ABSTRACT

Spatial Intelligence examines public and professional conceptions of the relationships between thinking about spatial attributes and active engagement in spatially related constructions and designs. Even though children’s and adolescents’ spatial propensities in constructive activities parallel the skills needed by professionals in both established and emerging fields, spatial education is often missing from K–12 curricula and is easily impeded by teachers, parents, or other individuals who do not provide contexts in formalized settings, such as schools, to nurture its potential. This book bridges the gap by linking the natural spatial inclinations, interests, and proclivities of individuals from a variety of cultures with professional training and expertise in engineering, architecture, science, and mathematics. Educators will be better able to achieve the skills and awareness necessary to provide children and young adults with the vital opportunities inherent in spatial education.

chapter 1|22 pages

The Spatial Definition

A Time-honored Enigma

chapter 2|24 pages

Developing a Sense of Space

chapter 3|20 pages

Alternative Spatial Thinking Models

chapter 4|21 pages

From g to ∞

Spatial Ability—The Primal Intelligence

chapter 5|39 pages

“You are Here”

Mapping Space

chapter 7|23 pages

Making Space: Bows, Brushes, and Plaster

chapter 8|32 pages

Free Space

Spatial Thinking in the Curriculum

chapter 9|18 pages

Technospace

From Atoms to Bits

chapter 10|16 pages

Humane Space