Student, Professor Link Interest in Math, Rubik's Cubes in Science Fair Project Survey

A local student’s science fair project drew on the expertise of a Utah State University professor to ask whether there’s a link between interest in math and interest in Rubik’s cubes.

For her project, Joy Albrecht of Thomas Edison Charter School in North Logan was mentored by Professor Aaron R. Brough, a marketing professor who specializes in survey research in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University.

The survey’s results suggest that those children that have a natural interest in playing with Rubik’s cubes are more likely to enjoy learning about and studying math when compared to children who do not like playing with Rubik’s cubes. The research further suggests that students who enjoy studying math are much more likely to both study and work in a STEM field later in life (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

While the research shows a correlation and not necessarily a cause-and-effect relationship, the research does provide an important tool for educators and parents to help identify those students who may excel, or need additional help and resources, in learning math through the elementary and teenage years.

The research was administered to both parents and teachers. While some may find the research surprising, more than 80% of those surveyed already believed there to be a positive relationship between Rubik’s cubes and a child’s natural propensity to study math.