Development of Spatial Skills: Linking Software and Physical

This research will explore the use of a virtual polyhedron modeling environment which creates nets, or patterns, for a polyhedron created on the screen, in the teaching of geometry and spatial skills. When the net is printed, cut, folded, and glued together, a 3-dimensional model of the original polyhedron is created. We propose to examine the use of this tool in an instructional setting, to determine what extensions are required, and investigate what curricular materials are needed to improve students' geometry and spatial skills, math ability, and excitement for mathematics.