1. What is spatial thinking and what does this kind of thinking require?

Spatial thinking is is a cognitive skill that we use in everyday life to structure problems, find answers, and express solutions using properties of space . This kind of thinking requires not only an awareness of space but also visual-spatial thinking or the ability to visualize concepts and images in space. We must be able to think spatially to analyze information, solve problems, and predict patterns present in data. 2. Why is spatial thinking so important for everyone? Spatial thinking is important because it is used in many types of work environment. For example, an engineer might visualize how a building will stand on a given piece of property. A doctor might visualize how the heart beats within the space of the chest cavity. Astronomers need to visualize how the constellations and planets fit together within our galaxy. We all visualize buildings, plots of land, streets, and rivers and understand directions to know where we are on a map. In video games, we must visualize where objects are and where they are in relationship to other objects to play a game. Artists must visualize where objects are in the world in relationship to other objects to draw or paint these objects in correct proportion and in the different dimensions. Athletes must visualize different plays, other athletes in the playing field, or the location of the ball during the game. They must coordinate movements and their own bodies in relationship to other athletes, the field, and the ball to be successful at their game. We all need spatial thinking to participate in most of our everyday activities. 3. What are at least six benefits for students when they use geospatial technologies in the classroom? Six benefits for students includes it gives practice in spatial thinking, engages multiple intelligences, fosters a mindset for exploration, promotes research and information literacy skills, provides a sense of reality and connectedness while learning and provides multidisciplinary learning opportunities. 4. Describe four ways that Google Earth and GPS can enhance teaching. Include examples in your answer. Four ways Google Earth and GPS enhance teaching include Sky view in Google Earth allows you to study the proportions of different planets, measure their size, and observe the relative brightness of stars. Historical imagery lets you examine how communities develop over time. Measurement tools let you explore distance, height, and altitude using different units of measurement. These are just some of the features of using Google Earth, a tool that can excite your students

about geography and all other subjects as these subjects are related to specific locations on the Earth.