Playing “Columbus”s egg”

The entertaining and thought-provoking game "Columbus’s Egg" encourages children’s creativity and critical thinking. This game, which takes its name from the well-known tale of Christopher Columbus discovering that an egg could stand on its end by using a straightforward trick, requires players to devise original, creative solutions to problems that appear straightforward at first.

In addition to being a lot of fun, the game helps kids get better at solving problems. They get the ability to think creatively and outside the box by solving problems like balancing an egg or other related ones.

"Columbus’s Egg" is ideal for playdates or family get-togethers since it fosters communication and teamwork as players cooperate to complete the task at hand. It’s a fun way to spend time with family and friends while encouraging critical developmental abilities in a fun environment.

History

The phrase "Columbus"s egg" is well known in European countries. It appeared after the publication of the work of another Italian explorer Girolamo Benzoni in 1565. He published a work called "History of the New World". The book describes an incident that happened at a reception at Cardinal Mendoza. During the meal, Christopher Columbus told him how he discovered America. To which one man sitting at the table said that, in his opinion, it was quite easy to do. In response, Columbus suggested solving another easy problem – to put an egg vertically on the table. All the efforts of the discoverer"s opponent ended in fiasco. Then Christopher Columbus took the egg, hit its lower part, pressed down on the shell and put the egg on the surface of the table with the words: "Yes, it really is quite simple".

The appearance of the allegorical expression "Columbus" Egg was due to this.

Since then, any extraordinary act in a difficult situation has been called so. In fairness, it should be noted that there are other legends about the appearance of this puzzle. According to one of them, many years ago, an awkward worker dropped a ceramic tile. It broke. The man hurried to put the shards together. However, each time he got different figures. This activity captivated the man so much that he began to look for more and more new solutions on how to use various fragments. Later, the broken tile was called the wisdom board. Others attribute the creation of such a puzzle to Chinese sages. They created it by order of the emperor, who wanted to find an activity for his son that would distract him from ordinary toys and help develop his mind.

Features

That’s what the puzzle known as the "Columbus Egg" looks like. It has an oval shape. It is broken down into ten distinct sections schematically. Next, it is sliced to create two large and two small classic triangles, two quadrangles, one of which also has a rounded side, and four elements that resemble triangles but have rounded bases. Objects, birds, animals, and abstract images are some of the elements that are used to create different silhouettes. The most well-known heroes of this kind of puzzle are probably turtles, penguins, ducks, and pigeons. But there are an infinite number of ways to create them.

You’ll be shocked at how many different paintings you can make with just ten simple elements.

The purpose and objectives of the game

Even though technology seems so simple, playing a game like this encourages analysis and imagination. It aids in the formation of a spatial representation. For the game, both colored and plain elements are used. The latter ones are best suited for older kids who can already fold figures and make vibrant pictures.

At the initial stage, you can use some templates. Special patterns for children are usually included in the set if you buy it in a store. At first, they make it easier to understand the task. Each geometric figure is applied to them schematically or highlighted in a separate color. Later, you can remove them and engage in independent creativity. At this stage, the main thing is not to limit the child. Sometimes let his "pictures" be little like some object or creature. Remember that "Columbus"s Egg" is a search for non-standard solutions. It is desirable that all elements of the oval are used. After all, "Columbus"s Egg" involves complex tasks.

What is the benefit?

  • imagination;
  • sensory skills;
  • spatial representation;
  • logic;
  • imaginative thinking;
  • ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Youngsters acquire practical skills. The goal of their mental work is to dissect intricate shapes and piece together a single image from disparate parts. They form the habit of doing mental labor. Perseverance is a crucial skill that is acquired during such activities.

Rules of the game

All of the game’s components should be used to create silhouettes that link the various elements. Crucial requirement: all geometric shapes must go end to end and cannot overlap. It is advised that you carefully review each component before beginning this portion of the assignment. Compare and contrast the components with one another. Talk to the child about their differences as well as their similarities. Next, begin searching for similarities between them as a group.

A tiny triangle with a rounded edge, for instance, can be formed into a bird’s wing. Its body is a large quadrangle; its head is a small one; and so on. You can use pre-made animal and bird figures for clarity. They can be separated into sections of various colors, each of which will resemble a "Columbus Egg" in shape. Before letting them start drawing "pictures," ask them to imagine what they could make out of the suggested materials.

The most successful creations, before disassembling, outline with a pencil and leave as a drawing. Thus, over time you will form an album, looking at which, the young author will strive for new creative successes. And do not forget to praise the children for successful work. Think of, how to encourage the little creator. If you work individually, then give a prize for a certain number of invented silhouettes, the best picture, the most unusual figure. Do not ignore any of the child"s work. If the puzzle is being worked on in a group, for example, in a kindergarten, give each silhouette a mark in the form of a flag, a flower or in any other way.

The young person should aim to get better and better at finishing the exercise. As a result, we will instill in him a sense of leadership and the drive to pursue further successes.

Activity Description
What You Need A small ball or a lightweight object
Setup Find a safe, open space to play
How to Play One player hides the ball while others close their eyes. The others guess where the ball is hidden.
Objective To find the hidden ball as quickly as possible
Variation Players can take turns hiding the ball and giving clues

Children can learn how to solve problems in a fun and interesting way by playing the game "Columbus’s Egg." It fosters creativity and helps them become more confident in their capacity to handle difficult situations by pushing them to think creatively and unconventionally.

Additionally, playing this game fosters communication and teamwork. While they attempt to balance the egg, kids learn how to collaborate, exchange ideas, and encourage one another. These teamwork abilities are valuable outside of the playground as well.

All things considered, "Columbus’s Egg" is a straightforward but worthwhile exercise that blends education with amusement. It’s a great option for family game night or classroom play because it encourages both individual thinking and group interaction.

"Columbus’s Egg" is a creative and entertaining game that helps kids think outside the box and solve problems. Kids can enjoy themselves while honing their critical thinking skills with this timeless game, which requires them to come up with creative solutions to problems that appear straightforward. It’s a fun and engaging way for families to spend quality time together while encouraging their child’s imagination.

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Svetlana Kozlova

Family consultant and family relationship specialist. I help parents build trusting relationships with their children and each other. I believe that a healthy atmosphere in the home is the key to happiness and harmony, which I share in articles and recommendations.

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