Spatial Ability and Earth Science Conceptual Understanding
Alice A. (Jill) Black September 2005 Journal of Geoscience Education v53 n4 p402

Relatively little research has considered the relationship of spatial abilities with common misconceptions and broader conceptual difficulties in the Earth sciences. This article from the Journal of Geoscience Education suggests that an opportunity may exist to improve Earth science conceptual understanding by focusing on spatial abilities or the spatial aspects of concepts. Types of spatial ability tested included mental rotation, spatial perception, and spatial visualization.

Subject: Education, Geoscience:Geology:Sedimentary Geology
Resource Type: Pedagogic Resources:Research Results, Opinion, Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work, Journal Article
Special Interest: Spatial Thinking
Research on Learning: Cognitive Domain:Misconceptions/barriers to learning, Spatial Intelligence, Geoscience Expertise:Geologic Time, Complex Systems
Theme: Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Sedimentary Geology