1 Side 1 Minute: Cubing Challenge
Try to make one face of a Rubik's Cube all one color within one minute, practicing basic turns, planning, and quick problem solving.
About this tutorial
Try to make one face of a Rubik's Cube all one color within one minute, practicing basic turns, planning, and quick problem solving.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Sit at a table with your Rubik's Cube and timer so you have a clear flat space to work.
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Step 2
Pick one color you want to make into a single face and hold that color facing you as your target.
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Step 3
Scramble the cube by turning random faces for about 30 seconds so the pieces are mixed up.
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Step 4
Practice basic turns by turning a face clockwise then back and turning a face counterclockwise then back until you feel comfortable.
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Step 5
Set your timer to 1 minute but do not start it yet.
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Step 6
Press start on the timer to begin your one-minute attempt.
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Step 7
During the minute focus first on bringing all edge pieces of your target color onto the target face.
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Step 8
During the minute next focus on moving the corner pieces of the target color into the target face.
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Step 9
If you get stuck for more than 10 seconds quickly try a different short sequence of turns instead of repeating the same moves.
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Step 10
Stop turning the cube immediately when the timer rings.
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Step 11
Write down whether the face is all one color and which moves helped or where you got stuck.
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Step 12
Try the challenge up to three more times practicing a different plan each time to get better.
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Step 13
Share a photo or description of your finished one-color face and your best strategy on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you do the 1 Side 1 Minute Cubing Challenge?
To run the 1 Side 1 Minute Cubing Challenge: scramble a 3x3 Rubikās Cube, set a 60-second timer, pick one face color as your target, and start turning. Use basic layer turns (R, L, U, D, F, B) and aim to get all nine stickers on the chosen face the same colorādonāt worry about other faces. Pause planning in the first 5ā10 seconds, prioritize edge pieces, and avoid frantic moves. Stop when the timer ends, record success, then scramble and repeat to improve.
What materials do I need for the 1 Side 1 Minute Cubing Challenge?
Materials needed: one standard 3x3 Rubikās Cube (or a larger beginner cube), a timer or smartphone with a stopwatch, and a stable surface to sit at. Optional items: a simple scramble list or cubeāscramble app, a score sheet and pen for tracking attempts, and a printed beginner move guide. For younger children, consider a larger tactile cube or help from an adult.
What ages is the 1 Side 1 Minute Cubing Challenge suitable for?
The challenge suits children about 6 years and up who have basic fine motor skills and some patience; many 8ā12-year-olds enjoy it as a learning and speed activity. Teenagers and adults can use it too. For children 4ā5, try a slower timer, a larger cube, or adult guidance. Adjust difficulty and expectations to each childās ability and focus; short, encouraging sessions work best.
What are the benefits of the 1 Side 1 Minute Cubing Challenge?
Benefits: The challenge builds fine motor control, spatial reasoning, and sequential planning as kids practice basic turns and short algorithms. Time pressure improves quick problem solving, focus, and resilience when attempts fail. It also boosts confidence and goal-setting when children track progress. Itās low-cost, adjustable to skill level, and makes learning pattern recognition funāgreat for solo practice or friendly family competitions.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have a physical Rubik's Cube or a separate timer for the challenge?
If you don't have a Rubik's Cube, use a 2x2 cube, a cube app on a phone, or a cardboard box with colored paper squares, and use your phone's stopwatch or timer instead of a separate timer as in the instructions.
I'm often stuck and run out of timeāwhat step should I change to avoid getting stuck during the one-minute attempt?
Follow the instruction to practice basic turns beforehand and when you get stuck for more than 10 seconds switch to a different short sequence of turns or reorient the cube so your target color faces you to regain progress quickly.
How can I adapt this 1-minute Cubing Challenge for younger children and older kids?
For younger children simplify by using a 2x2 cube or fewer scramble turns and increase the time to 2ā3 minutes, while older kids can tighten the challenge by using stricter scrambles, reducing time to 30 seconds, or aiming to solve adjacent faces after the chosen color face as suggested by repeating the challenge up to three more times.
What are some ways to extend or personalize the activity after finishing the one-color face?
Extend the activity by writing detailed notes about which moves helped (as step 11 asks), trying different strategies across the three extra attempts, decorating your cube with custom stickers, and sharing a photo plus your best strategy on DIY.org to compare results.