1. **State the problem:** We need to find the surface area of a cube with edge length 8 yards. 2. **Formula:** The surface area $S$ of a cube with edge length $a$ is given by $$S = 6a^2$$ This is because a cube has 6 faces, each a square with area $a^2$. 3. **Substitute the given edge length:** $$S = 6 \times 8^2$$ 4. **Calculate the square:** $$8^2 = 64$$ 5. **Multiply:** $$S = 6 \times 64 = 384$$ 6. **Include units:** Since the edge length is in yards, the surface area is in square yards: $$384\ \text{yd}^2$$ **Final answer:** The surface area of the cube is $384\ \text{yd}^2$.