Abstract:

Spatial thinking skills are strongly correlated to success and achievement in science disciplines. Therefore it may be possible to improve learning in science by improving spatial skills. However, most interventions to improve spatial skills are discipline-general and not directly connected to domain-specific science content. This potentially limits the practical use of spatial training activities since science teachers are mainly concerned about communicating science content in the classroom. The goal of this work was to design learning activities that simultaneously teach both spatial skills and science content. The learning activities are scaffolded by the use of 3-D computer software. The pedagogical design is based on constructivist learning and assumes active engagement of a learner is necessary for the acquisition of meaningful knowledge. As a result, three learning activities involving interactive 3-D computer software (Identify, Organize, and Measure) are proposed as ways to support integrated learning of science and spatial skills. Examples in the context of a domain-specific science topic are provided to demonstrate these activities.

Keywords:

spatial skills, 3-D software, scientific visualization, constructivist learning, instructional design