Seeing and the Ability to See: A Framework for Viewing Geometric Cube Problems

Perceiving a 3-dimensional (3D) diagram on a 2-dimensional (2D) surface or plane can be a challenging endeavor for students at the elementary or primary grade levels. Adding to this challenge are the intricacies present in understanding the processes involved in geometric problems of such a nature. To ease the comprehension of these processes, this paper proposes a framework that traces the processes in viewing 3D diagrams represented on a 2D plane. This framework, abbreviated as SMS, espouses three main processes; (1) Seeing the 2D plane, (2) Making sense of the 3D diagram on the 2D plane, and (3) Seeing the 3D diagram. Implications for teaching and learning are also offered.