In 5th and 6th grade classes, we’ve been tackling an “unplugged” tech challenge: solving the Rubik’s Cube. It’s an activity that, at first glance, seems like a puzzle only for geniuses, but it’s really a fantastic lesson in computer science. We learn that what appears to be a magical, random jumble is actually a system governed by algorithms – just like the programs that make our phones and computers work. By memorizing and executing a series of specific, repeatable directions, my students discover that they can manipulate the cube to reach a desired outcome. This teaches them a fundamental principle: with the right set of instructions, even the most complex problems can be broken down and solved logically, demystifying the power of both technology and their own problem-solving skills.