Buildagram: A constructionist environment for spatial reasoning

Abstract

A foundational skill in mathematics education, spatial reasoning describes the cognitive processes that enable learners to navigate between two-and three-dimensional perspectives. However, traditional approaches to developing spatial reasoning skills contribute to a view of math and creativity as mutually exclusive. Inspired by the tangram puzzle, Buildagram is a 3-D construction set that combines the creativity of free play with the structure of geometry, enabling learners to take two-dimensional shapes and transform them into boundless three-dimensional creations. The set consists of tangram construction pieces, projection cards, and digital tools, which create a learning environment devoted to spatial reasoning. By playing with multiple representations of angles and polygons in Buildagram, kids develop spatial abilities which strongly predict success in STEM fields. From user testing, we see that they also tend to develop positive feelings about math and geometry without sacrificing fun or creativity.