economic and cultural backgrounds and reported a positive
correlation between the two variables. The same study finally concluded that spatial visualization could be improved with
several teaching methods. Similarly, both Krutetskii (1979) and Bertoline (1988) argue that spatial visualization is
not a talent inherited at birth but it is a skill and they both state that it can be developed by means of several
activities and teaching methods (Idris, 2005).
A review of the studies conducted in order to develop spatial abilities point out that those teaching methods
utilizing computer software are gaining more and popularity these days. A study by Rafi (2008), for instance,
examined the effect of Web-based activities and animation aided computer applications on the spatial visualization
abilities of two test groups of primary school 2nd Grade students. The same study also included a control group
taught through traditional teaching methods. Rafi’s study finally concluded that the two test groups had higher levels
of spatial ability than that of the control group. Güven and Kösa (2008), on the other hand, investigated the effect of
teaching assisted with Cabri 3D, a type of 3D dynamic geometry software, on the spatial skills of teacher candidates.
In that study, a total of 40 the participant teacher candidates went through several activities for 8 weeks including
theory proving and rotating objects in 3D environment and surface areas by using the software. It was determined at
the end of the study that the activities performed contributed significantly to the spatial ability of the teacher
candidates involved in the study. In another study, Baki, Kösa and Güven (2009) compared the separate effects of
making use of dynamic geometry software and concrete materials in teaching geometry on teacher candidates’
spatial visualization skills. In that study, a test group was exposed to activities using dynamic geometry software and
another test group was involved in activities using concrete materials while the control group was taught with
traditional teaching methods. The findings from their study demonstrated that the spatial visualization skill levels of
the test groups were significantly higher than that of those students in the control group. On the other hand, it turned
out that the spatial visualization scores of the test group taught through dynamic geometry software applications
displayed a higher increase than the scores of the other test group taught with concrete materials.
While various 3D dynamic software applications are considered to be appropriate to be used efficiently in
improving spatial visualization, Google SketchUp software – a 3D drawing program used mostly in engineering – is
also thought to be capable of contributing to the development of these skills. La Ferla et al. (2009) investigated the
effect of using manipulations formed in Google SketchUp software while teaching three-dimensional shapes on the
spatial skills of middle school students. The findings from this study, in which the participant students went
through spatial relations (DAT), spatial visualization (SV) and mental rotation (MRT) tests before and after the
applications, showed that the scores received by the students for spatial visualization and mental rotation increased
significantly after the implementation. Finally, regarding our study, what is aimed by this study is to identify the
effect of the activities and projects based on Google SketchUp while teaching solid objects on the spatial
visualization skills of primary school mathematics teacher candidates.