Students in Mr. Jannace’s AP Human Geography class at Sachem HS East visited the Smith Haven Mall to conduct a field study of the mall’s cultural landscape. Jillian Friello, Director of Marketing & Business Development at the Smith Haven Mall and former student of Mr. Jannace helped students to practice this geographic process and to refine their understanding of the concepts of region, place, culture and economic geography.

Students made observations that forced them to analyze and think critically about why things are where they are. Ms. Friello also taught them to focus on analyzing the dispersion, density, and patterns of stores, as well as the people and facilities within the mall. The purpose of this type of spatial analysis is to develop a better understanding of the concepts of place, region and cultural landscape, which are critical concepts for our student-geographers to master before the AP Exam in May. Students had a great time in the mall, experiencing a familiar place in a whole new way!

Date Added: 2/27/2023