• Communications of Mathematical Education
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.431-450
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• 2007

A polygon is one of the main subjects of the geometry curriculum that is handled widely from the second-grade elementary school to middle school. In this research, we analyze second-grade middle school students' conceptions of the polygon that are revealed in the process of seeking the definition and the area of it given in a lattice worksheet.

• Journal of Educational Research in Mathematics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.19-37
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• 2004

In school mathematics, polygon and polyhedron are defined by vague terms such as "surrounded" or "formed" Moreover, the inclusion of boundary and interior in the definition of polygon and polyhedron is varied according to the context. Polygon and polyhedron are considered as "context-dependent concept" in school mathematics. Elementary school mathematics introduces a surface only in the context of solid, yet secondary school mathematics explains a surface as the trace of the line movement. From the perspective of fallabilism, it is possible and desirable to lead students to revise and improve their conceptions on polygon, polyhedron, and surface. It is more appropriate to name a face, an edge, and a vertex rather than to express a face of polyhedron, an edge of polyhedron, and a vertex of polyhedron in textbooks. The term "surface as a polygon" in secondary mathematics textbooks shows a conflict between intuitive approach in elementary school and logical approach in secondary school.