Importance of Geography:

Geography studies the earth in relation to mankind. Man’s life is mostly shaped by the environment in which he lives and Geography studies the relation between the earth and man.

According to Macnee, “Geography is the study of earth as the home or in other words, Geography is the study of environment of man, physical and social, particularly with relation to human activities.” Geography has been derived from the words, ‘geo’ and ‘graphy’. ‘Geo’ means earth and ‘graphy’ means ‘study’ or ‘description’.

So, Geography means description of earth. Geography studies all the three aspects of earth, viz. lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.

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Geography is related to other social sciences and we can study them better with a background of Geography. Geography is related to economic progress. Geographical factors influence agriculture, industry, trade, commerce and other aspects of economic development.

Knowledge of Geography is essential for business, trade, commerce, agriculture, industry, navigation, military operation, and spacecraft and even for balancing and administration.

Thus, Geography influences the economic, social and cultural life of a nation. Knowledge of Geography is essential for successful living. Because of its practicable intellectual, cultural and economic value, Geography has assumed a unique place in the school curriculum.

Aims of Objectives of Teaching Geography:

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(1) To acquaint the pupils with the living conditions of men in different parts of the globe.

(2) To enable the pupils to acquire a knowledge of natural resources.

(3) To develop in pupils an understanding of how environment and climatic factors have influenced our life.

(4) To help the pupils to acquire knowledge of their physical and social environment and thus to broaden their outlook.

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(5) To develop in them an understanding of basic concepts, principles and theories relating to geographical phenomena.

(6) To train the pupils in nature study.

(7) To develop the power of thinking, reasoning, memory and power of imagination of pupils.

(8) To develop their ability to draw conclusions and to generalize.

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(9) To develop a love for nation and to develop cosmopolitan and internationalist outlook.

(10) To develop the creative talents of pupils and to develop an attitude of discovery in them.

(11) To develop the skills of reading maps and globes, to develop drawing and measuring skills, and to develop the skill of using and manipulating geographical instruments.

(12) To enable the pupils to appreciate the natural beauty and other physical forces.

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(13)To help the pupils to acquire economic efficiency and lead a successful life.

(14) To adjust human life in accordance with geographical circumstances.

(15) To develop scientific attitude and to develop the ability to draw valid conclusions and independent thinking.

In fact, Geography today is a combination of art and science. Its scope and study is broad and comprehensive. Geography has well established itself as a science.