In a previous article, "The Shape of Reasoning: Using Geometry to Promote the Reasoning Proficiency Strand" (EJ1286217), the author put forward the argument that no medium is more powerful than geometry as a vehicle for developing the mathematical proficiency strand of Reasoning. Because geometry is so visual and tactile, the…

This article describes a hands-on geometric tiling art activity used in two third-grade classes and four fifth-grade classes in a rural public elementary school with class sizes of around 20 students each. The lesson investigates concepts in geometry, number sense, and probability. Examples of student work and takeaways for other teachers…

The main difficulty in studying molecular symmetry is the mental manipulation of molecules when searching for symmetry. Numerous methods of teaching molecular symmetry require students to identify symmetry elements of objects or molecules. As an alternative, we propose activity that identifies symmetry using elements outside the objects, together…

The combined use of origami and dynamic geometry software has recently appeared in mathematics education to enrich students' geometric thinking. The objective of this research is to study the roles played by the interaction of two artifacts, paper folding and GeoGebra, in a construction-proving problem as well as its generalization in the…

Finding teaching methods that foster students' development of geometric thinking and visualization skills is still a current challenge. This study analyses the effects of the combined use of paper folding and dynamic geometry on high school students' geometric thinking and visualization skills. A quasi-experimental study pretest/post-test design…

In this note we describe the mathematics that emerges from the construction of an origami box. We first construct a simple origami box from two rectangular sheets and then discuss some of the mathematical questions that arise in the context of algebra, geometry and calculus.

Many mathematics teachers and students are familiar with the typical "box problem." In this type of problem, one takes a rectangular (or a square) sheet of paper and cuts out four squares from the four corners of the sheet and then folds the four strips up to form a box. Math problems like this are seen in middle school, high school,…

Research reveals that many mathematics teachers find it difficult to stimulate learners' interest in learning geometry. One major reason suggested is that geometric concepts are not well conceptualised and comprehended by both learners and teachers. The study explored learners' views on how polygon pieces and dictionary mediate learning of…

The purpose of this note is to discuss how paper folding can be used to find the exact trigonometric ratios of the following four angles: 22.5°, 67.5°, 27°, and 63°.

This paper presents an example of how paper folding can be used in a geometry class to support conceptual understanding. Specifically, it explains an activity that constructs a rhombus and explores its attributes by using paper folding. The steps of constructing a rhombus are described and some discussion questions are given to consolidate…

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of inquiry-based instruction enriched with origami activities on 7th grade students' achievement in reflection symmetry and self-efficacy in geometry. Two classes, instructed by the first author of the paper, were randomly assigned as experimental and control groups. In order to gather data,…

Geometry is the branch of mathematics that addresses spatial sense and geometric reasoning. Students begin to understand geometry through direct interaction with their physical world. Because it is the study of the physical attributes of the environment, geometry has relevance for every student; the world becomes a big classroom. As students see,…

Mathematical learning and teaching are increasingly seen as a multimodal experience involved in cultural and social semiotic registers and means, and as such social-cultural semiotic analysis is expected to shed light on learning and teaching processes occurring in the mathematics classroom. In this research, three social-cultural semiotic…

"Improving Mathematics in the Early Years and Key Stage 1" reviews the best available evidence to offer five recommendations for developing the maths skills of 3-7-year olds. Recommendations include integrating maths into different activities throughout the day -- for example, at registration and snack time -- to familiarise children…

Designed for a broad audience, including educators, camp directors, afterschool coordinators, and preservice teachers, this investigation aims to help individuals experience mathematics in unconventional and exciting ways by engaging them in the physical activity of building geometric shapes using ropes. Through this engagement, the author…