This article presents a design-based research study of the implementation of an energy unit developed for middle school students. The unit utilized Google Earth and a geographic information system (GIS) to support student understanding of the world's energy resources and foster their spatial thinking skills. Findings from the prototype study revealed that students increased their energy content knowledge, and the use of geospatial technologies to analyze data promoted students' spatial thinking skills. Revision of instructional materials to support both teachers and learners and recommendations for designing and implementing geospatial learning materials are discussed. (Contains 8 figures and 1 table.)