WHAT IS GEOMETRY?

The concept of geometry comes from the Greek "geo" land and "metrein" to measure. It is a branch of the mathematics that studies the properties of the space. The geometry deals with problems metrically as the calculation of the area, the diameter of flat figures or the surface and volume of solid bodies.

In this video, we can find a short introduction about the history of geometry:

According to the National Institute for Education Assessment, it is relevant to teach this subject at school in order:

1.  To know one of the most instructive branch of Mathematics.
2. To cultivate a high level of intelligence.
3. To develop strategies of thinking.
4. To discover the own creative possibilities.
5. To learn an interesting and useful matter.
6. To promote a sensibility towards the beautiful thing.
7. To work Mathematics experimentally.
8. To observe the vision of the world that surrounds us.
9. To enjoy the practical applications of geometry.
10. To enjoy learning and teaching.

For all these points, we should consider that geometric is totally related to every step we take in our life, even it is applied in our everyday language. These are the main reasons of why geometric must be taught in Primary Education.

However, when teachers are explaining this topic, in some cases they are not able to transmit these ideas and they only focus their attention on explaining geometric using theoretical concepts and several mathematical formulas. In this way, students don’t see the close connection that geometric has in our daily life.

In order to improve this behaviour, nowadays we have a vast number of resources available such as manipulative figures, geometric bodies or educational games. If we use these materials in class, apart from transmitting the real significant of geometric using examples of our ordinary life, we will get that our students change the meaning of the geometric concept.