Teaching “surface area of a sphere and volume of a ball” using an inquiry approach

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to investigate how to teach the surface area of a sphere and volume of a ball to students of elementary school teacher education using the inquiry approach. The study used a single-subject research approach for students of elementary school teacher education, Universitas Kanjuruhan Malang, Indonesia, who have been permanent teachers in elementary schools. They were to teach the surface area of the volume using experimental demonstration method. The data analysis used in this study was a combination of quantitative and qualitative description. The results of the study showed that students found the surface area of a sphere was 4πr^2using the approach of circle area and the volume of a ball was 4/3 πr^3 using the approach of a cylinder volume. It had been proven that the approach was effective to improve students’ understanding, particularly on the surface area and the volume. In addition, they were also able to implement it to their students at schools.