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16 The Rubik's Cube: A Unique Twist in STEAM Gifted Education
The Rubik’s Cube, invented by Ernö Rubik in 1974, continues to spark creativity and curiosity across the world. Through a lending library program, it is possible for educators to borrow Rubik’s Cubes not only to promote STE(A)M (science, technology, engineering, (arts,) and mathematics) education in any mathematics classroom, but to inspire pupils to solve the Cube quickly by practicing algorithms and pattern recognition. This independent project specifically evaluated the Rubik’s Cube on its effectiveness in building students’ self-confidence, enhancing classroom camaraderie, and promoting problem solving and critical-thinking skills over two, five-week elective courses at an alternative high school in Colorado during the 2017-2018 school year.