Enhancing spatial geometry education in high school through 3D printing technology and Tinkercad

Mathematics education is increasingly evolving, with a growing emphasis on the practical application of mathematics to solve real-world problems. The frequent difficulties in teaching and understanding abstract mathematical concepts remain a challenge for both students and teachers. 3D printing and 3D design technology are gradually becoming widespread and are being applied across various fields, particularly in mathematics education. We designed a set of 3D-printed models using GeoGebra and Tinkercad, focusing primarily on topics such as area, volume, intersections, and projections in three-dimensional space. The models and learning tasks were designed to provide students with diverse learning experiences when studying selected topics in spatial geometry, as a means of enhancing their digital competence and deepening their conceptual understanding of spatial geometry. This study highlights the pedagogical value of integrating 3D printing and Tinkercad into spatial geometry education. The findings suggest that these technologies can support experiential learning, enhance spatial visualisation, and foster students’ digital competence. Future research should examine long-term impacts across broader educational contexts and develop more comprehensive assessment frameworks.