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Solve the Cube

Solve the Cube
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Learn step by step how to solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube using simple algorithms, practice patterns, and improve problem-solving skills and patience.

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Step-by-step guide to solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube

What you need
3x3 rubik's cube, flat surface

Step 1

Hold the cube with the white center on top and the green center facing you and look at how the center colors tell you each face color.

Step 2

Learn the move names and symbols by practicing single turns: R R' L L' U U' D D' F F' B B' (clockwise is no apostrophe and counterclockwise has an apostrophe).

Step 3

Make a white cross on the top by moving the four white edge pieces so white faces up and each edge’s side color lines up with the center color of its side face.

Step 4

Insert each white corner into the top layer using the corner-twist algorithm R' D' R D repeated until the white sticker is on top for that corner and do this for all four corners.

Step 5

Flip the cube so the solved white face is on the bottom and find a non-yellow edge in the top layer to place into the middle layer.

Step 6

Insert that edge into the middle layer using the right-insert algorithm U R U' R' U' F' U F if it needs to go to the right or the left-insert algorithm U' L' U L U F U' F' if it needs to go to the left; repeat until all four middle edges are correct.

Step 7

Make a yellow cross on the top by holding the cube and repeating the algorithm F R U R' U' F' until a yellow plus sign appears.

Step 8

Turn the top so yellow corners are ready and repeat the algorithm R U R' U R U2 R' as many times as needed to get all yellow stickers facing up and make the whole top face yellow.

Step 9

Put each yellow corner in its correct position (colors match the side centers) by repeating U R U' L' U R' U' L until every corner is in the right spot.

Step 10

Twist any misoriented yellow corners into the solved position by using R' D' R D on each corner until it is correct and then rotate the top layer to move to the next corner; keep doing this until the whole cube is solved.

Step 11

Share a photo or video of your solved cube and tell one thing you practiced on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don’t have a standard 3x3 Rubik’s Cube for this activity?

If you don't have a 3x3, use a cube-solving app or online 3x3 simulator to practice the R, L, U, D, F, B single turns and the corner/edge algorithms used in the instructions.

My white cross edges won’t line up with the side centers—what should I try?

If a white edge's side color doesn't match its center while making the white cross (step 3), rotate the top (U) to reposition and use simple face turns to reinsert that edge until its side color aligns before inserting corners.

How can I adapt the steps for different ages or skill levels?

For younger kids, focus on practicing single turns (step 2) and completing just the white cross (step 3), while older kids can follow all algorithms like the corner-twist R' D' R D and middle-layer inserts to learn full solves and speed.

How can we extend or personalize the Solve the Cube activity after finishing a solve?

Extend the activity by timing multiple solves to improve speed, recording a video explaining specific algorithms such as the right-insert (U R U' R' U' F' U F) and the corner-twist, and decorating or relabeling stickers before sharing on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube

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The BEST tutorial HOW TO SOLVE A RUBIK'S CUBE 3 by 3 | FOR KIDS | PART 1

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Facts about Rubik's Cube solving and spatial reasoning

⏱️ Speedcubers can solve the cube in just a few seconds — top official single solves are around 3 seconds!

🧠 "God's number" for the 3x3 cube is 20: any position can be solved in 20 moves or fewer (in the optimal move metric).

🤯 A 3x3 Rubik's Cube has about 43 quintillion (43,252,003,274,489,856,000) possible positions — so every solve can be unique!

📚 Beginners can learn to solve the cube by memorizing a handful of simple algorithms (often under 10) and practicing steps and patterns.

🧩 Ern51 Rubik invented the Rubik's Cube in 1974 as a 3D teaching aid to explain geometry.

How do I teach my child to solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube step by step?

Start by showing cube parts, colors, and basic notation (R, U, L). Teach one layer at a time: make a white cross, insert white corners to complete the first layer, then solve middle-layer edges. Move to the last layer: form the yellow cross, orient the yellow face, then permute the last-layer pieces. Introduce a few simple algorithms and practice slowly, focusing on finger tricks and repetition. Break lessons into short sessions and celebrate small wins to build confidence.

What materials do I need to teach a child to solve a Rubik's Cube?

You need a standard 3x3 Rubik’s Cube (smooth-turning speed cubes are easier), a printed or digital algorithm sheet, and a timer for practice sessions. Optional items: tutorial videos or apps, a notebook to track progress, a comfortable table, and cube lubricant/tension tool if adjusting the cube. Keep small parts (screws, caps) out of reach of very young children and supervise any maintenance.

What ages is learning to solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube suitable for?

Learning is generally suitable for children aged about 6 and up; younger kids can try simplified patterns with supervision. Ages 8–12 are ideal for following step-by-step algorithms, while teens and adults also benefit. Match lesson pace to the child’s attention span, keep sessions short, and assist with reading algorithms. For very young learners, focus on pattern recognition and basic turns before introducing full solution methods.

What are the benefits of learning to solve a Rubik's Cube for children?

Solving a Rubik’s Cube builds problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, memory, and concentration. It teaches perseverance, sequencing (following algorithms), and fine motor control. Children gain confidence from mastering steps and can enjoy timed challenges or teamwork. It also introduces basic algorithmic thinking useful for STEM. Ensure safe play by avoiding disassembly for young kids and keeping small parts away; adapt difficulty with 2x2 or larger cubes as skills grow.
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Solve the Cube. Activities for Kids.