Unforgetting Turtle Geometry: Making Geometry Education More Visual, Computational, and Culturally-Relevant

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Abstract

Turtle Geometry, originally developed alongside the Logo programming language, provides a visual and computational alternative to traditional Euclidean and Cartesian geometry. Despite its decline in popularity, this paper argues for the revisiting of Turtle Geometry, especially in combination with modern block-based programming tools like Scratch. By focusing on visual reasoning, computational thinking, and procedure-based instruction, Turtle Geometry addresses longstanding shortcomings in geometry education highlighted by mathematicians. Additionally, integrating Turtle Geometry with culturally relevant pedagogy and ethnomathematics can make mathematics more inclusive, allowing students to explore geometric concepts through their cultural heritage. Thus, Turtle Geometry presents a unique opportunity to transform geometry education by making it visually engaging, computationally enriching, and culturally meaningful.

Authors

• Sina Rismanchian, University of California - Irvine

• Shayan Doroudi, University of California - Irvine