Rubik

1
Rubiks Cube

• example of an
• understanding of science
• artefact
• by epitome and elaboration

2
design plan

• basic organization

Epitome plus Elaborations
where to start
how to proceed
3
Epitome

• is
• minimal
• complete
• concrete
• accessible
• background
• interesting

• is not
• abstract
• atypical

4
Elaborations

• retain structure of epitome
• elaborate on aspects of epitome content
• introduce background as necessary
• facts, notation, jargon
• develop experience to support induction to
  concepts, principles, theories
• philosophy 101

5
Example organizing structure

• 20 cubes to locate correctly

Locate cubes
Middle layer
Bottom layer
Top layer
Edge cubes
Edge cubes
Edge cubes
Corner cubes
Corner cubes
etc...
1st
2,3
4th
epitome
6
appreciation of solving Rubiks cube

• 20 cubes to locate correctly
• epitome locate first cube
• (easy)
• 19 elaborations locate next cube
• (harder and harder)

7
appreciation of solving Rubiks cube -
introduction

• 20 cubes to locate correctly
• 3 x 3 x 3 27 cubes
• 1 cube is invisible (in centre)
• 6 cubes are fixed
• so, 20 cubes to locate
• some notation
• top, middle bottom layer
• edge cube, corner cube
• top, bottom, front, back, left, right faces

8
Epitome locate first cube (1)

• locate first cube to top front (red/blue)
• find cube with top and front colours
• move cube to bottom front
• move cube to top front by
• quick move, or
• tricky moves

9
Epitome locate first cube (1)

1. find edge cube with top and front colours
2. move that cube to bottom front

10
Epitome locate first cube (2)

• 3 a if front colour matches, rotate to top

11
Epitome locate first cube (3)

• 3 b if front colour does not match,
• rotate to side, rotate up, rotate to top

12
Epitome

• is
• minimal - easiest cube to locate
• complete extent, alternatives
• concrete
• accessible minimal jargon and notation
• background some familiarity with Rubiks cube
• interesting is relevant, poses a problem, shows
  progress

• is not
• abstract
• atypical

13
Elaborations place other cubes

• retain structure of epitome place a cube
• elaborate on aspects of epitome content
• longer sequences, more alternatives, temporary
  displacement of located cubes
• introduce background as necessary
• terminology for cube parts, notation for
  rotations, important rotation sequences
• develop experience to support induction to
  concepts, principles, theories