The Rubik's Cube was popular in the 1980s, and now it's making a comeback - at Hurricane High School, at least.
Throughout the halls, in various classrooms and at lunch tables, students can be seen twisting and turning the columns and rows of the multi-colored, six-sided cube. While it can be a baffling and frustrating toy, the Rubik's Cube has drawn many students to the challenge of solving it.
The Rubik's cube was invented in 1974 by Hungarian professor Erno Rubik, who was obsessed with 3-D geometry. The popularity of the toy quickly increased, primarily through Rubik's appearances at toy fairs. But like many fads of the '80s, popularity quickly faded, and production of the toy ceased in 1983.
Students today use Rubik's cubes to fight boredom or for entertainment. When they have a free moment in class, are on a bus traveling to extracurricular events or are just looking for something fun to do at lunch, Hurricane students are looking to the Rubik's Cube.
"I was inspired by a classmate to try the Rubik's Cube," said senior Dustin Shue. "The challenge of solving it intrigues me, and it gives me something to do when I'm bored."
Despite the incredibly tough challenge of matching up the individual colored squares on each side to successfully solve the Rubik's cube, some students have had little trouble finding a pattern and strategy to solve it.
"My girlfriend brought [the Rubik's Cube] to me when I had shoulder surgery. I was in bed for a week, nd it gave me something to do," said senior Marc Gramlich, who solved all but the corners in less than 10 minutes on his first attempt.
Not only is it rewarding to solve the cube's puzzle, but because Rubik's cubes are easy to transport, students can carry them in bags, purses and some pockets so that they have plenty of opportunities to try their hand at the challenge.
Beyond the original Rubik's cube, which has six sides with nine individual squares each, there are now some cubes that have six sides with 16 individual squares. These provide an even bigger challenge, especially for those with advanced Rubik's Cube skills who have become acclimated to the original.
At an average of $10, the Rubik's Cube is a relatively inexpensive way to have fun and challenge the mind. For an enjoyable and rewarding challenge, purchase a Rubik's Cube at most any toy store.