Learning Framework

Français

The four concepts of geographic thinking – spatial significance, patterns and trends, interrelationships, and geographic perspective – underpin thinking and learning in all geography courses. These concepts should form the basis of any geography curriculum. They are inherent to applying geography as opposed to simply learning facts. The following chart describes each concept and provides sample inquiry questions related to it. These questions highlight opportunities for students to apply a specific concept in their studies.

These four concepts should be considered the threshold concepts of geographic thinking. The terms listed under each of the concept headings are the “look fors” or “related concepts” for teachers to use as they are working through their provincial/territorial documents.

Note: You can hover over the chart and click on the 'expand' icon to open a larger Google spreadsheet.