Cubing
Cubing is a tool to look at one thing from six (each side of a cube) different ways. Often we think about a topic in one or two ways alone, preventing us from fully understanding its complexity. Cubing also allows you to focus on each side a bit longer than you may have with other forms of brainstorming. This is a good strategy to make new connections to your topic.
PRINCIPLE
Use these six starters to develop ideas about your topic. It may lead you to develop a strong topic.
- Describe it.
- Compare it.
- Associate it.
- Analyze it.
- Apply it.
- Argue for and against it.
Example
Dogs
Describe It
- Dogs are mammals
- They are a variety of shapes
- They can be a variety of colors
- Some are bred to be hunters
- Some dogs are used in professional aspects
- Dogs can be loyal
Compare It
- Dogs are similar to wolves
- But are not quite as similar as foxes, or coyotes
- Dogs differ from their ancestors in their instinct and playfulness
- Dogs are known to mimic their owners
Associate It
- We associate dogs as man's best friend
- Loyal
- Playful
- Lovable
- Instinctive
Analyze It
- What makes a good dog?
- What makes a dog a good pet?
- What makes a dog a good training dog?
Apply It
- Dogs are a distant relative of a wolf and use similar instincts and loyalty traits
- Dogs are used in multiple facets of life
Argue For or Against It
- Dogs are necessary in many professions
- Dogs are essential for happiness in families
- Dogs make life more enjoyable
- Dogs are great for therapy
- Dogs cause more harm than they're worth
- Dogs aren't as loyal as cats