Lesson 1
1. Lesson 1
1.3. Discover 3
Module 2: Logic and Geometry
Many games and puzzles have histories that go back decades or even centuries. For example, the Rubik’s Cube was created by Hungarian architect, designer, and university professor Ernõ Rubik in the 1970s. The first version of the cube was called the Magic Cube and began selling in Budapest in 1977.1
Rubik didn’t set out to create the world’s best-selling toy. He wanted a working model to help explain three-dimensional geometry and ended up creating a toy that has sold more than 300-million copies.2
Hemera/Thinkstock
Did You Know?
A standard Rubik’s Cube is made up of six coloured sides, twenty-one pieces, and fifty-four individual coloured squares. There are more than 43-quintillion
(43 000 000 000 000 000 000) possible configurations but only one solution.3 For the exact number of configurations, type “Rubik’s Cube Math” into your favourite search engine.
As time passes and technologies improve, the way games and puzzles are presented and played is changing. Today, you can download an application and play Rubik’s Cube or thousands of other games and puzzles right on your mobile phone or computer.
Share 3
Present your favourite game to a classmate or other appropriate partner. This may be a board game, a game on your favourite gaming system, an online game, or a game or puzzle on your cellphone. Alternatively, you may choose to find a new game or puzzle to explore.
In your explanation of the game or puzzle, tell your partner the following information:
- what you like about the game
- the goal of the game
- how the game is played
If possible, allow your partner to play the game. Then, discuss your personal strategies for winning or completing the game. Include the following questions in your discussion:
- How do your strategies compare?
- Is there any part of your partner’s strategy that you could use to help your performance?
1, 2, 3 Rubik’s Cube (R) used by permission of Seven Towns Ltd. www.rubiks.com