The binomial cube is a wooden box with a cover and two adjacent hinged sides, containing 8 wooden blocks that fit together to form a cube with the same pattern on each side and in the middle. The cube has a visual representation of the algebraic formula (a+b) (a+b) (a+b) or:
(a+b) 3
control charts
OBJECTIVES:
To help develop the child’s visual perception of three-dimensional patterns.
To prepare the child for later work in Maths, especially algebra.
To aid the child’s fine motor.
Eye- hand co-ordination.
Concentration.
To prepare the child for writing.
CONTROL OF ERROR:
The control charts
The child feels that all the blocks have the same dimension.
Beginning with the red cube from the top layer of cubes, replace them into the box wrapping the other cubes around the red cube. Place the blue cube in last. Feel with your flat hand that they are all the same height. Do the same for the second layer of cubes.
Once the cubes are all back, fold up the sides of the box and draw attention to the fact that the pattern of the cubes inside the box resembles the pattern on the lid.
Invite the child to have a turn.
Extension 1
The child can build the Binomial cube in exactly the same way but outside the box without the control charts.
Extension 2
One day, after the cube is built outside the box, show the child that all the cube’s faces have the same pattern on them. Turn the cube around to show the child that the back faces are the same too. Place both hands around the cube and lift it, to show the child that the bottom also has the same pattern on it.
Show the child that the 6 inside faces have the same pattern. You will be able to do this by splitting the cube three ways, horizontally, vertically, and back to front. This will expose each face with each split.
