This paper describes the result of a design study in which a geography course was developed and tested aiming to develop the Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) of first-year primary student teachers. This resulted in a course called "Consciously Teaching Geography" with characteristics as (1) starting from students' preconceptions and everyday geographic experiences, (2) an underlying conceptual framework that incorporates key concepts of geography, (3) the use of active learning strategies and (4) explicit modelling to (5) leave room for reflection. Also room for the 'couleur locale' of the institute and the teaching style of the teacher educator proved necessary.