You Can Do the Rubik's Cube Program - Mosaic Builder Set

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Suzie Bates
School Site
Glenshire Elementary
Grant Category
Mathematics & Science
Grant Date
2018-04-30T12:00:00
Description

You Can Do the Rubik’s Cube Program - https://www.youcandothecube.com/

Since its creation in 1974, the Rubik's Cube has continued to fascinate, bewilder and challenge millions of people. While many have tried to solve the cube, few succeeded.

Those fortunate enough to solve the cube say this magical puzzle has increased their self-esteem, made them feel smarter and more willing to take risks, helped them overcome their fear of failure and even made them more outgoing.

One thing is certain — whether you solve the Rubik's Cube in ten-seconds or ten days — you experience a great sense of accomplishment and pride when you finally see the ordered rows of colors with each piece sitting in its correct position.

With that in mind, Rubik's Cube has launched a new campaign in the USA with the goal of teaching 8-18 year-olds how to solve the Rubik's Cube and experience the many benefits of this accomplishment! Math lessons have also been designed to use the Rubik's Cube to help teachers engage students with an interactive and tangible way to learn the many math disciplines.

The You CAN Do the Rubik's Cube Program objective is to not only share the secrets of solving the Rubik's Cube with youth, but to also encourage them to help others to do the same. Program incentives and rewards are available for participants to earn as they mentor and lead others through this challenging yet rewarding process.

The Rubik's Cube has become so much more than a puzzle because of its unique challenge and worldwide reputation, now thousands more can feel the joy of solving it and sharing their knowledge with others!

If you can solve one face of a Rubik’s® Cube, you can create some fantastic mosaics!

With just a few cubes or hundreds, creating mosaics is a fun team-building classroom activity. Use our Mosaic Lessons and/or our Mosaic Building Guides to get started.

You can use our ready-made templates or create your own designs. To make a Rubik's Cube mosaic, you don't need to know how to solve all 3 layers of the cube. Students apply the skills from stages 2 and 3 - making a white cross and placing the white corners - to make a multi-colored cross and place multi-colored corners.

Benefits of Program

National Council of Teacher of Mathematics (NCTM) and Next Generation of Science Standards (NGSS) content standards that also support Growth Mindset - Critical Thinking, Grit, Collaboration, and Communication

Unlock the Secret to the world-famous Rubik's® Cube and engage students using motivating lessons which are aligned to Common Core and STEM/STEAM standards.

Critical Thinking, Math, STEM/STEAM

Engaging lessons written by teachers and classrooms tested.  We regularly review and expand our collection of lessons and activities.

The Rubik's Cube club has made a big difference in my son's attitude about school and his confidence! I know teachers are busy and it means a lot that you would use some of your free time when you don't have to. - Parent

 

Success of Program

Teaching students to solve the Rubik's Cube is highly rewarding especially if you have memories of your own frustrations from childhood. K-5 students will learn key mathematics skills while meeting required content standard concepts such as, area, surface, volume, measurement, fractions, decimals, geometry, algebra and so much more.  In addition, a variety of standard aligned lesson plans are available for free at www.YouCanDoTheCube.com using the Rubik's Cube as a manipulative in a number of K-12 STEM disciplines to engage your students and make learning fun.

Implementation

The implementation guide has been designed to assist schools to combine all the components offered within the You CAN Do The Rubik's Cube Education Program.  Each activity and module is built on the previous one and developed to both challenge and motivate students while meeting required standards.  The description of each module contains a suggested time line, an objective, materials needed, and benefits to the students, all of which meet the goals of 21st Century Skills and can be modified to best fit the needs and desired outcomes of a teacher's individual program. There are 4 modules that can be used in any combination or variation.  Module 1 - Solving the Cube, Module 2 - Competitions,  Module 3 Building Mosaics,  Module 4 Do It Yourself Mosaic.  

The resources appeal to different learning styles.  The Learn to Solve curriculum includes detailed lessons to teach each stage of the cube.  The lessons use appropriate math vocabulary and make connections to related math concepts.  In addition, we have songs and chants to help students remember the algorithms. Other resources, including a sample schedule and teaching tips, help motivate learners of all ages.

https://www.youcandothecube.com/educators/rubiks-cube-units-and-lessons/

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

225 Rubic's Cubes could be used in up to 9 classes of 25 students at a time.  As a culminating event, students across grade levels could participate in Mosaic Building.  This would foster school spirit and team building.

Sustainability
Rubic's Cubes would be checked out in class sets and labeled with numbers in order to keep track of the Rubic's Cubes. If a cube is lost, they can be easily replaced with class funds. The Rubic's Cubes should last for many years. After students have used the cubes for multiple years in elementary school, the program could grow. Competitions could be held on site and students could participate in Regional and National competitions.
Amount Funded
$1515.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$1407 - Mosaic Set - 225 tiled cubes and 25 guides
Shipping
$75.00
Other funding sources

Individual class funds and / or PTO will provide any replacement cubes that are needed.  Additional implementation guides can be printed on color copy machines at the school site.

Supporting Links
https://www.youcandothecube.com/