This paper presents a semester-long bottle design project for an undergraduate Numerical Analysis course. Students implement numerical methods in MATLAB to design and 3D print a bottle. Employing mathematical methods to compute features of their designs enhances students' understanding of numerical techniques in design applications. Student…

Aim/Purpose: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a tessellation-based instructional program supported by digital technologies for enhancing geometric learning in primary school pupils. Background: Digital education offers various benefits, including increased motivation and engagement, and has been shown to be effective in teaching…

Mathematical modeling is a critical component of the current K-12 mathematics, science, and technology and engineering (T&E) educational standards in the United States. However, mathematical modeling is often overlooked or underemphasized in integrative STEM lessons. This could be attributed to teachers' limited content and pedagogical…

In this article, the authors explain how they leveraged the popularity of the "Star Wars" franchise to introduce a task steeped in popular culture as a fun way to engage their students in investigating complex mathematics that have real-life connections to careers in toy design and engineering design in general. The authors share various…

The paper addresses concept formation processes of a student in the field of geometry. More precisely, the paper deals with the question of how to assist a student in a mathematical concept formation process -- in the context of area calculations in triangles -- with a specially designed learning environment based on the usage of 3D printed…

This mixed-methods study focused on advanced student engagement, mathematics competence, and the influence of teachers in classrooms that used 3D printing to teach mathematics. Quantitative methods were used to understand changes in student perceptions of competence, engagement, and feelings regarding group work. Qualitative methods were used to…

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing are not new technologies but are technologies which, in recent years, have become more accessible to hobbyists and enthusiasts. Engaging with these technologies allows the user to investigate and manipulate virtual and physical 3D shapes, which may affect spatial awareness. The literature suggests that…

More and more schools are acquiring advanced manufacturing equipment. Activities that incorporate the use of this equipment for the purpose of teaching some academic content can either be designed or redesigned for other educational purposes as well. This article describes how the authors extended an activity that was initially designed to help…

"Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions" is an 1884 novella written by English schoolmaster Edwin Abbott. He describes what it would be like to live in a two-dimensional (2D) world--Flatland. It is fascinating reading that underscores the challenge of teaching three-dimensional (3D) mathematics using 2D tools. Real-world applications of…

With the rise of personal desktop 3D printing, a wide spectrum of educational opportunities has become available for educators to leverage this technology in their classrooms. Until recently, the ability to create physical 3D models was well beyond the scope, skill, and budget of many schools. However, since desktop 3D printers have become readily…