Development of interactive 3D tangible models as teaching aids to improve students' spatial ability in STEM education

Spatial abilities have been reported to be critical for success in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Research findings prove that spatial abilities can be improved significantly through training. This project develops 3D tangible models (TMs) and their corresponding computer graphics (CGs) as teaching aids to improve students' spatial abilities. The TMs and their CGs work together in a real- time, interactive manner. The TMs use a sensor board containing an attitude heading reference system to track and send their real-time 3D orientation on three axes to a computer. A program renders the 3D graphic models of these TMs on the computer screen and updates their 3D orientations. By manipulating the TMs and observing corresponding CGs on computer screens in real time, students will experience the displays of the same objects which undergo rotations in space from infinite viewing angles, resolving visual ambiguities. The system offers potential advantages over static pictures by explicitly rendering dynamic rotations of 3D figures over space, rather than requiring students to “mentally” figure out those rotations. The models in this development project will be used in an experiment to evaluate how they affect students' spatial abilities.