Learning to Think Spatially Paperback / softback

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 ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 IntroductionPART I: THE NATURE AND FUNCTIONS OF SPATIAL THINKING --2 The Natureof Spatial Thinking3 Spatial Thinking in Everyday Life, at Work, and in Science4 Teaching and Learning About Spatial Thinking5 Responding to the Need for Spatial Thinking6 Tools for Thought: The Concept of a Support SystemPART II: SUPPORT FOR SPATIAL THINKING--7 High-Tech Support Systemsfor Spatial Thinking8 An Assessment of GIS as a System for Supporting Spatial Thinkingin the K-12 Context9 GIS as a Support System for Spatial ThinkingPART III: SUPPORTING SPATIAL THINKING IN THE FUTURE--10 Conclusionsand Recommendations11 The Spatial ThinkerReferencesAppendix A Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and StaffAppendix B Oral Presentations and Written StatementsAppendix C Individual Differences in Spatial Thinking: The Effectsof Age, Development, and SexAppendix D The Role of Spatial Representations in Learning, ProblemSolving, and TransferAppendix E Software Descriptions and ResourcesAppendix F What Is GIScience?Appendix G The Introduction of GIS into K-12 EducationAppendix H Seasonal Differences: A Customized Eighth-Grade GISModuleAppendix I List of AcronymsIndex