GIEL Cluster 1: Thinking Geographically

Question 1

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

Local communities and nearby nature areas:
-?
-?

Answer 1

-Are dependent on each other
-Mutually affect each other

Question 2

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood
Why are people dependent on nature?
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-?
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Example:

Answer 2

-Nature provides essentials like air and water for human survival
-Organisms like bees help pollinate crops for continuous supply of food
-Nature provides spaces for recreation and leisure activities, allowing people to bond with their family and friends, helping maintain humans’ physical and mental well-being
Example: NParks’ Therapeutic Gardens help connect people with nature and reduce stress which improves their physical, psychological and social well-being

Question 3

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood
Why are some nature areas also dependent on local communities to thrive?
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-?
Example:

Answer 3

-People in neighbourhoods may tend to the health of nearby nature areas, ensuring the plants and animals living there thrive.
-Individuals in local communities can encourage one another to enjoy nearby nature areas in a sustainable manner without causing irreversible damage.
Example: NParks organises various activities for schools during the week of international day for biodiversity in May. One example is the Green Wave campaign that aims to educate youths on the importance of protecting our natural environment.

Question 4

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

Local communities and nearby nature areas mutually affect each others, bringing both benefits and harms to each other.

How do nature areas benefit people?
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Answer 4

-The presence of green spaces and urban wildlife in neighbourhoods can enhance the mental health and well-being of local communities, also giving them enjoyment
-lowering temperatures
-removing pollutants
-providing space for recreation

Question 5

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

Local communities and nearby nature areas mutually affect each others, bringing both benefits and harms to each other.

How do people bring benefits to nature?
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Example:
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Example:

Answer 5

• Local communities can collectively raise awareness about the value of nature areas by encouraging positive behaviour that does not damage nature.
  Example: The NParks Citizen Science initiative, Dragonfly, trains participants to identify different dragonfly species at their assigned sites, resulting in greater protection of the species by raising awareness of their importance in the environment.
• Local communities can also organise/participate in conservation efforts
  -Clean-up programmes to remove pollutants help restore natural habitats and provide a healthy environment for species to thrive
  Example: The waterways clean-up programme organised by the Waterways Watch Society creates opportunities for schools to pick up trash from the Marina Reservoir

Question 6

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

How does the presence of vegetation help lower temperatures?
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-?

Answer 6

-Provides shade and reduces the amount of direct sunlight reaching the surface
-Cools the surrounding air through evapotranspiration as the water that plants absorb through their roots is released into the air as water vapour. The process uses heat from the surroundings, thus cooling it.

Question 7

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

How do nature areas remove pollutants?
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-?
-?

Answer 7

-During photosynthesis, vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide and other air pollutants while releasing oxygen.
-Leaves intercept small particles, which are washed to the ground when it rains.
-Wetland plants can trap suspended materials and absorb excess nutrients in the water, improving water quality.

Question 8

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

How do nature areas provide recreational spaces?
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-?

Answer 8

-They offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities
-Direct and frequent interactions with nature can benefit the health and well-being of people, reducing severity and occurrences of health conditions.

Question 9

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

How do people bring disadvantages to nature?
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Answer 9

-Causing soil erosion
-Damaging vegetation
-Worsening pollution
-Disturbing wildlife

Question 10

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

How does nature bring disadvantages to people?
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-?

Answer 10

-Wildlife from nearby nature areas may harm people
-environmental protection may hinder development

Question 11

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

How do people cause soil erosion and damage vegetation?
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Example:

Answer 11

-When people hike along non-designated trials in nature areas:
-They may cause soil compaction, preventing rainwater from infiltrating the surface, leading to higher surface flows and soil erosion as the flowing water washes away the soil particles.
-They may trample on vegetation, damaging plants and affecting their growth.
Example: In 2014, human activities led to severe soil erosion and habitat degradation in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, resulting in the limiting of public access to the nature reserve for 2 years.

Question 12

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

How do people worsen pollution and disturb wildlife?
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Example:

Answer 12

-Littering can worsen pollution in natural areas
-Animals can get cut by metal cans/become entangled with plastic containers and bags
-Some animals may also mistake litter for food and consume them, which may cause the animals to get hurt and suffer, possibly leading to their death.
-Feeding wild animals may also lead to changes in the habits and behaviours of wildlife and human-wildlife can increase when animals associate food with people.
Example: Some people think they are helping wild animals by feeding them, but it actually does more harm than good. The Singapore law prohibits the feeding of any wild animals, with a fine of $5000 for the first offence

Question 13

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

Human-wildlife conflicts may increase due to an increase in human-wildlife encounters. What are some reasons for increasing human-wildlife encounters in Singapore and why?
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Answer 13

-[Urban expansion]
-Singapore continues to urbanise and develop, leading to natural habitats shrinking. Wildlife may venture out of nature areas searching for food/shelter, potentially increasing the frequency of human-wildlife encounters.
-[People’s growing interest in outdoor recreation]
-With growing interest, people are now spending more time in nature areas, increasing the frequency of human-wildlife encounters.
-[Greening efforts by the state]
-Singapore aims to bring nature back into the city to promote human-wildlife encounters.

Question 14

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

Why may wildlife from nearby nature areas harm people?
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-?

Answer 14

-With the increase of wildlife population in the city, people who may not know how to deal with them may unintentionally provoke them, leading to attacks
-Some animals may be confused and fearful when they venture into unfamiliar urban spaces, increasing their likelihood to attack when fearful/triggered

Question 15

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhood

Why may environmental protection be perceived to be limiting development?
-?
Example:

Answer 15

-Some people in local communities may feel that the protection of nature is done at the expense of their needs
Example: The Cross Island MRT Line was proposed to be built around, instead of under, the Central Catchment Nature Reserve to protect our largest primary rainforest.
Residents were afraid that this would:
1. Bring them inconvenience
2. Damage their property
3. Result in their homes being acquired to make way for the construction
However, the reserve is home to many critically endangered species. Construction of the MRT line may damage their habitat, affecting their survival.

Question 16

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhoods

Define community

Answer 16

Community: A group of people in a particular place who has a sense of belonging both to the place and to the group.

Question 17

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhoods

Define nature area

Answer 17

Nature area: Also known as the natural environment, it refers to the nonhuman world, which are areas that are untouched or barely affected by humans

Question 18

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhoods

Define recreation

Answer 18

Recreation: Any voluntary activity undertaken for purposes of enjoyment, pleasure, and personal satisfaction

Question 19

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhoods

Define neighbourhood

Answer 19

Neighbourhood: A sub-division of an urban area that is distinguished by some character or quality, where residents share commonalities

Question 20

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhoods

Define wildlife
Define vegetation
Define environmental protection
Define soil erosion
Define pollutant
Define pollution

Answer 20

Wildlife: Animals of a wild nature including their young/eggs
Vegetation: The collection of plant life that provides ground cover in a region
Environmental protection: Any activity to protect, conserve and restore natural habitats and species
Soil erosion: Soil particles being detached, transported and deposited by water, wind, gravity, animals/plants
Pollutant: Substance that is present in concentrations that may harm humans, plants and animals.
Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances into the environment

Question 21

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhoods

Define vegetation

Answer 21

Vegetation: The collection of plant life that provides ground cover in a region

Question 22

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhoods

Define environmental protection

Answer 22

Environmental protection: Any activity to protect, conserve and restore natural habitats and species

Question 23

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhoods

Define soil erosion

Answer 23

Soil erosion: Soil particles being detached, transported and deposited by water, wind, gravity, animals/plants

Question 24

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhoods

Define pollutant

Answer 24

Pollutant: Substance that is present in concentrations that may harm humans, plants and animals.

Question 25

1.1: Relationships between people and nature in their neighbourhoods Define pollution

Answer 25

Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances into the environment

Question 26

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods What is a sense of place? -? -? -? -? -?

Answer 26

-Sense of place is developed when people associate meanings and memories with locations -It reflects the relationship people have with the places around them -A sense of place helps to build our identity, enabling us to understand ourselves & others between -It is derived from our experiences with the natural & built environments, & interactions with others at these locations -It is highly personal & subjective

Question 27

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods Why is sense of place highly personal & subjective? -? -? Example:

Answer 27

-One location may hold different meanings for different people, depending on our needs, lifestyle & how we make sense of our experiences of places -Locations in a neighbourhood may also hold special memories for a specific group of residents they serve Example: Homemakers & retirees may associate different meanings with hawker centres

Question 28

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods How is a sense of place acquired? -?

Answer 28

-It is acquired when people have experiences with natural and built environments and interact with others at these locations

Question 29

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods A sense of place is acquired when people have experiences with natural and built environments and interact with others at these locations. These include: -? -? Example: -?

Answer 29

-Repeated encounters with object and people -This helps us recall the characteristics & features of places that we come across and create meanings and memories of them. Example: Many residents in SG have vivid memories of the scenic journeys along the East Coast Parkway as it is a route that they go by when they return home from overseas -Individuals experiencing significant or memorable events at local landmarks and gathering places

Question 30

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods How do experiences of significant/memorable events at local landmarks and gathering places help people acquire a sense of place? -? -? -? -? -? -?

Answer 30

-Landmarks are highly visible & easy for majority to remember -They may have symbolic/historical purposes -Landmarks may hold positive and/or negative memories -They may feature public symbols reflecting a community’s response to a tragedy, being a place for people to preserve their memories of loved ones -Our interactions with people at everyday places may result in us developing an attachment to these places, enabling us to feel a sense of belonging to our neighbourhoods -Places which may not be visually distinctive may be transformed into memorable places during community events

Question 31

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods How is sense of place represented? -?

Answer 31

-Sense of place may be represented through different forms and types of media by individuals & organisations, which reflects people’s ideas, memories & significance of the location

Question 32

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods How may individuals express their personal sense of place? -? Example:

Answer 32

-An individual may express their personal sense of place in different forms such as texts, audio, graphics and still/moving images. This can then be shared with others through various media types such as internet-based media Example: Using the hashtag #sgmemory, users of Instagram share photos of their memorable experiences of places around Singapore

Question 33

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods How may representations of sense of place enhance/contradict individuals sense of place? -?

Answer 33

-Different emotions expressed in the media might enhance or contradict our sense of place

Question 34

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods How may representations of sense of place enhance an individual’s sense of place? -? -? Example:

Answer 34

-Our sense of place shapes our identity, so we respond well to representations that agree with how we feel about places in our neighbourhood -Such representations add new layers of meaning to these places by revealing interesting information about them, enhancing our sense of place Example: Websites featuring the interesting history of the Beaulieu House in Sembawang may develop in people a greater appreciation for the place, enhancing their attachment to it

Question 35

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods How may representations of sense of place contradict an individual’s sense of place? -? Example:

Answer 35

-We may respond defensively to media content challenging our sense of place, causing us to dismiss these media content, perceiving them as distortions/untruths Example: The negative media portrayal of Yishun after the occurrence of rat problems & other crimes caused their Town Council and residents to share official statistics to show that Yishun is just like any other town in SG

Question 36

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods Define meanings:

Answer 36

Significant ideas that individuals associate with a location

Question 37

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods Define memories:

Answer 37

Significant experiences of a location that individuals remember

Question 38

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods Define built environment:

Answer 38

The design and configuration of roads, buildings, structures and spaces

Question 39

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods Define landmarks

Answer 39

Buildings or structures with distinguishing characteristics that are easily recognised

Question 40

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods Define gathering places:

Answer 40

Spaces where people are able to congregate and interact

Question 41

1.2: A sense of place in neighbourhoods Define media:

Answer 41

Range from entertainment to news media, including traditional media such as television, and new media such as social media

Question 42

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood What are regions? -? -? Example: About a region’s boundaries: -?

Answer 42

-Areas with similar physical and/or human characteristics/ areas that are known for something -Regions can also be the sphere of [influence] of services, events and objects on other locations in the area Example: Regions in our neighbourhoods can be classified as the areas that our Town Councils service. -A region’s boundaries are where the effect of services, events or objects are largely absent.

Question 43

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood Regions ____ __ ____

Answer 43

-vary in size

Question 44

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood Regions may be classified according to: -? -? -?

Answer 44

-Environmental characteristics: Nature or built-up areas -Human characteristics: e.g. Commercial or residential areas -Geographical location: e.g. East or West

Question 45

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood What are spatial patterns? -?

Answer 45

Spatial patterns reflect [non-random] arrangements that are recognisable as shapes,[clusters], [geometry], or repeated occurrences at regular intervals.

Question 46

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood ____, ____ and ____ in our neighbourhood are _____ _______ arranged.

Answer 46

-services, events, objects, often, non-randomly

Question 47

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood There is often a ____ why particular ____, ____ and ____ are _____ in particular areas.

Answer 47

-reason, services, events, objects, located

Question 48

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood _____ spatial patterns is useful as it helps us ______ ___ _____ _____ _____.

Answer 48

Recognising, understand the world around us

Question 49

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood How can spatial patterns be easily identified on maps, and how may they appear on a map?

Answer 49

Spatial pattern can be easily identified on maps where services, events and objects are represented by points, lines or polygons. Spatial patterns may appear as: -recognisable shapes and geometry such as circles and lines on a map. -Clusters or concentrations on a map -Repeated occurrences at regular intervals on a map

Question 50

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood What are spatial associations? -? Example: -? -? Example:

Answer 50

-Spatial associations refer to the tendency of a pair of services, events and objects to be located near each other Example: Lifts and stairways are often located near each other -They suggest connections between services, events or objects -Understanding spatial associations enhances our everyday living. Example: Train stations and bus interchanges are often located near each other to increase the convenience of switching from one mode of transport to another. Understanding this can help residents plan their trips to decrease their travelling time

Question 51

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood Define influence:

Answer 51

Effect on people or objects, causing significant changes

Question 52

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood Define non-random:

Answer 52

Not random; elements do not have an equal probability of occurrence

Question 53

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood Define cluster:

Answer 53

A number if similar objects that are located close to one another

Question 54

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood Define geometry:

Answer 54

Shape, spatial configuration or arrangement of objects

Question 55

1.3: Relationship between locations in a neighbourhood Define tendency:

Answer 55

An inclination towards a particular outcome

Question 56

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore What are spatial scales? -? -? Define [nested areas] -?

Answer 56

-Spatial scales refer to an extent of an aXrea in which a phenomenon or process takes place -Scales can be at different hierarchies including global, regional and local -[Nested areas] are smaller areas located within larger areas

Question 57

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore How would knowing spatial scales help us? -? How would examining phenomena and/or processes at different scales help us? -?

Answer 57

-Knowing spatial scales help us understand how events and processes at one spatial scale may affect people and nature at other spatial scales -Examining phenomena and/or processes at different scales can provide us with different perspectives based in the spatial patterns and trends observed

Question 58

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore What are the spatial scales in SG? -? -? -? -? -? -? -?

Answer 58

-In SG, there are over 20 towns spread across the island -In each one, there is town centre with a concentration of activities -Each town centre may serve as the commercial & social hubs for the neighbourhood residents -Some may have integrated transport hubs where bus interchanges & train stations are near shopping malls -The convenience of such town centres may attract visitors from other towns, making it viable for large shopping malls to be located there -Businesses may also be attracted and locate their offices in these town centres, taking advantage of lower costs & reducing travelling time for workers -There are also large gathering places in town centres like the Punggol Town Square where community activities take place regularly

Question 59

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore What are spatial hierarchies we can observe in Singapore? -? -? -?

Answer 59

-In SG, there are nested areas of different sizes, beginning with a single residential unit -Each of these residential units is part of a precinct, which is part of a neighbourhood that is located with a town -A neighbourhood comprises a few precincts, and a few neighbourhoods make up a town

Question 59

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore How will the design of town centres help us? -? Example:

Answer 59

The design of town centres helps us understand Singapore’s larger and longer-term goals Example: The roads in the proposed Tengah’s town centre will run underground to encourage walking and cycling at the ground level. This contributes to our goal of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing liveability

Question 60

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore What is a precinct? -? What are the characteristics of a precinct? -? -? Example:

Answer 60

-Between 400 & 800 units form a precinct -Facilities are often within close proximity, serving residents’ everyday needs -However, some other facilities are spread throughout the precinct to meet the residents’ needs Example: Bus stops are spread out in regular intervals such that there is a bus stop near every apartment block, which ensures most residents in the precinct can have easy access to the bus stops

Question 61

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore What are the characteristics of a neighbourhood? -? -? -? -? Example:

Answer 61

-A neighbourhood serves between 4000 and 6000 residential units -Each neighbourhood comprises a few precincts -Facilities at the neighbourhood and precinct complement one another to serve residents -Some neighbourhoods also have integrated facilities that bring together amenities under 1 roof Example: The Bukit Panjang Bus Interchange is located next to a train station and it also has community spaces, elder care and childcare centres, food outlets and a medical centre.

Question 62

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore What are the characteristics of a town? -? -? -? Example:

Answer 62

-A few neighbourhoods form a town -The town’s neighbourhoods can be found surrounding the town centre, which enables all residents to travel to and from the town centre conveniently -In SG, each town has a wide range of facilities and features that enhance residents’ convenience and meet their everyday needs. Example: Shops and schools that serve residents

Question 63

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore How is town planning done in Singapore? Town planning in Singapore: -? -?

Answer 63

-Serves residents and provides for nature at distinct levels of the precinct, neighbourhood and town -Creates connections and synergies across precincts, neighbourhoods and towns

Question 64

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore How does SG’s town planning serve residents and provide for nature at precinct, neighbourhood and town levels? -? -? -? -? -?

Answer 64

-Land in each town is mostly allocated for housing, industrial and commercial development -Remaining land is set aside for roads, schools, parks and other essential park facilities -Facilities at the precinct, neighbourhood and town levels: -Enable each town to be self-sufficient and provide employment opportunities -Often complement each other

Question 65

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore How does Singapore’s town planning create connections and synergies across precincts, neighbourhoods and towns? -. (Yes, the full stop is on purpose. Use your brain to find out why) -? -? For the example, go to GIEL tb pg 19, I’m to ducking lazy to type it out rn

Answer 65

-Connections and synergies are created to help achieve sustainability. -Long-term plans at the national level seek to achieve this by optimising scarce land resources to cater to the diverse needs of current and of current and future generations -As both a city and a sovereign state, SG needs to accommodate other uses that are typically not located in cities, meaning urban planners have to consider planning for military facilities, waste treatment plants, power stations, seaports and airports

Question 66

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore Define precincts:

Answer 66

An area with 400-800 residential units, a public housing planning concept in SG

Question 67

1.4: Organisation of neighbourhoods in Singapore Define synergies:

Answer 67

Improved results when two or more people or organisations work together