Concretizing Geometric Concepts through 3-D Printing Technology
Research shows that nearly two-thirds of high school mathematics students have difficulty visualizing mathematical relationships especially in the area of geometry. As such, the main objective of this grant project is to seek how 7th grade students can successfully utilize 3D printing technologies and software to enhance their geometric reasoning skills. Therefore, this project seeks the funds needed to purchase a 3-D printer to assist students in visualizing and concretizing mathematical abstractions, including both standard and non-standard geometric shapes and their properties. Extending on middle school student's two-dimensional thinking, a 3-D printer can aid students in visualizing mathematics topics. To achieve this objective, students will be immersed in using computer-assisted design software in multiple projects. The software and 3-D printing technology will become woven into both teacher-led projects and student-led personal projects at a charter middle school focused on design thinking.