Binomial Cube

Binomial Cube
Sensorial - Visual Discrimination of Form
Level	Primary
Age	3 +
Prerequisites	Pink Tower
Materials	Binomial Cube

In this activity the child assembles a three-dimensional puzzle made up of 8 wooden blocks. This puzzle is the physical representation of the binomial formula: (a+b)³. This activity prepares the child to use the Trinomial Cube. It also indirectly prepares the child to learn Algebra later on.

Presentations

Presentation 1

1. Take the material to a mat or table. Place the box in the upper left-hand corner.

   

2. Open the box and place the lid as shown in the picture.

   

3. Take out each block of the top layer one at a time, and place them on the lid as shown.

   

4. Move the blocks of the top layer to the side.
5. Take out each block of the bottom layer one at a time, and place them on the lid as shown.

   

6. Move the blocks of the bottom layer to the side.

   

7. Show that all the blocks in the bottom layer are the same height, and all the blocks in the top layer are the same height.

   

8. Move the blocks of the bottom layer back onto the lid one at a time, matching the colors.

   

9. Move the blocks of the bottom layer back into the box one at a time.
10. Move the blocks of the top layer back onto the lid one at a time, matching the colors.

    

11. Move the blocks of the top layer back into the box one at a time.

    

12. Let the child have a turn.

Presentation 2

1. Step one

   

2. next step

   

3. next step

   

4. next step

   

5. next step

   

Video

Teacher training lecture on the Binomial Cube.

Variations and Extensions

TED Talk on the Binomial Cube used at different levels.

Material

Make Your Own

• Free laser cutting pattern of Thingiverse

Where to Buy

Prices and links checked: 23 January 2022

Binomial Cube
Store	Price
Absorbent Minds	£26.99 GBP
Absorbent Minds natural	£24.99 GBP
Absorbent Minds economy	£20.99 GBP
Adena	$25.91
Adena	$25.91
Alison's	$49.61
Bruins	$93.00
Bruins unpainted wood	$93.00
E & O	$35.10
Montessori Outlet	$28.95
Nienhuis	$106.50
Thinkamajigs	$29.95

Further Reading

• Basic Montessori: Learning Activities for Under-fives by David Gettman, pages 94-97