Hidden Geographical Concepts in the Curriculum Guidelines 2017 for Kindergarten Education and Primary "Life Study" & "Social Studies"

Abstract

In this research, we find the meaning of hidden geographical concepts in the curriculum guidelines 2017 for the kindergarten education of environmental field and primary “Life Study” and “Social Studies” in Japan, and consider the consistency of geographical education according to them. As a main conclusion, "space", "place" or "sustainability" with "environment" as a pillar can be considered as basic geographical concepts which is the core of consistency in the geography education curriculum. It leads to secondary “Social Studies” of geographical field.