TOThe 23rd edition of the Genoa Science Festivala great event for the dissemination of scientific culture. It will last until November 2nd and will host something like 250 events in 35 locations, with 300 guests and around 25 thousand students expected. We will talk about important topics, from quantum technologies to neuroscience, from artificial intelligence to robotics, and then environmental sustainability, and the relationship between science, art and society. But among the many topics worthy of attention, there is also: Rubik’sthe original Rubik’s Cube, accompanied by Carolina Guidetti, the influencer who became such thanks to him.
Rubik’s cube at the Science Festival
Recognized as a real brain trainer, the Rubik’s Cube is not just a pastime, but an educational tool that stimulates logical thinking, enhances memory, develops creativity and problem solving skills, strengthening fundamental skills in STEM disciplines such as strategic planning and critical thinking. Recognized as an intergenerational game for curious minds around the world, in over 50 years of history it has managed to conquer its irreplaceable space in international and intergenerational pop culture. Today it is one of the most viral games on YouTube, Tik Tok and Twitch thanks to Gen Z and Alpha kids who compete in challenges on social media.
Who is Carolina Guidetti, who solves the Rubik’s cube in 10 seconds
And Carolina Guidetti has won several of these challenges. At the moment, the cube takes about 10 seconds to solve, but you can always do better. Born in Crevalcore, in the province of Bologna, she is a speedcuber, that is, in fact, a Rubik’s cube competitor. She is the fastest girl in Italy, to be precise, in 50th place in the national ranking which is not divided by gender.
Carolina Guidetti, speedcuber and protagonist of the Science Festival with her Rubik’s Cube (press office)
With his profile A reality in the cube (@carolina.guidetti on Instagram) disseminates information on the topic, trying to demonstrate thatand speedcubing is an interesting and not at all alienated world. Not a nerdy hobby but, indeed, a practice that distances kids from screens and allows them to come together, to really get to know each other and not just in the virtual world.
Rubik’s cube and STEM stereotypes
Among other things solving a cube is a lot like solving a mathematical problem: it is therefore a topic that helps understand many STEM stereotypes.
For example, whether it takes talent or genius to succeed. But no: as with mathematics, everyone can learn to solve the cube and reach excellent levels.
A second stereotype is that of a women’s lower predisposition towards scientific subjects as well as towards the Rubik’s cube. A stereotype justified precisely by their limited presence in these areas. But it is precisely this lack of presence that continues to keep them away, because our brain is a plastic organ: it tends to reflect the stereotype in which it is immersed. This is why we need to get as many girls as possible passionate about the cube (as well as STEM). And this is Carolina’s mission.
A love in the cube
Thanks to the cube, Carolina also met her girlfriend, Delphine Tran: they met in 2021 at the Italian Rubik’s championships, also with the same passion. Both solve the 3×3 in ten seconds, but one is faster with those with more blocks, the other in solving them blindfolded.
At the Genoa Science Festival, to challenge each other and learn about Perplexus
Friday 31 October at 11:00, in the cloisters of Palazzo Ducale, inside a giant version of Rubik’s, the original Rubik’s cube – open from 23 October for the entire duration of the Festival – all fans of the famous puzzle, of all ages and skill levels, will be able to meet Carolina Guidetti, and be inspired by her strategies for solving the cube in the shortest time possible.
During the event, participants will be able to challenge themselves to solve the cube under his expert eye: the speedcuber will time each test and collect the times in a special ranking. At the end, whoever solves the cube in the shortest time will receive a prize.
Cube aside, the other protagonist of the festival will be Perplexus, the 3D labyrinth enclosed in a transparent sphere, a game that helps develop problem solving skills, improve one’s sense of orientation in space and consolidate skills such as coordination and patience.