The effects of using web based 3D design applications on spatial visualisation and mental rotation abilities of middle school students

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of applications created using Tinkercad, a web-based 3D design tool, on the spatial visualisation and mental rotation abilities of secondary school students. 65 6th grade students participated in the study. The quasi-experimental design was used by the researcher. The Spatial Visualization Test, The Mental Rotation Test and Santa Barbara Solid Test, which concurrently measures spatial orientation and spatial relations were used as tools to measure the different components of spatial ability before and after the application. Moreover, after the application, a group focus interview using structured questions is conducted. A statistically significant difference showed that there was an increase in all three tests scores of students; also the students stated that they were happy about designing and creating something new. Keywords: Spatial Ability, Spatial Visualization, Mental Rotation, Inferring CrossSections of Solids in Mind, Tinkercad