“Without explicit attention to [spatial literacy], we cannot meet our responsibility for equipping the next generation of students for life and work in the 21st century”
… Learning to Think Spatially, the National Research Council
Spatial literacy is the ability to use the properties of space to communicate, reason, and solve problems.
A spatially literate student (according to Learning to Think Spatially):
- Knows where, when, how, and why to think spatially.
- Practices spatial thinking in an informed way:
- they have a broad and deep knowledge of spatial concepts and representations
- their understanding of spatial reasoning is informed by a variety of spatially-rooted mindsets and actions
- they can use supporting technologies and tools.
- Adopts a critical stance in regards to spatial thinking:
- they can evaluate the quality of spatial data based on its source and likely accuracy
- they can use spatial data to construct, articulate, and defend a line of reasoning or point of view
- they can evaluate the validity of arguments based on spatial information.