Soma Cube is lifetime puzzle that offers so many
things to do that it will take a lifetime to do them all. It teaches three dimensional thinking and is
an excellent brain teaser for ages from 5 to 95. This quality 3d wooden puzzle comes with 60
puzzles to solve, plus links to websites for many other activities. Soma Cube availble in three sizes!
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The soma cube was invented in
1936 by the Danish poet and puzzle inventor, Piet Hein. The name
"Soma" is derived from a drug that transported the user into a
dreamlike state in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World.
The soma cube one of the most
diversified puzzles ever created. It consists
of seven different polycubes, the three dimensional analogues of polyominoes.
The polycubes can be fitted together to form the Soma cube in 240 ways, and is capable
of making a multitude of other shapes.
We include instructions for 60 different shapes with the purchase of
each puzzle and list websites where you can find hundreds of other
configurations. If
I choose any piece at random, do you think you could use it as the first piece
in a solution? This wooden puzzle
is very durable and will retain its beautiful appearance for a long time.
The soma cube appears
simplistic, which probably contributes to its success as a puzzle. At first
glance the reaction is generally; after all, there are only seven pieces. Naturally you would be inclined to ask- How
difficult can this be? It won’t take
long before you realize that duplicating some of these figures is significantly
more difficult than it looks. Try one
and let me know if you agree! Soon you
will understand why many people demonstrate a
willingness to persist with this puzzle until they master a solution and then
move on to seek other solutions.
Thorlief’s Soma Page has the most detailed explanation of the puzzle and its historical background
that I have been able to find. It is
worth reading.
TEACHERS' COMMENTS
One of the things I reckon is under-rated in
our courses is the development of spatial perception. So much of our lives
-like parallel parking a car for instance - involves packing 3D objects into
spaces. The maths curriculum can contribute to the development of this perception
by providing experiences like the Soma Cube puzzles.
I like to use this puzzle in conjunction with
other 3D puzzles.
Recording solutions on isometric paper works
well.
We started an on-going class challenge of
making other objects using all the pieces and drawing them on cards. Now it’s
like having our own class set of 3D jigsaws.
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