Transformations in 3D: How AMSI approaches new concepts in the ICE-EM textbooks

Transformations in 3D: How AMSI approaches new concepts in the ICE-EM textbooks

Episode summary

Three-dimensional coordinates and transformations are a significant addition to the Year 8 mathematics curriculum—but how do we introduce them without making 3D geometry feel unnecessarily abstract? In this episode of MathsTalk, AMSI Schools’ Leanne McMahon explores the thinking behind the new Transformations in 3D chapter she authored for the fourth edition of ICE-EM Mathematics Year 8. Beginning with students’ existing understanding of 2D coordinates and transformations, Leanne looks at how teachers can build towards ordered triples, coordinate planes and transformations in three-dimensional space. She discusses the value of dynamic geometry software such as GeoGebra, practical approaches for developing spatial reasoning, and real-world applications including drones, robotics, gaming, animation, architecture, 3D printing and navigation.

AMSI ICE-EM Mathematics textbooks

The fourth edition of ICE-EM Mathematics covers Years 5–10 and has been updated for Australian Curriculum Mathematics Version 9.0 and Victorian Curriculum Mathematics Version 2.0. The new editions include additional digital resources, video explanations, written solutions and connections with AMSI Calculate and AMSI Careers resources.

Explore the ICE-EM Mathematics serieshttps://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/

ICE-EM Mathematics Fourth Edition – Year 8https://schools.amsi.org.au/2026/03/10/ice-em-mathematics-third-edition-year-8/

Order ICE-EM Mathematics from Cambridge University Press & Assessmenthttps://www.cambridge.org/au/education/australia-subject/mathematics/ice-em-mathematics-5-10-4th-edition

Year 8 curriculum: position and location in three dimensions

The Australian and Victorian Curricula Mathematics  content description VC2M8SP03 asks students to describe the position and location of three-dimensional objects using different representations, including a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system and dynamic geometry software or other digital tools. Its elaborations include drones, 3D printing, virtual maps, multistorey car parks and the construction of objects in a 3D coordinate system.

Victorian Curriculum Mathematics 2.0 – VC2M8SP03https://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Search?q=VC2M8SP03

GeoGebra and 3D geometry