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| Paper: |
Improving Astronomy Education Through a Focus on Spatial Thinking |
| Volume: |
537, ASP 2022: A Virtual Conference |
| Page: |
26 |
| Authors: |
Plummer, J. |
| Abstract: |
A growing body of literature provides evidence that scientific thinking and learning is spatial in nature. Building explanations for astronomical phenomenon requires students to apply spatial practices, such as comparing observations from two frames of reference when learning to explain the lunar phases. Further, empirical evidence suggests that improving children's spatial skills enhances their opportunities for advancement across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Fortunately, one's spatial thinking can be improved through experience and training. Thus, increased focus on opportunities to support children's engagement in spatial thinking may help them develop the skills they need to learn astronomy throughout PreK-12 education, opening new STEM opportunities later in life. In this talk, I will discuss research-based findings into how and why support for spatial thinking is important in astronomy education. For more than a decade, I have investigated ways that instruction, in formal and informal spaces, supports PreK–8th grade students' use of spatial thinking in astronomy. Drawing on examples from multiple studies carried out by my research team, attendees will learn a) how to analyze astronomical phenomena to identify places students may need support for spatial thinking; b) how students take advantage of resources to solve spatial problems in astronomy; and c) strategies to support spatial thinking in astronomy. |
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