Rubik’s Cube

example of an“understanding of science”

artefactby epitome and elaboration

design planbasic organization:

Epitome plus Elaborations where to start how to proceed

Epitomeis minimal complete concrete accessible

background interesting

is not abstract atypical

Elaborations retain structure of epitome elaborate on aspects of epitome content introduce background as necessary

facts, notation, jargon develop experience to support induction to

concepts, principles, theories

philosophy 101

Example – organizing structure20 cubes to locate correctly

Locate cubes

Top layer Middle layer Bottom layer

Edge cubes

Edge cubes

Edge cubes

Corner cubes

Corner cubes

1st 2,3 4th etc...

epitome

appreciation of solving Rubik’s cube

20 cubes to locate correctly epitome: locate first cube

(easy) 19 elaborations: locate next cube

(harder and harder)

appreciation of solving Rubik’s cube - introduction

20 cubes to locate correctly 3 x 3 x 3 = 27 cubes 1 cube is invisible (in centre) 6 cubes are fixedso, 20 cubes to locatesome notation top, middle bottom layer edge cube, corner cube top, bottom, front, back, left, right faces

Epitome – locate first cube (1) locate first cube to top front (red/blue)1. find cube with top and front colours2. move cube to bottom front3. move cube to top front by

a. quick move, or b. tricky moves

Epitome – locate first cube (1)1. find edge cube with top and front colours

2. move that cube to bottom front

Epitome – locate first cube (2)3 a if front colour matches, rotate to top

Epitome – locate first cube (3)3 b if front colour does not match, rotate to side, rotate up, rotate to top

Epitomeis minimal - easiest cube to locate complete – extent, alternatives concrete accessible – minimal jargon and

notation background – some familiarity with

Rubik’s cube interesting – is relevant, poses a

problem, shows progress

is not abstract atypical

Elaborations – place other cubes retain structure of epitome – place a cube elaborate on aspects of epitome content

longer sequences, more alternatives, temporary displacement of located cubes

introduce background as necessary terminology for cube parts, notation for

rotations, important rotation sequences develop experience to support induction to

concepts, principles, theories