Cultivating Spatial Thinking in K–12 Learners: Why Interdisciplinary Learning Matters More Than Ever
Natalie TeboulNext week in San Diego, GIS professionals from around the world will gather for the Esri User Conference. Last year was my first time attending, and without a doubt, my favorite part was the Esri Education Summit, the educator focused experience that takes place the weekend before.
The summit is an inspiring space where innovation, technology, and teaching intersect. After attending for the first time last year, I am incredibly honored to return, not just as a participant, but as a presenter.
This year, I will be presenting in a session titled “Cultivating Spatial Thinking in K–12 Learners,” where participants will experience firsthand how math, geography, and creativity can come together in powerful and meaningful ways. But this session is about more than just a workshop. It is about a shift in how we think about learning.
What Is Spatial Thinking and Why Does It Matter?
Spatial thinking is the ability to visualize, interpret, and understand relationships between objects, places, and space. It serves as the foundation for fields like geography, engineering, architecture, and data science.
Yet in many K-12 classrooms, spatial thinking is underdeveloped or separated into a single subject, if it is addressed at all. When students are able to connect what they are learning in the classroom to the real world, something changes. Learning becomes deeper. More engaging. More lasting. That is where interdisciplinary learning comes in.
The Importance of Interdisciplinary Learning
For too long, subjects like math and social studies have been taught in isolation. But the real world does not function in single subjects, and I will continue to advocate that our classrooms should not either. When we blend disciplines together, we move beyond simply teaching standards. We create meaningful, memorable experiences that allow students to apply their learning in authentic contexts. (Learn more about Interdisciplinary Learning).
How Traveling Miss T.’s Math Maps Are Changing the Game
As both an elementary school teacher and the creator of Traveling Miss T., I have seen firsthand the impact of bringing the world into math instruction.
Math Maps, paired with Field Trips by Coordinate Plane, transform traditional coordinate plane worksheets into immersive learning journeys. Students are not just plotting points. They are traveling to real world locations using an x and y axis, uncovering landmarks, and connecting math to geography, history, and culture.
This approach makes abstract math concepts tangible and exciting while introducing geography in a way that feels natural and relevant. Math Maps spark curiosity about the world beyond the classroom and empower students to see themselves as explorers, thinkers, and creators.
During my session at the Esri Education Summit, participants will create their own Math Maps, bringing spatial thinking to life through hands on exploration. Even more exciting, their work will be featured in the Esri UC Map Gallery throughout the week, showcasing the power of educator driven innovation.
Advocating for Geography in the Classroom
A core mission behind Traveling Miss T. is advocating for geography’s place in K–12 education. As an elementary school teacher, I see both the gaps and the opportunities every single day. Geography is so much more than memorizing maps. It is about understanding the world, making connections, and developing a sense of place.
If you are attending the Esri Education Summit, I would love to see you at “Cultivating Spatial Thinking in K–12 Learners” on Saturday from 2:30 to 3:30 PM in Grand Ballroom 4. And if you are an educator looking to bring more meaning, creativity, and connection into your classroom, I invite you to explore Math Maps for yourself and see how interdisciplinary learning can transform the way your students experience math.
