• Journal of the Korean School Mathematics Society
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.167-191
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• 2014

In this study, we investigate the term-sets of 'base' or 'bottom': 'the bottom side of a polygon' and 'the base side (of a geometrical figure)'. And we study the concept of 'the base area' in the solid figures and the formula of 'the bottom dimensions'. We start from the 6th grade math problem: 'Find the bottom dimension of the rectangular.' The primary answer is that it does not use the term('the bottom dimensions') in the elementary mathematics. However, in the middle school mathematics, 'the base area' is used as means of 'the area of one bottom side', which is not explained anywhere from the elementary mathematics to middle school mathematics. In addition, the base is defined and 'the surface area' and 'the side area' is taught in the elementary mathematics, so we naturally think of 'the base area'. Therefore we first investigate the term-sets of 'base' or 'bottom' which has two elements: 'the bottom side of a polygon' and 'the base side (of a geometrical figure)'. Next we discuss 'the base area' through curriculum and textbooks, dictionary definitions and so on. In addition, we survey pre-service teachers and teachers about the solid figures and analyse the understanding of 'the base side' and 'the base area' comparatively. In particular, we compare the changes and the tendency of correct answers from the first question to the last question. As a result, we verify 'the cognitive gap' between the elementary mathematics and the middle school mathematics, we suggest the teaching of 'the base area' and succession subjects to teach figure domain in the elementary mathematics.