Geometry and spatial reasoning form the foundations of learning in mathematics. However, geometry is a subject often ignored by curriculum writers and teachers until high school, leading to students lacking in critical skills in geometric reasoning. As the United States moves into a new curriculum epoch, heralding the commencement of the national…

Over the past decade, augmented reality (AR) has gained traction in geometric learning for its pedagogical potential. However, research on how learners engage with different AR technologies and when and how to incorporate them has remained largely unexplored. Employing a learning analytics approach, this study investigates the impact of…

Presents a five lesson unit at the fifth grade level to teach the geometric concept of similarity using manipulative materials and multiple representations. The summary presents rationale for teaching and classroom management decisions. (MDH)

Describes an activity for children of any age to develop spatial sense and explore the effects of transforming, combining, subdividing, and changing geometric figures. Students analyze empty cereal boxes opened flat to determine the specific shape, how it opens and closes, to check maps or sketches against the actual geometry of the box, and write…

Presents geometry activities for the K-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 levels that involve the students in cutting-and-rearranging figures and discussing, describing, and writing about the activities with language they already possess. Provides appropriate worksheets for the activities. (MDH)

Discusses assumptions implicit in any system of measurement. Describes a three-rectangle problem designed to help children explore additivity of areas and relationships between area and shape. Suggests ideas for action research. (FDR)

The purpose of this book is to introduce the geoboard as an effective tool that can help young children understand geometry as they develop spatial sense and mathematical thinking. Activities are clustered into three main sections: beginning geoboard explorations, exploring polygons, and coordinates. Blackline masters are included. (MKR)

Reports on a study in which three 3rd grade students were presented with the volume of cuboids. Examines the problem solving actions students demonstrate and analyzes students' strategies and solutions. Explores the connection between spatial structuring and the use of numerical operation. Considers perseverance and control emerging when solving…

A series of spatial tasks involving conceptualization and manipulation of unfamiliar plane shapes administered to (n=20) children aged 4 to 12 revealed that both initial perception of a shape and approach to task solution strongly influenced children's success at shape recognition. (20 references) (Author/MKR)

This study compared the spatial-geometrical abilities of 85 students (ages 5-13) with learning disabilities (LD) and 94 children without LD, matched for IQ and age. Generally, students with LD did not perform as well as same-aged students without LD, suggesting that LD students experience delayed development in this general spatial-cognitive…

Presents 5 activities for the K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8 grade levels and for in the home in which students explore the concept of triangle through cooperative open-ended investigations. Provides related reproducible worksheets. (MDH)

Describes seven spatial abilities related to mathematics including eye-motor coordination, figure-ground perception, perceptual constancy, position-in-space perception, perception of spatial relationships, visual discrimination, and visual memory. Discusses the relationship of the spatial abilities to the study of geometry. Lists 19 references.…

Discusses the importance of using children's previous experiences with geometric figures to build foundations for developing geometric thinking. Describes how children's play with unit blocks can be structured to give them experiences with geometric concepts. Contains 12 references. (ASK)

Geometry is viewed as the most neglected area of the elementary school mathematics curriculum. Tangram activities provide numerous worthwhile mathematical experiences for children. A method of constructing tangrams through paper folding is followed by suggested spatial visualization, measurement, and additional activities. (MP)

Summarizes findings from research related to spatial abilities. Provided are suggestions for developing spatial abilities. Lists nine references. (YP)