Binomial Cube

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Binomial Cube
Sensorial - Visual Discrimination of Form
Binomial Cube 2-1.JPG
LevelPrimary
Age3 +
PrerequisitesPink Tower
MaterialsBinomial Cube

In this activity the child assembles a three-dimensional puzzle made up of 8 wooden blocks. This puzzle is the physical representation of the binomial formula: (a+b)3. This activity prepares the child to use the Trinomial Cube. It also indirectly prepares the child to learn Algebra later on.

Presentations

Presentation 1

  1. Take the material to a mat or table. Place the box in the upper left-hand corner.
    Binomial Cube 1-1.JPG
  2. Open the box and place the lid as shown in the picture.
    Binomial Cube 1-2.JPG
  3. Take out each block of the top layer one at a time, and place them on the lid as shown.
    Binomial Cube 1-3.JPG
  4. Move the blocks of the top layer to the side.
  5. Take out each block of the bottom layer one at a time, and place them on the lid as shown.
    Binomial Cube 1-4.JPG
  6. Move the blocks of the bottom layer to the side.
    Binomial Cube 1-5.JPG
  7. Show that all the blocks in the bottom layer are the same height, and all the blocks in the top layer are the same height.
    Binomial Cube 1-6.JPG Binomial Cube 1-7.JPG
  8. Move the blocks of the bottom layer back onto the lid one at a time, matching the colors.
    Binomial Cube 1-4.JPG
  9. Move the blocks of the bottom layer back into the box one at a time.
  10. Move the blocks of the top layer back onto the lid one at a time, matching the colors.
    Binomial Cube 1-3.JPG
  11. Move the blocks of the top layer back into the box one at a time.
    Binomial Cube 1-2.JPG
  12. Let the child have a turn.

Presentation 2

  1. Step one
    Binomial Cube 2-1.JPG
  2. next step
    Binomial Cube 2-2.JPG
  3. next step
    Binomial Cube 2-3.JPG
  4. next step
    Binomial Cube 2-4.JPG
  5. next step
    Binomial Cube 1-2.JPG

Video

Teacher training lecture on the Binomial Cube.

Points of Interest

Control of Error

Variations and Extensions

TED Talk on the Binomial Cube used at different levels.

Material

Make Your Own

Where to Buy

Prices and links checked: 23 January 2022

Binomial Cube
Store Price
Adena $25.91
Adena $25.91
Alison's $49.61
Bruins $93.00
Bruins
unpainted wood
$93.00
E & O $35.10
Montessori Outlet $28.95
Nienhuis $106.50
Thinkamajigs $29.95

Further Reading