Alyssa/Lesson #1/Assignment #4

The Puzzle Sphere

The object on the desk in front of me is a multicolored, plastic sphere. It’s about the size of a cherry, but doesn’t appear to be edible. It is very light and doesn’t break easily. I threw it at the wall and, though it didn’t bounce, it stayed intact. Also, I squeezed with my hand and I couldn’t break it. It’s a strong little ball.

The ball rolls easily on the ground. I kicked it and it continued going straight until it was stopped by the wall. That distance is about 15 feet and it rolls at the same speed all 15 feet according to my observation. However, when I roll it between my hands I can feel the smoothness and slight shift of the pieces. There are 6 pieces connecting and holding the ball together. Each is a different color. The colors of the pieces are coral pink, #2 pencil yellow, lavender purple, sky blue, light green and white.

When I pry one piece out, the rest follow. With the pieces separated I can see the blue and white pieces are different from the rest. They have notches cut out. I think they go on opposite sides. I’m guessing because the final piece has to fit somehow. I tried and I am correct. The blue and white pieces must go on opposite sides, while the other pieces can go anywhere.

The only thing left to do with the sphere is to smell it. It doesn’t smell like anything specific to me. Because it has no smell, I’m not sure I want to taste it. I believe it is a puzzle ball, therefore not meant to be consumed. I’ll leave it at that.