The Spatial Maths Program
Spatial Maths is a primary school mathematics program that lifts student numeracy outcomes, STEM engagement and NAPLAN results by building spatial reasoning skills. Results from Foundation to Year 6 show consistently stronger outcomes for Spatial Maths students than for ‘business-as-usual’ cohorts (see chart below).
The program is designed for low-burden delivery: just one lesson per week, with all lesson plans, student digital games and classroom activities provided and managed through our online portal (LMS). This combination of structured resources and engaging digital technology is designed to:
- improve maths achievement
- reduce teacher workload
- improve STEM engagement
Development
Spatial Maths was developed by Emeritus Professor Tom Lowrie, a world-leading researcher in mathematics and STEM education, together with pedagogical experts at the University of Canberra, and has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Education since 2016.
Commercialisation
Having completed our research and development phase, we are now transitioning from a government-funded research project to a commercial venture. We have established SPLAT-maths Pty Ltd to deliver the program to schools and secure its long-term sustainability. More information on SPLAT-maths Pty Ltd is available on our About page.
History
The Spatial Maths F–6 Program combines two previous programs developed by Emeritus Professor Tom Lowrie:
- ELSA: STEM in Schools (F–2)
- MathsBURST (3–6)
The ELSA F–2 Program was developed with funding provided by the Department of Education, and the MathsBURST Program was developed independently by Professor Lowrie based on decades of research and practice.
These two programs now combine to create a whole-of-school offering for Foundation to Year 6.
Further information
While we build a new Spatial Maths website, further information cabout our programs can be found at these websites:
We also have the Early Learning STEM Australia (ELSA) Program available to all Australian preschools and childcare centres offering preschool programs.
Contact us
Please contact us for further information here: team@elsa.edu.au