Investigation of reasoning processes of middle school students in manipulative-activities regarding the area measurement

Purpose: The aim is to examine how middle school students' reasoning processes emerge in activities supported by virtual and concrete manipulatives on the subject of area measurement. Method: The research employed a qualitative research method, specifically the teaching experiment design. The study group consisted of three 7th grade students attending a public school in Kocaeli during the 2022-2023 academic year. Data were collected through camera recordings, screen recording software, and drawings on worksheets during the sessions. Content analysis was utilized for data analysis. Results: According to the findings obtained in the research, it was observed that the participants carried out different thinking processes in the context of Geometric Habit of Mind (GHoM) while creating area relations of triangles, special quadrilaterals and circles in activities supported by manipulatives. Conclusion and Suggestions: It was determined that the participants improved in the processes of taking advantage of familiar situations, prioritizing discovery, and prioritizing the purpose. It is thought that teaching programs that will support reasoning can be prepared by increasing activities supported by manipulatives regarding area measurement. Keywords: Geometric Habit Of Mind Teaching, experiment, Manipulatives, Area measurement, Height