Final answer:
Yes, the make-ten strategy is used in the given situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, the make-ten strategy is used in the given situation. The student separated 3 cubes from 8 and recognized that they had 5 and 5, which is 10. Then they added 10 to the remaining 3 cubes, resulting in a total of 13. By utilizing the make-ten strategy, they were able to simplify addition and arrive at the correct answer.