Using Soma Cubes to Master Common Core State Standards
Abstract
The Soma cube is a three-dimensional puzzle constructed using seven different three-dimensional puzzle pieces. Despite the heavy mathematics foundation of the Soma cube, the puzzle has been utilized in a wide variety of spaces such as entertainment, psychological research studies, and both elementary and secondary classrooms. This article outlines specific classroom applications in elementary, middle, and high school. Research supporting the classroom activities and specific Common Core State Standards addressed by those applications are included.References
Carson, G. S.. (1973). SOMA CUBES. The Mathematics Teacher, 66(7),
–592. Retrieved
from http://www.jstor.org/stable/27959414
Common Core State Standards Initiative. (2011). Common core state standards for mathematics.
Cooper, M., & Sweller, J.. (1989). Secondary School Students' Representations of Solids.
Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 20(2), 202–212. http://doi.org/10.2307/749283
Cube Nets. (n.d.). Retrieved May 05, 2016, from https://illuminations.nctm.org/activity.aspx?id=3544
Gardner, M. (2001). The colossal book of mathematics: classic puzzles, paradoxes, and problems: number
theory, algebra, geometry, probability, topology, game theory, infinity, and other topics of recreational mathematics. WW Norton & Company.
Hein, P., & Arup, J. (1969). Grooks (Vol. 3). General Pub. Co.
Izard, J.. (1990). DEVELOPING SPATIAL SKILLS WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL PUZZLES.
The Arithmetic Teacher, 37(6), 44–47. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/41193842
Leonard, L. M., & Tracy, D. M.. (1993). USING GAMES TO MEET THE STANDARDS FOR
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS. The Arithmetic Teacher, 40(9), 499–503. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/41195843
McFarren, C. (2016). The soma cube. Available on-line at
http://www.geocities.ws/abcmcfarren/soma/soma.htm.
McGuire, K. (2011). Puzzle Cube Project. Project Lead the Way, 1-14. Retrieved May 4,
, from http://www.robinsonlearning.com/resources/unit_4_portfolio.pdf
Rawding, N. (2015, September 25). Noah Rawding 3D CAD. Retrieved May 05, 2016, from
http://noahrawdingmadethisblog.blogspot.com/2015_09_01_archive.html
Spector, D.. (1982). SOMA®: A UNIQUE OBJECT FOR MATHEMATICAL STUDY. The
Mathematics Teacher, 75(5), 404–425. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/27962968
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2017 Amanda Mickus