Anyone can solve the cube.
scrambled → solved. that's the whole idea.CubeTroop is a free program that teaches kids to solve the Rubik's Cube one layer at a time — building problem-solving skills, study habits, and the kind of confidence that comes from doing something everyone said was hard.
drag the cube — go ahead
The cube isn't an IQ test. It's a recipe.
Rubik's Cubes get treated like proof of genius. In reality, solving one breaks down into simple, repeatable steps — and learning those steps teaches kids something bigger: hard things become doable when you break them into pieces. That lesson works on math homework too.
Algorithmic thinking
Kids learn to follow, memorize, and eventually understand step-by-step procedures — the same skills behind coding, math, and good study habits.
Real confidence
Solving a cube for the first time is a moment kids don't forget. It impresses friends, parents, and teachers — but mostly, it impresses them.
Small groups
Three students per Cube Leader. Everyone gets hands-on help, and every student graduates the course with a solve of their own.
Free, always
We never charge for teaching. Donations and grants cover cubes and materials so every kid takes their cube home.
One layer at a time.
We teach the official Rubik's layered method — the same approach in the official solution guide — in weekly 45–60 minute sessions. Each week targets one layer of the cube, so students master a stage before moving to the next and never feel overwhelmed.
Week by week, layer by layer
First layer, middle layer, final layer. Breaking the cube into clear, manageable stages builds confidence gradually.
Small groups, real attention
Each tutor works with a dedicated group of students, monitoring progress and adjusting in real time — including custom mnemonics for anyone who needs a different explanation.
Teach-back learning
Students explain steps to their peers as they learn. Teaching a move is the fastest way to truly understand it — and it builds communication skills too.
A cube to keep
Every student takes their own cube home, so practice continues between sessions. Milestones earn prizes along the way.
From our sessions
Races, first solves, and a lot of very focused faces. See the full gallery on the Schools & Sessions page.
Cube Leaders
UT Dallas students who spent a full semester building the curriculum, training as instructors, and setting up partnerships before teaching a single session.
Manasreddy Mallesh
Program LeadNeuroscience major at UT Dallas. Leads CubeTroop's partnerships with the Richardson Public Library and Crème de la Crème of Plano, and teaches weekly sessions.
Sethumadhav Ravuri
Cube LeaderUT Dallas student and CubeTroop instructor, teaching small-group sessions and helping build the curriculum.
Shreya Saravana
Cube LeaderUT Dallas student and CubeTroop instructor, teaching small-group sessions and developing lesson materials.
Standing on solved shoulders
Today's CubeTroop builds on a previously funded, successfully run program — with direct mentorship from the original team.
Sean Kashiwagura
Mentor. Former RISD science teacher and current PhD student who led the original Worsfold-funded CubeTroop initiative.
Read Xia & Guransh Nanda
Co-creators of the original CubeTroop, providing advisory support on teaching and program design.
Dr. Uma Srikanth
UT Dallas faculty member advising on program development and educational framing.
Where we teach
Want CubeTroop at your school, library, or program?
We keep it free, we bring the cubes, and every kid leaves with a solve.
Get in touch Donate a cube