AN OPEN SOURCE VIRTUAL MANIPULATIVE FOR TEACHING 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRIC OBJECTS: GOOGLE SKETCHUP

Mathematic that contains many abstract concepts is a major problem for elementary school students who have difficulty embodying these concepts. Especially, geometric shapes are tried to embodying by scratched on paper with the help of ruler, protractor and compass to students. However, transferring on paper of 3 dimensional geometric objects that is more abstract concept, and require high level embodying and spatial visualization ability is not very effective to embodying. In traditional learning environments, models and metaphors are often used in teaching 3 dimensional geometric objects. But, these methods are not always able to provide the necessary effect. Advantage of the opportunities offered by information technologies, 3 dimensional geometric objects are embodied in the minds of students. In this study, Google SketchUp that is an open source scratching software that can be used for teaching 3 dimensional geometric objects is analyzed as a virtual manipulative. Google SketchUp that has user-friendly and simple interface can used by teachers easily. Google Sketchup software, which offering a funny scratching environment for students, is thought to be effective for embodied of 3 dimensional objects by students.