NetQ Action Research Project Plan

Project Information Name of Project: NetQ Action Research Name of Initiative, Grant, Special Project: US Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement, Teacher Quality Partnership Grant (TQP) Supporting Course: EPRS 7900, Methods of Research in Education Clear Goals Abstract: The purpose for this research is to determine if an increase in spatial thinking and reasoning skills can increase content understanding in middle grade earth science topics. Students are exposed to more visualization strategies to stimulate thinking that lead to higher order thinking skills in areas such as analyzing, evaluating and formulating science topics. The treatment group was subjected to spatial thinking exercises like 3D cross sectioning, sketching and drawing diagrams, concept and mind mapping, graphs and charts, Leggo model building, Chess playing and game-based learning. Data collection is currently being done. Research Question: Can an increase in spatial reasoning and thinking help students better understand scientific concepts in earth science? Preparation Setting Students from 6th grade earth science class. There will be two datasets collected: STEM-focused and ESOLFocused Research Articles Considered for Review Buczynski, S., Ireland, K., Reed, S., & Lacanienta, E. (2012). Communicating Science Concepts through Art: 21st-Century Skills in Practice. Science Scope, 35(9), 2935. Burrows, J., Bodzin, A., Anastasio, D., Sahagian, D., Bressler, D., Cirucci, L., Teletzke, A. (2013). Using Web GIS to Enhance Tectonics Learning and Geospatial Thinking. Science Scope, 37(4), 2937. Cohen, C. A., & Hegarty, M. (n.d.). Inferring Cross Sections of 3D Objects: A New Spatial Thinking Test. Learning and Individual Differences, 22(2012), 868874. Dixon, J. K. (1995). Limited English Proficiency and Spatial Visualization in Middle School Students Construction of the Concepts of Reflection and Rotation. Bilingual Research Journal, 19(2), 221247. Dorough, D., & Rye, J. A. (1997). Mapping for Understanding. The Science Teacher, 64(1), 36 41. Geospatial Thinking Aid. (n.d.). Penn State Universtiy. Retrieved from https://www.eeducation.psu.edu/geog468/l3_p5.html Golon, A. S. (2008). Visual-spatial learners: differentiation strategies for creating a successful classroom. Waco, Tex: Prufrock Press. Huynh, N. T. (n.d.). The Role of Geospatial Thinking and Geographic Skills in Effective Problem Solving with GIS:K-16 Education. Kern, C., & Crippen, K. J. (2008). Mapping for Conceptual Change. The Science Teacher, 75(6), 32 38. Lin, L., & Atkinson, R. K. (n.d.). Using Animations and Visual Cueing to Support Learning of Scientific Concepts and

Processes. Computers and Education, 56(2011), 650658. Newcombe, N. S. (2010). Picture This: Increasing Math and Science Learning by Improving Spatial Thinking. American Educator, 34(2), 2935. Newcombe, N. S. (2013). Seeing Relationships: Using Spatial Thinking to Teach Science, Mathematics and Social Studies. American Educator, 37(1), 2631. Ramsey, L., Deese, W. C., & Cox, C. (2007). Nontraditional Card Sorts: Adding Critical Thinking and Inquiry to Science Classrooms. The Science Teacher, 74(9), 3843. Ritchhart, R. (2011). Making Thinking Visible: How to Promote Engagement, Understanding, and Independence for All Learners (First edition.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Sardone, N. (2013). Exploring Earthquakes and Tsunamis: Integrating Science, Social Studies and Technology. Science Scope, 37(4), 3842. Silverman, L. K. (1995, January 1). Effective Techniques for Teaching Highly Gifted Visual-Spatial Learners. Instirtute for the Study of Advanced Development, Inc. Sorby, S. A. (2006). Developing 3D Spatial Skills for K-12 Students. Engineering Design Graphics Journal, 70(3), 18. Tests & Instruments. (n.d.). Retrieved January 10, 2014, from http://spatiallearning.org/index.php/testsainstruments#CSAQ-S The essentials of science and literacy: a guide for teachers. (2009). Newton, MA: Portsmouth, NH: EDC; H einemann. The Nature of Spatial Thinking. (2006). In Learning to Think Spatially: GIS as a Support System in the K-12 Curriculum (pp. 2548,6887,947109). Washington DC: The National Academies Press. Uttal, D. H., Miller, D. I., & Newcombe, N. S. (2013). Exploring and Enhancing Spatial Thinking: Links to Achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics? Association for Psychological Science, 22(5), 367 373.