PROCEEDINGS OF THE 19TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2016
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A framework for examining the 2-D and 3-D spatial skills needed for calculus
Page: 736
Having well developed spatial thinking skills is critical to success in many STEM fields such as engineering, chemistry, and physics; these skills are equally critical for success in mathematics. We present a framework for examining how spatial skills are manifested in math problems. We examine established spatial skills definitions and correlate them with the spatial skills needed to successfully solve a standard calculus problem – find the volume of a solid of revolution. This problem is deconstructed into steps and analyzed according to what 2-D and 3-D spatial skills are necessary to visualize and solve the problem.