Learning to Think Spatially

Learning to Think Spatially examines how spatial thinking might be incorporated into existing standards-based instruction across the school curriculum. Spatial thinking must be recognized as a fundamental part of K?12 education and as an integrator and a facilitator for problem solving across the curriculum. With advances in computing technologies and the increasing availability of geospatial data, spatial thinking will play a significant role in the information-based economy of the twenty-first century. Using appropriately designed support systems tailored to the K?12 context, spatial thinking can be taught formally to all students. A geographic information system (GIS) offers one example of a high-technology support system that can enable students and teachers to practice and apply spatial thinking in many areas of the curriculum. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1 Introduction PART I: THE NATURE AND FUNCTIONS OF SPATIAL THINKING --2 The Nature of Spatial Thinking 3 Spatial Thinking in Everyday Life, at Work, and in Science 4 Teaching and Learning About Spatial Thinking 5 Responding to the Need for Spatial Thinking 6 Tools for Thought: The Concept of a Support System PART II: SUPPORT FOR SPATIAL THINKING--7 High-Tech Support Systems for Spatial Thinking 8 An Assessment of GIS as a System for Supporting Spatial Thinking in the K-12 Context 9 GIS as a Support System for Spatial Thinking PART III: SUPPORTING SPATIAL THINKING IN THE FUTURE--10 Conclusions and Recommendations 11 The Spatial Thinker References Appendix A Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff Appendix B Oral Presentations and Written Statements Appendix C Individual Differences in Spatial Thinking: The Effects of Age, Development, and Sex Appendix D The Role of Spatial Representations in Learning, Problem Solving, and Transfer Appendix E Software Descriptions and Resources Appendix F What Is GIScience? Appendix G The Introduction of GIS into K-12 Education Appendix H Seasonal Differences: A Customized Eighth-Grade GIS Module Appendix I List of Acronyms Index