The Spatial Maths Program

About Spatial Maths

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.

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
  • increase STEM engagement

Development

The Spatial Maths F–6 Program combines two previous programs developed by Emeritus Professor Tom Lowrie, a world-leading researcher in mathematics and STEM education:

  1. ELSA: STEM in Schools (F–2)
  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. 

Commercialisation

Having completed extensive research and development, we are now ready to transition from a government-funded 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.

Further information

While we build a new Spatial Maths website, further information about our programs can be found at these websites:

We have also developed the Early Learning STEM Australia (ELSA) Program which is available to all Australian preschools and childcare centres offering a preschool program.

Contact us

Please contact us for further information here: team@elsa.edu.au

Program attribution

The ELSA F–2 Program was developed with Australian Government funding.

© Commonwealth of Australia.

The MathsBURST 3–6 Program was developed independently by Professor Tom Lowrie.

© MathsBURST Pty Ltd