Integrating Geospatial Technologies in Fifth-Grade Curriculum: Impact on Spatial Ability and Map-Analysis Skills

ABSTRACT

This study explores the effects of geographic information systems (GIS) curriculum on fifth-grade students' spatial ability and map-analysis skills. A total of 174 students from an urban public school district and their teachers participated in a quasi-experimental design study. Four teachers implemented a GIS curriculum in experimental classes over six weeks while three teachers continued with regular teaching in control classes. Both groups completed pre- and post-tests measuring spatial ability and map-analysis skills. Students in the GIS classes demonstrated more growth over time in spatial ability and map-analysis skills than did their peers in the control classes.

Key Words:

• GIS
• spatial ability
• elementary education
• map skills

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Kavya Gupta, Daniel Schloesser, Chloe Lindstrom, Nicole Landa, and Meg Flaherty for assisting with data collection and data entry.

Funding

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number 1316660. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

May Jadallah

May Jadallah is an associate professor of educational psychology and curriculum and instruction at Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA.

Alycia M. Hund

Alycia M. Hund is a professor of psychology at Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA.

Jonathan Thayn

Jonathan Thayn is an associate professor of geography at Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA.

Joel Garth Studebaker

Joel Garth Studebaker is an educator based in Normal, Illinois, USA. His primary interests are curriculum design, professional development, policy, and educational music repertoire.

Zachary J. Roman

Zachary J. Roman is a doctoral student in quantitative psychology and computer science at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA.

Elizabeth Kirby

Elizabeth Kirby is a social science theorist and project consultant in Champaign, Illinois, USA.