Geosystems Core

Brief, flexible, modular approach for today’s students

• Key geographical concepts are presented as two-page modules that can stand on their own and be read in any order. Instructors can assign these flexible modules in whatever sequence best suits their course and teaching style. Each module in the text contains only the most essential content for any concept. The focused presentation prevents students from becoming lost in unnecessary detail.
• A vibrant and contemporary art and photo program places captivating visuals at center stage as the primary teaching tool with the narrative seamlessly integrated. Information is presented in an engaging and highly accessible format for the non-science major.

• QR Links to over 100 Animations and Videos provide just-in-time reinforcement to learners as they read, giving instant mobile access to visualizations from robust science sources such as NASA/JPL, FEMA, and NOAA.

Give students a reliable and visual learning path

• The unique Earth systems approach organizes the chapters around atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, following the natural flow of energy, materials, and information to present topics in the same sequence in which they occur in nature.
• Christopherson, Cunha, and Thomsen’s structured learning path and tightly integrated pedagogy give students a reliable, consistent framework for mastering the chapter concepts:

o   The introductory chapter gives an applied overview of the fundamentals of physical geography, including mapping, geospatial technology, the Scientific Method, and Earth Systems Science.

o   The chapter-opening Key Concepts list the learning objectives for each chapter. Each section of the chapter is tied to a specific learning objective, providing students with a clear learning path to the chapter content.

o   GeoChecks and GeoQuizzes are integrated into each module, enabling students to check their understanding as they read the module sections, for a “read a little, do a little” approach that is engaging, and that fosters active critical thinking.

o   Chapters conclude with a Chapter Review that includes a module-by-module summary with integrated Review Questions, Critical Thinking exercises, Visual Analysis activities, Interactive Mapping activities using MapMaster, and Explore activities using Google Earth.

Engage students by connecting geography to their real-world environment

• Unique two-page GeoLab capstone modules integrate a lab experience directly into the book without the need for a separate lab manual or lab section, enabling students to get hands-on with the data and tools of physical geography. Each GeoLab includes an online component in MasteringGeography that can be assigned and automatically graded.
• The Human Denominator end-of-chapter features explicitly focus on the human-Earth dimension of physical geography within context of the chapter topic. They include maps (spatial data), real-world examples (photos), and review of both current and potential future issues that help engage students by connecting physical geography concepts to their real-world environment.

Present the latest climate change science and data

• Standalone Climate Change Chapter presents the most up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of climate change science and dat