Learning to think spatially (National Academies Press, 2006)
Master and use copy. Digital master created according to Benchmark for Faithful Digital Reproductions of Monographs and Serials, Version 1. Digital Library Federation, December 2002
Includes bibliographical references (pages 243-255) and index
Introduction -- - The nature of spatial thinking -- - Spatial thinking in everyday life, at work, and in science -- - Teaching and learning about spatial thinking -- - Responding to the need for spatial thinkers -- - Tools for thought: the concept of a support system -- - High-tech support systems for spatial thinking -- - An assessment of GIS as a system for supporting spatial thinking in the K-12 context -- - GIS as a support system for spatial thinking -- - Conclusions and recommendations -- - The spatial thinker
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