Japan Geoscience Union Meeting 2016

Presentation information

Poster

Symbol O (Public) » Public

[O-04] Geoparks in Japan

Sun. May 22, 2016 5:15 PM - 6:30 PM Poster Hall (International Exhibition Hall HALL6)

Convener:*Mahito Watanabe(Institute of Geology and Geoinformation, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology)

5:15 PM - 6:30 PM

[O04-P27] School educational program in Mikasa geopark

*Kei Shimomura1,2, Isamu Kabaki1,2 (1.Secretary of Mikasa Geopark Promotion Council, 2.Regional Development and Geopark Promotion Division, Mikasa City Office)

Keywords:education, field trip, class about student's hometown, geopark activities, Mikasa Gepark

Since 2005, The City of Mikasa has carried out the integrated educational project of elementary-junior high school about their region's history in order to inspire community spirit and promote pride in their local heritage.
In this educational project, there is a subject "Regional Studies".
Originally, Regional Study’s function was to educate children about their hometown. After Mikasa Geopark was recognized as an official Japanese Geopark, schools began to add geopark lessons into their curriculums. Accordingly, we work closely with local schools.
We provide Geopark staff members to serve as guides and lecturers when students study at geopark sites around Mikasa. In addition, we have made guidebooks for students to use in the classroom free of charge.
Every year, new high school students come to Mikasa from all over Japan, and the Mikasa Geopark conducts geotours around Mikasa so that these students can become familiar with Mikasa and its history.
We have been hosting promotional activities and have been connecting with schools, so the number of students participating in field trips to Mikasa Geopark has increased year by year.
In the following presentation, we will introduce Mikasa Geopark’s education initiative, while also discussing its effects, results, and future endeavors.