Escher and the search for the infinite : a webquest for a K12 class

Abstract

In this research project, it was created, implemented and evaluated teaching experiences about the extending and refining of the mathematical concept of infinite through one webquest applied to a 12th grade class. There were established three research questions. Will the webquest Escher and the search for the infinite allow the development of creative and critical thinking? Will it enhance a collaborative knowledge environment? Can it contribute for a better understanding of the concept of infinity? Through the analysis of the final work done by each group, we verified that students had developed the ability of organising and synthesizing information, that they had developed cooperative work, creativity, scientific reasoning and critical thinking. We detected a better understanding of the concept of infinity by comparing the pre-test with the pos-test results.