Change in Spatial Visualization Mental Rotation Abilities of Intermediate Elementary Students

• In Event: Embodiment and Spatialization: Leveraging the Affordances of Learning Technologies

Abstract

Spatial visualization and mental rotations skills are considered a strong predictor of success in STEM fields (Wai, Lubinski, & Benbow, 2009). This study analyzed the malleability and amount of change in fourth through sixth grade students using the Revised PSVT:R. Participants engaged in a STEM camp driven by maker pedagogy and focused on the engineering design process. A pre/post design revealed increased spatial visualization mental rotation abilities of the sample and the results were found to be statistically significant. The conclusions from this study indicate that the participants’ spatial abilities increased after engaging in a STEM camp experience.

Authors

• Jason Trumble, University of Central Arkansas

• Deborah D. Dailey, University of Central Arkansas