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According to recent findings, there's no excuse for not being able to navigate a map or put together a puzzle!
After reviewing hundreds of studies on improving spatial thinking, researchers conclude that anyone at any age can increase any type of spatial skill through training. Try the following tests to stretch your spatial skills…
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One example of the type of training that can improve spatial abilities is the use of three-dimensional representations. Mentally rotating 3-D objects like these can be a challenge for some…Are these two objects the same or different? Click to find out.
These two objects are identical… Close
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What about these two objects? Can you tell by looking at them if they are the same or different? Click to find out.
These two objects are different… Close
Improving spatial skills is essential because children who do well at spatial tasks such as puzzles are likely to be high achievers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
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Now try this mental paper-folding task: Take a look at the cube on the left. Which is the right template — A, B, C or D — for constructing this cube? Click to find out.
The correct template is B… Close
Recent studies show that even a small amount of training can improve spatial reasoning and have long-lasting impact.
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Video games are good training for boosting spatial skills. By forcing the brain to make spatial connections between actions made through a keyboard (or hand-held device) and movement in a virtual 3-D world, users can also develop an intuitive understanding of physical principles such as mass and weight, acceleration, momentum, gravity and energy.
The Portal franchise is an example of a video game that makes use of these skills. In the Portal world, users interact with physically simulated objects (cubes, catapults, lasers, etc.) to solve puzzles requiring critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and problem solving.
For the first time, scientists have electronically linked the brains of pairs of rats. The rodents are able to communicate with each other through electrical signals to solve simple tasks. The researchers' ultimate aim is to create an organic computer run by a network of linked brains.
Nearsightedness is increasing steadily in North America, Europe and especially Asia. Causes behind the growing epidemic of myopia may be that people today spend less time outdoors and more time indoors in front of computer screens and video games.
You can see inside the heads of zebrafish – but now scientists can see inside their brains. They captured the fishes' real-time thoughts as they tracked prey. The recorded neural activity is linked to visual processing. The plan next is to map their fishy brain areas for thinking and learning.
Who’s better at reading a map, men or women? A new study indicates there might be a reason guys won’t ask for directions.
This kids' site from Toyota explains how hybrid cars work and why they can help the environment.
Get a detailed overview of electric vehicles from the folks at How Stuff Works.
Why is spatial intelligence important? Get an introduction to the theory and try the online games.
This PBS site provides info on how parents can make video gaming a positive experience for their kids.
A lengthy but interesting read on how interactive media can play a role in early childhood development.
Recent research shows dyslexic children have an easier time learning to read after playing video games.
