Vocabulary and 'powerful knowledge'

There is a growing debate about the relative importance of knowledge in curriculum planning compared with concepts or skills...
One aspect of knowledge is vocabulary and knowing how to use it.
We talk about geography having a vocabulary, and a 'grammar' in the act of curriculum making.

Robert MacFarlane has written extensively on the way that the vocabulary of the landscape and nature is being lost to young children.

In this Guardian piece he references some research on how children are more likely to know the names of Pokemon characters than some natural features. In this, they are diminished in their ability to understand the world in which they live.
What do we want students to 'know' as a result of our geography lessons? What is it important to introduce them to?
 
Illustration copyright: Jackie Morris

Comments