Japan Geoscience Union Meeting 2018

Presentation information

[JJ] Oral

G (General (Education and Outreach)) » General (Education and Outreach)

[G-05] Geoscience education from elementary school to university students

Sun. May 20, 2018 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM 102 (1F International Conference Hall, Makuhari Messe)

convener:Masatsune Hatakeyama(Seiko Gakuin High School), Chairperson:Hatakeyama Masatsune(Seikogakuin High school), Niwa Toshihiro

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM

[G05-02] Let’s apply thematic maps for cross-curricular learning

*Kurisu Yuki1, Inazawa Hiroyo1 (1.Geospatial Information Authority of Japan)

Keywords:Thematic maps, cross-curricular learning, GSI Maps

Two points have been emphasized in Japanese national school curriculum in recent years. One is curriculum management, grasping comprehensively education content in each subject and arranging curriculum. The other is geography education, which will be a compulsory subject in high school from FY 2022. Map is a necessary tool in geography education. Utilizing GSI Maps (https://maps.gsi.go.jp/), Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) offer topographic map and thematic maps, classifying geography and imaging landform features from various viewpoints. Particularly, landform classification map has been also utilized as basic information for disaster prevention. Measures, the map teaches us local topographic formation processes closely associated with disaster phenomena. For example, landform classification map for flood control tells us places of former river beds which are potential flooding areas. In this presentation, we would like to report examples of utilization of thematic maps from the following two viewpoints with cross-curricular learning in mind.

The first viewpoint is utilizing thematic maps in cross-curricular learning from the point of view of geography. Utilizing geography as a tool, grasping spatial relationship, make possible cross-curricular learning. In literature, geographical features let us acquire better understanding of a literary work. In history, landform classification map teach us what kind of locational context hasted historical events. In disaster awareness education further, thematic maps which traces previous disasters bring us a clear understanding of disaster.

The second viewpoint is utilizing thematic maps for learning land condition. In a case of regional study, the relation between land use and geography is so important. Thematic maps, classifying and imaging landform feature, prompt our examination for regional human activity.

It is necessary that teachers and students can access the maps easily in order to effectively apply them for school education.
GSI will continuously provide useful thematic maps and support geography education.