Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are specialized extracellular matrix structures that surround subsets of neurons throughout the central nervous system (CNS). They are made up of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), hyaluronan, tenascin-R, and many other link proteins that together make up their rigid and lattice-like structure. Modulation of PNNs…

Early spatial skills predict the development of later spatial and mathematical skills. Yet, it is unclear how comprehension of the words that capture spatial relations, words like behind and under, might be associated with children's early spatial and mathematics skills. The current study addressed this question by conducting a moderated mediation…

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of applications created using a web-based 3D design environment on the spatial visualisation and mental rotation abilities of secondary school students. A total of 63 school students from the sixth grade participated in the study. The researchers applied a mixed research method including both…

There is evidence that spatial thinking is malleable, and that spatial and mathematical skills are associated (Mix et al. [2016] "Journal of Experimental Psychology: General," 145, 1206; Mix et al. [2017] "Journal of Cognition and Development," 18, 465; Uttal et al. [2013] "Psychological Bulletin," 139, 352). However,…

Performance in everyday spatial orientation tasks (e.g., map reading and navigation) has been considered functionally separate from performance on more abstract object-based spatial abilities (e.g., mental rotation and visualization). However, few studies have examined the link between spatial orientation and object-based spatial skills, and even…

Myriad research in a variety of contexts shows spatial skills benefit students; however, they are not given enough attention in classroom instruction. In this review we systematically explore geoscience education literature focusing on spatial interventions to answer research questions on trends in spatial skills and other characteristics. We…

Mathematics reading and spatial ability are important learning components in mathematics education. However, in traditional instruction, it is difficult to develop learners' mathematics reading and spatial abilities. Therefore, many students struggle to understand real-world problems and lack the spatial ability to form internal imagery. To cope…

This report describes an activity that helps organic chemistry students to better understand organic molecules as 3-dimensional objects. To accomplish this goal, the activity employs a unique three-way combination of analyzing computer-generated 3-dimensional renditions of open access X-ray crystallography data, building physical 3-dimensional…

Digital model platforms and applications are common in anatomy education and continue to grow in number, which suggests that educators and students find use for these tools despite the lack of widely accepted best practices. Consequently, it is a challenge for educators to mindfully integrate digital models into curriculum. This short-term,…

Access to body-based resources has been shown to augment cognitive processes, but not all movements equally aid reasoning. Interactive technologies, like dynamic geometry systems (DGS), potentially amplify the link between movement and geometric representation, thereby deepening students' understanding of geometric properties. This study…

The present study was to explore whether dynamic visualizations enriched with visuospatial cues can optimize learners' cognitive processing of mechanical systems. The animated conditions and cueing patterns were the independent variables with an attempt to investigate their impacts on retention and transfer tests. Either dynamic or static…

Integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (iSTEM) education allow learners to utilize multiple disciplinary perspectives. However, the discipline of mathematics remains underrepresented in iSTEM curriculum. To explore the nature of mathematical thinking with an iSTEM curricular approach that emphasizes mathematics, we…

This study explores a spatial reasoning learning trajectory of a student with difficulty in mathematics. Using a teaching experiment methodology across 15 instructional sessions, we observed how the student responded to instruction based on an established 2D shape composition learning trajectory (Sarama & Clements, 2009). A narrative…

Extensive evidence and theory suggest that the development of motor skills during infancy and early childhood initiates a "developmental cascade" for cognitive abilities, such as reading and math. Motor skills are closely connected with the development of spatial cognition, an ability that supports deductive reasoning. Despite the…

The aim of the present study was to explore the learning usability factors of 3D modeling in virtual reality environment (VRE). Users' 3D modeling usability factors in VR were investigated through principal component analysis (PCA). Fifty industrial design students participated in the 3D modeling learning in VR experience experiment, and their…