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.


Full Text is available online.


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