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When a Merge Cube app is launched and you aim your digital device at the cube........TA DAAAAA!
You can hold a skull in your hand:
You can dig like a Minecraft explorer:
You can squeeze cheese, explore the solar system, study human anatomy aaaaaand so much more!! These features can be viewed through VR googles to enhance the experience as well.
If you DO own a Merge Cube, congratulations!! I know that I loaded up when I saw them on sale at Walmart for $1 (that's right, $1!!).
and in case you need it, here's a printable Merge Cube:
Loading up on Merge Cubes was one thing, but launching them in the classroom to provide a MEANINGFUL learning experience was another! Sure they're cool, but HOW can I integrate them??
Let's begin by exploring the PLETHORA (and growing list) of apps that work with Merge Cube. At last count, there were 27!! See the list here
Introducing Merge Cube to My Students
When the stack of Mergecubes showed up in my classroom, they definitely caused a stir.
"Is that the illuminati symbol?"
"Can I touch it?"
"Oooooo it's spongy!"
"What's that for?"
"When are we going to use that?!?"
My favorite was a student that asked me EVERYDAY when we were going to use it saying,
"This is the first time I've EVER been
excited about coming to school!"
Oh the drama of a sixth grader...🙄
FIVE Merge Cube Lesson Plans!
The writing lesson
Objective: Students will be able to write sentences that explain evidence using transitional phrases instead of the word because.
Standards:
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
Use words, phrases, and clauses to clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons.
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
Body of the Lesson:
- Distribute Merge Cube Lesson Plan "The Power of Because". Teach the concept of being a writer that explains evidence in a sophisticated way.
- Explain what the Merge Cube is
- Show the MAIN features of the DIG App and tell students what it is used for. Discuss the building components and do a small demonstration for the class.
- Have students prototype a design that they intend on building on the Merge Cube.
- When the prototypes are finished, allow for building time.
(The learning curve is very flat. For the most part, my students took to the building platform right away with very few questions.)
- After the building time, regroup. Share/explain student builds (if time allows)
- Students will consider HOW their dig design turned out. Invariably, it is different from the build that they conceived in their prototype.
- Have students identify 6 elements of their build and EXPLAIN why they turned out that way using the "beyond because" writing stems that they've been provided.
i.e.
My fence didn't turn out as tall as I wanted due to the fact that I ran out of time.
I built an enormous lake in the center of the field as a result of the blue cubes in the builder's components.
Reflection
Undoubtedly, students were excited and engaged. There was an intense focus and silence for the time period in which they were building in the Merge Cube. There were also a few moments of frustration when what they visualized was NOT the same as what they were able to create. This was a manageable level of frustration and was something that I anticipated for it allowed a greater depth of evidence to write about in response to the question "Why did your DIG turn out the way it did." Students were given space to explain what went right (and wrong!) Especially when I called 'time' when they've continued building for the next hour given the chance.!!!!
So I recommend giving this a try. If you do, you'll be:
