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Using GIS to Develop Spatial Reasoning and Analysis of Data

The Geographic Information System (GIS) is a spatial analysis tool that allows users to capture, store, analyze, and visualize data related to real-world problems. GIS is used daily in multiple STEM fields to solve complex problems. Educators find GIS useful for students to be able to interpret data in a spatial context. Students develop quantitative and spatial analysis reasoning using GIS to understand and develop solutions for many current scientific concerns. This paper presents two cases highlighting middle grade students’ use of GIS. The cases illustrate how GIS promotes students’ development of spatial reasoning as they think about patterns and relationships made evident through data visualization. The cases demonstrate how students engage in finding relative and absolute mapped features, geographic patterns, and changes over time as they make decisions using geographic inquiry, spatial thinking and problem solving.