This session explored creative ways to foster the spirit of inquiry in undergraduate teaching. Different perspectives and ways of thinking derive from qualities of researchers in scientific and creative inquiry. We started with the presentation of a successful inquiry-based interdisciplinary freshman course taught at the University of Washington, Visual Thinking and Spatial Reasoning (http://depts.washington.edu/visual). This led to a conversation about fostering the qualities of a researcher in undergraduate students. The participants enthusiastically shared teaching ideas and openly discussed the barriers. As a result, we recommend creating a voice for this growing community of educators who seek to foster future researchers, and reforming the faculty reward system so that interdisciplinary research teaching (and the planning work it requires) holds value in the promotion and tenure process.

Visual and Spatial Reasoning for Scientists and Engineers
Spatial Reasoning and Visual Cognition
Creative Problem Solving
visual thinking