UDC 372. 891

Khizbullina R.Z.¹ (Ufa, Russian Federation) – hizbullina@yandex.ru; Latypova Z.B.¹ (Ufa, Russian Federation) -zakira_latypova@mail.ru; Saifullina E.N.¹ (Ufa, Russian Federation) – sayfullina-75@mail.ru; Sattarova G.A.¹ (Ufa, Russian Federation) – satt-gu01@mail.ru; Larionova A.A.¹ (Ufa, Russian Federation) – rushb.2004@gmail.com

¹Ufa University of Science and Technology

Abstract. The article examines the structural, functional, and didactic significance of the foundational course “Earth Science” in the modern system of school geography education, and provides a detailed historical, pedagogical, and methodological analysis of the transformation of the introductory course in physical geography in the context of the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standards (FSES). Based on the study of the works of leading domestic geographers, methodologists, and educators (N.N. Baransky, V.P. Maksakovsky, I.V. Dushina), the work demonstrates the key role of geography as a basic foundation that fosters primary geographical culture, spatial thinking, and a holistic natural‑scientific worldview in students in grades 5–6. Special attention is paid to the pedagogical issues of continuity between primary school (the integrated course “The World Around Us”) and the systematic study of Earth sciences in the middle grades. The paper examines modern methodological approaches to overcoming problems in mastering complex concepts among students of secondary school age, including the use of interactive visual tools, elements of geoinformation systems (web‑GIS), and the organization of practice‑oriented project activities. The thesis is substantiated that without a qualitative and in‑depth mastery of basic geographical concepts (lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere), effective subsequent study of regional studies and economic‑geographical disciplines in upper grades is impossible. In conclusion, practical recommendations are offered to improve the methodological work of geography teachers, aimed at enhancing the activity‑based component of teaching and stimulating students’ cognitive interest.

Keywords:geographical education, earth sciences, pedagogy, methods of teaching geography, Federal State Educational Standard, geographical culture, natural science picture of the world, continuity of education.

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For citation: Khizbullina, R. Z., Latypova, Z. B., Saifullina, E. N., Sattarova, G. A., & Larionova, A. A. (2026). The importance of earth science knowledge in the system of school geographic education. CITISE, 3, 781-791.  (In Russian).