What question did this study set out to answer?

To describe and evaluate the three-year design evolution of an elective university seminar that trains pre-service mathematics teachers to program, model, and 3D-print custom mathematical manipulatives.

August 14, 2026Education SciencesOpen Access

Tangible Mathematics: 3D-Printing Manipulatives as a Tool in Mathematics Teacher Education

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To describe and evaluate the three-year design evolution of an elective university seminar that trains pre-service mathematics teachers to program, model, and 3D-print custom mathematical manipulatives.
Implemented a three-year iterative seminar curriculum for pre-service mathematics teachers beginning in their third semester.
Trained participants in OpenSCAD code-based 3D modeling using structured instructional scaffolding, such as introductory cookie stamp designs and didactical design profiles.
Structured the course across three phases: a foundational input phase, a hands-on makerspace modeling and printing phase, and a final didactical presentation phase.
Demonstrated that student teachers can successfully progress from basic coding to designing, fabricating, and didactically contextualizing tangible mathematical tools.
Established a reproducible course structure combining technical coding skills, constructionist pedagogy, and mathematics didactics for teacher preparation programs.

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Implication

Curriculum design study demonstrates a framework for 3D-printing math manipulatives in teacher education, highlighting an adaptable model for constructionist teaching.

Cite This Study

Läufer et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a7ec7aab70b84ec8b9142a1 https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16081284

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Implication

Curriculum design study demonstrates a framework for 3D-printing math manipulatives in teacher education, highlighting an adaptable model for constructionist teaching.

Tangible Mathematics: 3D-Printing Manipulatives as a Tool in Mathematics Teacher Education

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Tangible Mathematics: 3D-Printing Manipulatives as a Tool in Mathematics Teacher Education

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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