3D Visualization Teaching-Learning Trajectory for Elementary Grades Children

This§monograph describes a 3D visualization teaching-learning trajectory for§elementary age learners based on the NCTM recommendations. Throughout the§trajectory, learners work with actual 3D models, 2D and abstract§representations of the actual models, and, a dynamic computer interface, the§Geocadabra Construction Box, which integrates these representations in real§time. Activities include tasks created by the researchers in addition to§learner-created tasks to challenge one another. The trajectory is geared toward§classroom teachers, professional developers or mathematics education§researchers.§§The work§begins with theoretical frameworks that guided the study (SOC), teaching focus§(inquiry-based learning), research method (adapted design research principles),§and informal pre-program interviews with participant children. After a brief§description of the introductory activities used to orient the children to the§3D objects that were used throughout the program, the work continues to focus§on the development of abstract top-view numeric plan representations leading to§representations of rectangular prisms; and then front-side-top view representations.§The concluding remarks show how the project integrated numeracy into the§program to support the demanding official mathematics curriculum of the NTCM.§§