SUPPORTING STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE VOLUME OF CUBE AND CUBOID USING RUBRIK’S CUBE

Geometry is a lesson which emphasizes the student's ability to identify characteristics , the elements , and determine the volume in problem solving. This study was conducted to help 8th grade students understand the volume of cubes and cuboid by using rubik’s cube. This study involved junior high school students of YPI Tunas Bangsa Palembang. The research approach used in this study is design research that consists of three stages: preliminary, design experiments, and retrospective analysis. A series of learning activities was designed and developed based on Indonesian Realistic Mathematics Education (PMRI) approach. The activities in this study begins with two experiments, the first experiment the students were asked to put rubik’s cube into a box until it is full. The second experiment, the students were asked to put rubik’s cube into a box should merely has representative length, width and height. After that the students were asked to compare the number of rubik’s cube used in the first and second experiment . Through the whole experiments that have been conducted, it can be said that the students can understand the concept of volume of cubes and cuboid. The results showed that the series of learning activities has improved students' understanding of the volume of cube and cuboid. Key Words: volume, cube, cuboid, rubik’s cube, PMRI, design research