Children’s construction of a volume calculation algorithm for a rectangular prism with a dynamic virtual manipulative

Optimizing the surface of orthohedra with virtual reality in primary school

“…In our case, the activities were designed for students to develop understanding in the interpretation, structuring, representation and numeration threads, as well as their coordination, for developing effective algorithms to calculate prism volume and surface (Rupnow et al, 2022). These activities were implemented emphasizing coherence and "conceptual transparency", as key aspects involved in measuring the surface and volume of solids (Novack, 2009).…”

“…They have been able to visualize and understand the structure of the orthohedron, coordinating 2D and 3D representations, both manipulative and virtual. This has been reported as a cause of struggle in literature in the teaching and learning of volume measurement (Rupnow et al, 2022). Furthermore, most students could coordinate the interpreting, structuring and representation threads with the numeration thread, identified by Rupnow et al (2022) as the key to the most complete understanding of volume calculation.…”

“…Nonetheless, since visualization plays a significant role in the learning of different mathematics subjects, the authors claim the effectiveness of VR technologies for learning subjects in various foundational areas of mathematics. Measurement is one of these areas, which constitutes a critical component of elementary school mathematics, linking number with space (Rupnow et al, 2022). Further research is needed in this domain, as well evidence concerning the effects of VR on the problem-solving skills of learners.…”

“…(g) considering that figures with the same volume have the same surface area, and vice versa, etc. (Battista, 2003;Battista & Clements, 1996;Ben-Haim et al, 1985;Rupnow et al, 2022;Tan Sisman & Aksu, 2016;Voulgaris & Evangelidou, 2004).…”

“…Battista (2003) states that students need to develop two skills to conceptually calculate the volume and surface area of a geometric solid: understanding and visualizing the structure of the solid, as well as linking the formulae to the structure of the solid, conceptualizing the numerical operations. Rupnow et al (2022) found four threads of understanding that students had to coordinate to 2 / 15 develop an effective algorithm to calculate prism volume. In the interpretation thread, students had to be able to interpret a volume measurement question as one of counting cubes or volume units.…”