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As a teen in the 80′s the Rubiks Cube was more than a puzzle, it was a personal challenge. I had friends that had managed to master it, without help, whereas I never got past the first few stages. The motto at the time was “you can’t do the cube”. Even it’s inventor, Erno Rubik, who first showed this puzzle at a toy fair, had not figured it out yet. 

Fast forward to today and the Rubik’s Cube is back, and with a new tagline – “You CAN Do the Rubik’s Cube“. This change in approach is a friendlier challenge – one of encouragement. And it’s supported  by a robust campaign to introduce the Rubik’s Cube into schools, summer programs, youth organizations and after-school programs, to start.

I was introduced to the program through my role as a Trustee for Mayhew, a non-profit organization that works with at-risk New Hampshire boys 10-12 years old. They were gifted two kits for use during the summer program on the island. A few counselors took the charge of first solving the cube via the guide, and the kids were then encouraged to take the challenge on during their free time throughout the day. 

What makes this new “You CAN Do the Rubiks Cube” program so special is the support it comes with; these kits contain a handful of cubes, sign-out sheets (designed for cube re-use), a poster, stickers, activities, a medal and a bunch of Solution Guides.  The key is the Solution Guide, which is a mix of a few of the more popular techniques for solving the puzzle, merged into an easy to use kid-friendly guide.  

With a cube, the guide (which you can download) and 2 to 4 hours of peace and quiet you can learn to solve the cube. For me, a parent of 3 toddlers, I spent about 15-20 minutes a day for a week.

Now, if you’d done this as a kid, not a big deal. But if you hadn’t – it’s a great challenge and a rewarding feeling.  Once solved it becomes a challenge of speed … and who knows – maybe you’ll hit a competition or two. The current world record is just a smidge over 7.5 seconds.

The amazing part of this program, in addition to the educational and empowerment benefits to kids, teachers and youth advocates alike, is the support. They’ve posted these materials online – the solution guide, sign-out sheet, activities and more. There are also plans for an online community around the program. 

So, for those of us that never quite solved it, spend 10 bucks on a cube, download the guide and get to it. Once you’ve solved it teach a kid or three. 

Peace. -t

Tags: education, games, puzzle, Rubiks Cube