The Transformation Room: A Game to Improve Spatial Visualization

Spatial visualization, or the ability to mentally manipulate figures, is easier for some than others, but most teachers maintain that it is an ability that can be developed in students. One activity I have found and used is one of the games on www.mathplayground.com. The activity is found in the game “The X Detectives” . Upon entering the game, the little car can be driven to various locations. One location is “The Transformation Room” and that is where students can learn about reflections, translations, and rotations. A model is given to illustrate each concept, and then practice is provided. Players try to duplicate patterns in various positions by following the directions given. It is a good mental exercise and will not only reinforce the definitions of the terms reflection,translation and rotation, but will also serve to strengthen spatial visualization.