Engineering & Construction: Build a Rubik s Cube (2x2)

Transcription

1 Engineering & Construction: Build a Rubik s Cube (2x2) Middle School In this lesson, students will build a functional 2x2 Rubik s Cube out of paper. Common Core Standards: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.C.3 Recognize volume as an attribute of solid figures and understand concepts of volume measurement. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.C.4 Measure volumes by nd counting unit cubes, using cubic cm, cubic in, cubic ft, a improvised units. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.4 Represent three-dimensional figures using nets made up of rectangles and triangles, and use the nets to find the surface area of these figures. Apply these techniques in the context of solving real-world and mathematical problems. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.6 Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, volume and surface area of two- and three- dimensional objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes, and right prisms. CCSS.Math P ractice 5 U se appropriate tools strategically. RST F ollow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks. Next Generation Science Standards: MS-ETS1-1 D efine the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

2 MS-ETS1-2 Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. Objectives: Students will plan, measure, and follow directions to build a 2x2 model of a Rubik s Cube. Materials: 2x2 Rubik s Cubes (1 per student) Colored paper - red, blue, yellow, green, orange String (18 per student) Heavy duty tape (packing tape) Scissors (1 per student) Glue sticks Background Knowledge: Helpful, but not essential: Students should understand how a net can be folded to create three-dimensional polyhedron. Students should understand that the template net is not the only configuration of a net that will create a cube. Procedure: Before class: Copy cube template page- each student will need 4 sheets (2 cube templates per sheet) Cut strings about 4.5 inches long - each student will need 4 strings Make a sample of the project to show the students. Part 1: What is Engineering? 1. Discuss engineering with students. What is engineering? What is the purpose of engineering? While some people have stumbled upon great ideas, others set about trying to solve real-world problems.

3 2. Define the main branches of engineering: electrical, mechanical, chemical, and civil. Work with the class to come up with examples of things each type of engineer might build. 3. Students can learn about accidental inventions through the short stories in the book, Mistakes That Worked, by Charlotte Hone, et.al. Share a few of the stories with students. Part 2: Examine the 2x2x2 Rubik s Cube 1. Give students exploration time with the 2x2 Rubik s Cube. Ask: What are the similarities and differences between the 3x3 and 2x2 Rubik s Cube? Why are they called 3x3 (three-by-three) and 2x2 (two-by-two)? 2. Determine the perimeter and area of each face and the surface area and volume of the 2x2 cube with students. 3. Identify the shapes and angles that make up the cube. 4. Define net in mathematics. (a two-dimensional figure that can be folded into a three-dimensional object) 5. Work through the interactive problems on the Illuminations website where students will identify which 2D nets can be folded into cubes. Part 3: Build a 2x2x2 Rubik s Cube 1. Now, students will follow directions to make a functional paper model of a 2x2x2 Rubik s Cube. Show students the sample 2x2 cube they will be making. 2. Students will measure and cut 4 squares 1.25 inches on each side of each color. 3. Glue colored squares onto the appropriate spaces for each corner piece. You may want to show

4 students where the colors should go, or have them examine the 2x2 cubes to determine the placement. 4. Cut out each cube template and fold on solid lines to create 8 cubes. *Students could also create their own cube nets, but the template will help expedite the activity 5. Students can use glue sticks or tape on the tabs to create the cubes. Covering the cubes in clear packing tape will help make the pieces more durable. 6. Attach strings (with clear packing tape) diagonally on pairs of cubes in the upper and lower layers of the cube. *See photo 7. Twist the cube to tangle the strings creating a working 2x2 Rubik s Cube model!

5 Technology Connection: Online resources for learning to solve the 2x2 Rubik s Cube: it/2 x 2 solution Activity where students determine which nets will create cubes: If you choose to make the pieces out of origami cubes, demonstrations are available online: Modular cube using 6 pieces of paper per cube, easy to fold, but will require 48 modules: Cube made from single piece of paper, more difficult fold: Optional Follow Up / Extend the Lesson Using the You Can Do the Rubik s Cube Rubik s Cube Solution Guide or online videos, students can learn to solve the 2x2 cube. Notes to Teacher: Depending on the class time you have available, and skill level of your students, you can increase the difficulty on the project by having the students make origami cubes rather than using the cube templates. You can also make the project a bit quicker by having the colored squares precut for the students. 2x2 Rubik s Cubes are available to borrow from the You CAN Do the Rubik s Cube Lending Program at no cost other than return shipping. library This lesson is an adaptation of Engineering & Construction: Solving Real World Problems, developed by STEM.org for You CAN Do the Rubik s Cube.

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