their livelihood
Distribution of economic activities (agriculture, industries, services)
Trade and commerce patterns
D. Settlement Geography
Why villages and towns are located where they are
Rural and urban settlement patterns
Functions of settlements
E. Political Geography
Boundaries and frontiers
States, nations, and capitals
Geopolitical relationships
📊 Comparison: Geography as Social Science vs. Natural Science
| Aspect | Geography as Social Science | Geography as Earth Science |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Human societies and their activities | Physical features and processes |
| Key Questions | How do people live? Why do they live there? | How were mountains formed? What causes rainfall? |
| Methods | Surveys, interviews, census data analysis | Field measurements, laboratory analysis, remote sensing |
| Sub-disciplines | Cultural, economic, political, urban geography | Geomorphology, climatology, oceanography |
| Examples | Migration patterns, urban growth, farming practices | River systems, climate zones, landforms |
💡 Key Insight for PSTET: Geography is unique because it bridges the social sciences and natural sciences. This dual nature is frequently tested in TET exams .
1.3 Geography as an Earth Science: Systematic Study of Physical Structure
🌎 Geography in the Natural Science Domain
As an Earth science, geography systematically studies the physical structure of our planet. This aspect of geography focuses on understanding:
Natural processes that shape the Earth
Distribution of physical features
🔬 The Four Spheres of Physical Geography
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ THE EARTH'S SYSTEM │ │ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ │ │ │ LITHOSPHERE │ │ HYDROSPHERE │ │ ATMOSPHERE │ │ │ │ (Land) │ │ (Water) │ │ (Air) │ │ │ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └──────────────┼──────────────┘ │ │ ▼ │ │ ┌─────────────────┐ │ │ │ BIOSPHERE │ │ │ │ (Life) │ │ │ └─────────────────┘ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
1. Lithosphere (The Solid Earth)
Definition: The solid outer layer of the Earth consisting of rocks and minerals
Study areas:
Geomorphology: Study of landforms (mountains, plateaus, plains)
Pedology: Study of soils
Geology: Study of rocks and minerals
Examples: Himalayas, Deccan Plateau, Northern Plains of India
2. Hydrosphere (The Water Realm)
Definition: All water bodies on Earth—oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, groundwater
Study areas:
Oceanography: Study of oceans
Hydrology: Study of freshwater bodies
Limnology: Study of lakes
Examples: Pacific Ocean, Ganga River, Chilika Lake
3. Atmosphere (The Gaseous Envelope)
Definition: The layer of gases surrounding the Earth
Study areas:
Climatology: Study of climate patterns
Meteorology: Study of weather and atmospheric processes
Examples: Monsoon winds, cyclones, greenhouse effect
4. Biosphere (The Realm of Life)
Definition: The zone where life exists, interacting with lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere
Study areas:
Biogeography: Distribution of plants and animals
Ecology: Relationships between organisms and environment
Examples: Forests, grasslands, deserts, their flora and fauna
🛠️ Tools Used in Physical Geography
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Remote Sensing | Collecting data about Earth's surface from satellites or aircraft |
| Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | Analyzing and displaying spatial data digitally |
| Global Positioning System (GPS) | Determining exact locations on Earth |
| Maps and Atlases | Representing spatial information traditionally |
| Surveying Equipment | Measuring distances, elevations, and boundaries |
📝 PSTET Focus Point: Questions on the four spheres and their characteristics are common. Remember specific examples from India for each sphere.
1.4 Branches of Geography: Physical Geography and Human Geography
🌿 The Two Main Branches
Geography is traditionally divided into two major branches, with a third integrated branch emerging from their intersection :
┌──────────────────┐
│ GEOGRAPHY │
└────────┬─────────┘
│
┌────────────────┼────────────────┐
▼ ▼ ▼
┌───────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐
│ PHYSICAL │ │ HUMAN │ │ ENVIRONMENTAL│
│ GEOGRAPHY │ │ GEOGRAPHY │ │ GEOGRAPHY │
└───────────────┘ └───────────────┘ └───────────────┘
│ │ │
Studies Natural Studies Human Studies Human-
Environment Activities Environment
Interaction🏔️ Physical Geography (The Science Aspect)
Physical geography focuses on the natural environment and the processes that shape it .
| Sub-Branch | Focus Area | Key Topics for PSTET |
|---|---|---|
| Geomorphology | Landforms and their evolution | Mountains, plateaus, plains, erosion, deposition |
| Climatology | Climate and weather | Seasons, rainfall, wind systems, climate zones |
| Oceanography | Oceans and seas | Waves, tides, currents, ocean relief |
| Biogeography | Distribution of life forms | Forests, wildlife, ecosystems |
| Pedology | Soil science | Soil types, formation, erosion, conservation |
| Hydrology | Water resources | Rivers, lakes, groundwater, water cycle |
🏙️ Human Geography (The Social Study Aspect)
Human geography examines human societies, their activities, and their spatial organization .
| Sub-Branch | Focus Area | Key Topics for PSTET |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Geography | Cultural traits and diffusion | Languages, religions, traditions across regions |
| Economic Geography | Economic activities | Agriculture, industries, trade, resources |
| Population Geography | Population distribution | Density, growth, migration, composition |
| Settlement Geography | Human settlements | Rural and urban settlements, types, functions |
| Political Geography | Political organization | States, boundaries, geopolitics |
| Urban Geography | Cities and urbanization | Urban growth, problems, planning |
| Transport Geography | Movement and connectivity | Modes of transport, networks, trade routes |
🌍 Environmental Geography (The Integrated Branch)
Environmental geography represents the intersection of physical and human geography, focusing on:
✅ Important Note for PSTET: According to the Bihar STET examination pattern, Environmental geography is recognized as a branch of human geography that studies relationships between humans and their natural environment .
📋 Quick Comparison Table for PSTET Revision
| Basis of Comparison | Physical Geography | Human Geography |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Natural features and processes | Human activities and patterns |
| Key Question | "What is the Earth like?" | "How do people live on Earth?" |
| Major Sub-fields | Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography | Cultural, Economic, Population Geography |
| Data Sources | Field measurements, satellite data | Census, surveys, interviews |
| Examples | Himalayas, Monsoon, Ganga River | Cities, Farms, Industries, Roads |
1.5 Importance of Geography: Understanding Current Events, Environmental Issues, and Fostering Global Citizenship
🌟 Why Geography Matters
Geography is not just an academic subject—it is essential for understanding our world and preparing students for life in the 21st century .
🔥 Understanding Current Events
Geography provides the framework to comprehend major global and national issues:
| Current Event/Topic | Geographic Understanding Required |
|---|---|
| Climate Change | Understanding greenhouse effect, global warming, rising sea levels |
| Natural Disasters | Why earthquakes occur in certain zones, cyclone formation, flood-prone areas |
| Conflicts and Wars | Territorial disputes, resource conflicts, strategic locations |
| Migration Crises | Push and pull factors, routes, impact on regions |
| Pandemics | Spatial spread of diseases, factors affecting transmission |
Example for PSTET: When students hear about floods in Assam, geography helps them understand:
Why Assam is flood-prone (location in Brahmaputra valley)
When floods occur (monsoon season)
How people adapt (houses on stilts, embankments)
What can be done (flood management, afforestation)
🌱 Understanding Environmental Issues
Geography creates environmental awareness and promotes sustainable development :
| Environmental Issue | Geographic Perspective |
|---|---|
| Deforestation | Which regions are affected? Why? What are the consequences? |
| Water Scarcity | Which areas face water stress? Why? How can we conserve? |
| Air Pollution | Which cities have poor air quality? Sources? Health impacts? |
| Soil Degradation | Which agricultural regions are affected? Causes? Solutions? |
| Loss of Biodiversity | Which ecosystems are threatened? Why? Conservation efforts? |
Key Concept: Sustainable Development—meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs. Geography teaches this through resource management studies.
🌐 Fostering Global Citizenship
Geography cultivates global citizens who:
| Quality | How Geography Develops It |
|---|---|
| Global Awareness | Understanding different countries, cultures, and their interconnections |
| Cultural Sensitivity | Appreciating diversity in lifestyles, traditions, and values |
| Environmental Responsibility | Recognizing shared responsibility for planet Earth |
| Critical Thinking | Analyzing global issues from multiple perspectives |
| Empathy | Understanding challenges faced by people in different regions |
💭 Thought for Teachers: When students learn about children in different parts of the world—their homes, schools, food, and challenges—they develop empathy and a sense of shared humanity.
📚 Practical Applications of Geography
| Field | Application of Geography |
|---|---|
| Urban Planning | Designing cities, locating facilities, managing growth |
| Disaster Management | Identifying vulnerable areas, planning evacuation routes |
| Environmental Conservation | Identifying protected areas, managing natural resources |
| Business and Marketing | Locating stores, understanding markets, supply chain management |
| Tourism | Identifying tourist destinations, planning itineraries |
| Government and Policy | Delimiting constituencies, planning development programs |
1.6 Pedagogical Focus: How to Introduce Geography to Upper Primary Students
🧒 Understanding the Learner (Classes VI-VIII)
Upper primary students (ages 11-14) are at a concrete operational to formal operational stage according to Piaget. They can:
Think logically about concrete objects and events
Begin to think abstractly and hypothetically
Develop interest in the world beyond their immediate environment
Question and seek explanations
💡 Key Pedagogical Principles for Teaching Geography
1. Start with the Local, Move to the Global
Begin with what students know—their immediate surroundings—and gradually expand to regional, national, and global scales .
Example:
Local: Study of the school neighborhood, local market, nearby river
Regional: Their district, state (Punjab), its features
National: India's physical divisions, climate, agriculture
Global: World continents, major countries, global issues
2. Use Experiential and Activity-Based Learning
Students learn best by doing. Incorporate hands-on activities .
| Activity | Purpose | Materials Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Make a simple compass | Understand directions | Magnet, needle, cork, water |
| Model of Earth's rotation | Understand day and night | Globe, torch |
| Weather diary | Observe and record weather | Notebook, thermometer |
| Local area map | Develop mapping skills | Paper, pencil, pacing |
| Soil collection | Study soil types | Containers, magnifying glass |
3. Connect to Students' Lives and Local Context
Geography becomes meaningful when students can relate it to their own experiences .
The "Majhya Gavcha Dhada" (My Village Chapter) Approach :
A successful initiative in Sangli, Maharashtra, where teachers created local chapters
Students learned about their village's geography, history, and resources
Result: Students could answer all questions about local features but struggled with distant locations
Conclusion: Local connections enhance learning significantly
Application for Punjab Teachers:
Include local geographical features (Sutlej River, Punjab plains, Doaba region)
Discuss local crops (wheat, rice), farming practices, and challenges
Study local weather patterns and their impact on agriculture
Explore local historical sites and their geographical setting
4. Integrate Technology Thoughtfully
Modern tools can make geography engaging and interactive .
| Tool | Application in Classroom |
|---|---|
| Google Earth | Virtual tours of places, measuring distances, viewing terrain |
| Online Maps | Locating places, understanding directions, planning routes |
| GIS Story Maps | Creating interactive stories with maps (Esri India's program for schools) |
| Educational Videos | Showing geographical processes, places, and cultures |
| Weather Websites | Tracking weather, understanding forecasts |
🌐 GIS for Schools: Esri India conducts "Story Maps" workshops where students learn to connect geographic information with multimedia features like text, images, and video clips .
5. Use Maps Effectively
Maps are the basic tools of geography. Develop students' map skills progressively.
Map Skills Progression for Upper Primary:
| Class | Skills to Develop |
|---|---|
| VI | Read simple maps, identify directions, use scale, locate places |
| VII | Interpret map symbols, draw sketch maps, understand contours (basic) |
| VIII | Compare maps, use thematic maps, draw and label outline maps |
Map Activities:
Draw a map of the classroom or school playground
Create a map showing the route from home to school
Locate states and their capitals on India map
Identify physical features on a relief map
6. Promote Inquiry and Critical Thinking
Encourage students to ask questions and investigate geographical phenomena.
Question Framework:
Where? (Location)
What? (Description)
Why there? (Explanation)
How is it connected? (Relationships)
What if? (Prediction/Scenario thinking)
Example: Studying the location of a city
Where is it located? (On a river bank)
What is the city like? (Large, industrial, crowded)
Why is it located there? (Water availability, transport route)
How is it connected to other places? (Roads, railways linking to other cities)
What if the river dries up? (Impact on city's water supply)
7. Use Stories and Narratives
Geography comes alive through stories of people, places, and events.
Tell stories of explorers (Columbus, Magellan, Tenzing Norgay)
Share travel experiences (real or virtual)
Narrate how places got their names
Describe life in different regions through stories
8. Incorporate Current Events
Connect textbook learning with what's happening in the world.
Discuss news about floods, earthquakes, or cyclones
Track the monsoon's progress through news reports
Explore locations mentioned in news (conflicts, disasters, discoveries)
Connect local weather to broader climate patterns
📋 Sample Lesson Plan: "My Place in the World" (Class VI)
| Lesson Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Topic | Understanding our location—from local to global |
| Learning Objectives | Students will be able to: (1) Identify their location at multiple scales (2) Use directions correctly (3) Draw a simple map |
| Materials Needed | World map, India map, Punjab map, local area map, drawing paper, colors |
| Introduction (10 min) | Ask students: "Where do you live?" Collect responses—village name, district, state. Show how answers vary in scale |
| Activity 1 (15 min) | Draw a "My Place" diagram: Start with self in center, add house, village, nearby town, district, state, country, continent, world |
| Activity 2 (15 min) | Using maps, locate: (1) Their village/town (2) District headquarters (3) Punjab on India map (4) India on world map |
| Activity 3 (10 min) | Identify directions—where is the sun rise? Mark North, South, East, West in the classroom |
| Conclusion (5 min) | Discuss: "Why is it important to know where we are in the world?" |
| Assessment | Check if students can correctly sequence their location from local to global |
🎯 Common Misconceptions and How to Address Them
| Misconception | Correct Understanding | Teaching Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| "Maps are just for finding places" | Maps show patterns, relationships, and stories | Use thematic maps (population, rainfall, crops) |
| "Geography is just memorizing names" | Geography involves understanding processes and interactions | Ask "why" and "how" questions |
| "Places are fixed and unchanging" | Places change over time due to natural and human processes | Show historical maps vs. current maps |
| "Environment is just scenery" | Environment provides resources and support systems | Discuss ecosystem services |
| "All deserts are hot" | Some deserts are cold (like Ladakh) | Compare different types of deserts |
📝 PSTET Examination Tips for This Chapter
📝 Chapter Summary: Key Points for Revision
🔑 Key Definitions
Geography: Description of Earth; study of spatial distribution of phenomena
Physical Geography: Study of natural environment and processes
Human Geography: Study of human activities and their spatial organization
Environmental Geography: Study of human-environment interactions
🔑 Core Concepts
Geography bridges social sciences and natural sciences
Four spheres: Lithosphere (land), Hydrosphere (water), Atmosphere (air), Biosphere (life)
Major branches: Physical, Human, and Environmental geography
Geography is essential for understanding current events, environmental issues, and fostering global citizenship
🔑 Pedagogical Principles
Start local, move to global
Use activity-based learning
Connect to students' lives
Integrate technology thoughtfully
Develop map skills progressively
Promote inquiry and critical thinking
🔑 PSTET-Specific Points
Geography's dual nature (social + science) is frequently tested
Pedagogical questions focus on making geography relatable and activity-based
Local context (Punjab) should be emphasized in teaching examples
📚 Practice Questions for PSTET Preparation
Multiple Choice Questions
The term "Geography" is derived from which language?
a) Latin
b) Greek
c) Sanskrit
d) ArabicWhich branch of geography studies the relationship between humans and their natural environment?
a) Geomorphology
b) Oceanography
c) Environmental geography
d) ClimatologyWhich of the following is NOT a sub-branch of physical geography?
a) Climatology
b) Economic geography
c) Geomorphology
d) OceanographyThe four spheres of Earth include all EXCEPT:
a) Lithosphere
b) Atmosphere
c) Technosphere
d) HydrosphereAccording to the pedagogical approach discussed, teaching geography should begin with:
a) Global issues
b) National boundaries
c) Local environment
d) World maps
Short Answer Questions
Differentiate between geography as a social study and geography as a science. Give two examples for each.
Why is geography considered an interdisciplinary subject? Explain with examples.
List any four sub-branches of human geography and briefly explain what each studies.
How does geography help in understanding current environmental issues? Explain with two examples.
Suggest three activities to make geography interesting for Class VI students.
Long Answer Questions
Explain the importance of geography in the school curriculum. How does it contribute to developing global citizenship among students?
Describe the four spheres of the Earth with suitable examples. How are they interconnected?
As a teacher, how would you introduce the concept of "place" to upper primary students? Describe your pedagogical approach with specific activities.
Discuss the relationship between physical geography and human geography. Why is their integration important for understanding environmental problems?
🔗 Online Resources for Further Learning
| Resource | Description | Link/How to Find |
|---|---|---|
| NCERT Geography Textbooks | Class VI, VII, VIII Geography books | ncert.nic.in |
| GIS for Schools (Esri India) | Story maps and GIS workshops for schools | esri.in/en-in/industries/education/programs/schools |
| Google Earth | Virtual exploration of places | earth.google.com/web/ |
| BHUVAN (ISRO) | Indian satellite imagery and maps | bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in |
| Survey of India Maps | Official topographic maps | surveyofindia.gov.in |
| EduRev Geography Notes | TET-specific study material | edurev.in (search for PSTET Geography) |
✅ Chapter Completion Checklist
Before moving to Chapter 2, ensure you can:
Define geography and explain its Greek origin
Differentiate between geography as social study and as science
Name and explain the four spheres of Earth
List at least five sub-branches of physical geography
List at least five sub-branches of human geography
Explain the importance of geography with three reasons
Describe three pedagogical strategies for teaching geography
Recall that environmental geography is a branch of human geography
Plan one activity for teaching map skills
🎓 Prepared for PSTET Aspirants
This chapter is designed to provide comprehensive coverage of "Geography as a Social Study and as a Science" as per the PSTET Paper II syllabus. Use the icons, tables, and summaries for quick revision. Practice the questions to test your understanding.
