What is Spatial Thinking?

What is spatial thinking? Why should we care?

According a National Research Council report (2006), this is spatial thinking:

Spatial thinking is thinking that finds meaning in the shape, size, orientation, location, direction or trajectory, of objects, processes or phenomena, or the relative positions in space of multiple objects, processes or phenomena. Spatial thinking uses the properties of space as a vehicle for structuring problems, for finding answers, and for expressing solutions

But that’s academic speak. What does this mean in more understandable language?

Usually, people think about maps. Yes, maps are part of it, but not at all the whole thing. I like to use examples to help people understand what we’re talking about:

• Putting puzzles together or playing a game like Tetris

• Building an Ikea bookcase

• Rearranging furniture or a classroom

• Where should the next Starbucks go?

• How is the pandemic spreading?

• How much time do I need to get to work?

Ross does not use great spatial thinking skills….

In my mind, spatial thinking is an essential skill. So many issues facing the world have a spatial component. New tools like GIS mean we can analyze data in different ways to hopefully make positive changes in the world.

Spatial thinking is not specifically taught. Yes, it is approached in various subjects, like math and geography. But, geography is not all there is to spatial thinking. And, spatial thinking exists in just about any area. From a K12 point of view, you could touch on spatial thinking in any Social Studies topic, just about any Science area, math and most definitely in world languages. Language is all about place! Even Phy Ed has a strong spatial component. We just don’t think about it this way.

I’m not talking about teaching GIS. Using GIS doesn’t make one a spatial thinking!