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Could you knock down a building using only dominoes?
Energizing Everything Unit | Lesson 4 of 5
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Could you knock down a building using only dominoes?

Energizing Everything Unit | Lesson 4 of 5
Lesson narration:
English Spanish
Scroll for prep
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DISCUSS:

When you set up a domino, you’re putting part of it up high. Can you think of any other situation where putting something ‘up high’ causes something special to happen?

Hint...

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DISCUSS (1 of 2):

Can a domino knock down one that’s just slightly bigger than itself?

Try doing this yourself if you can. You can use books if you don’t have dominoes. Or you can go to the next slide to see a video of us doing it.

HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED:

It worked! A domino has just enough energy to knock down a domino that’s slightly bigger than itself. Now that you know this, go to the next slide.

DISCUSS (2 of 2):

CHALLENGE: Do you think there could be a way to knock down something REALLY big, like a domino as tall as a building, using only smaller dominoes?

Draw a picture if you can think of an idea.

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DISCUSS:

In terms of energy, why is it possible to use something the size of a brick to knock down something the size of a small house?

Can you explain this? Make a drawing if it’s helpful.

Think about: Where is there stored energy? Where does the stored energy come from?

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DISCUSS:

Why do you think scientists call falling dominoes a “chain reaction”?

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If you have a friend nearby, you can help each other with the next few steps. But if you are working alone, don’t worry!

We have added some special steps just for you. If a step says you need a friend to help, just go to the next step to see how you can do it alone!

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Slide Image

energy


1 of 7

the ability to do an action
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Slide Image

stored energy


2 of 7

energy that is not in use, but is saved inside something, such as batteries or rubber bands

chain reaction machine


3 of 7

a machine that uses a series of energy transfers, such as one domino knocking over a line of dominoes
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energy transfer


4 of 7

when energy travels from one place to another
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lever


5 of 7

a simple machine, made of a beam that pivots from one point
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experiment


6 of 7

a test used to discover new information about a question
Slide Image

engineer


7 of 7

a person who uses science to come up with solutions to problems
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Featured Reviews

“My class of special needs students really worked together to fold and tape the project. They liked adding on to their chain reactors after they mastered the levers. ”
· · Teacher
“So hands-on, the kids had a blast and truly were able to answer the question with specifics and vocabulary at the end. ”
· Alison · Teacher
“The students loved the chain reaction machines and are looking forward to adding to their creations. Thank you, Doug (and team) for making science fun for students and easy for teachers to teach.”
· · Teacher
“My students loved the video of the chain reaction machine! All the videos and kid friendly explanations make science fun for my kids. Thank goodness for Mystery Science!”
· Kristine · Teacher
“The videos were really engaging for my kids. It got them thinking about how they can create their own chain reactions. We pulled out the dominoes and they're working on some projects as I type!”
· Jessica · Homeschooler
“The kids LOVED this one. They all wanted to build a domino wall to knock down! They had a lot of fun learning about the transfer of energy and building their own chain reaction. ”
· Lindsay · Teacher
“My students were captivated by the process and made excellent connections to potential and kinetic energy. Also, the step-by-step directions provided much needed practice in following a procedure. ”
· Rebekah · Teacher
“Kids loved the flexibility of creating their own chain reaction machine. The videos were inspiring!”
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· Grace · Teacher
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· Cindy · Teacher
“I had unbelievably engaged students who made clear connections between their experiment and the concept of stored and transferred energy. Great one! Thank you!”
· Natalie · Teacher
“Smart use of engaging and entertaining video, well-timed discussion breaks (we had great dialog, with both smart analysis and laughter, which is a lovely combination), and smart links to larger, societal energy conservation and storage challenges without belaboring them in the moment! ”
· Erica · Teacher
“I enjoyed the bit where it showed the mans invention, That was amazing! Everyone must see it! it is amazing how 1 small domino can knock over one HUGE domino about the size of a small house!! AWESOME VIDEO!!!!!!!! Thank you mystery science!! ”
· Natasha · Homeschooler
“This lesson was SO fun! The kids enjoyed it and even thought of ways to extend it. They combined materials from home with classroom supplies and created their own Rube Goldberg machines. Student centered higher level thinking and teacher ease--win, win!”
· Jennifer · Teacher
Lesson narration:
English Spanish

Grade 4

Energy & Energy Transfer

Energy Transfer & Engineering

4-PS3-4, 3-5-ETS1-1

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this lesson, students construct an explanation of how energy is stored, released, and transferred in chain reactions, such as falling dominoes. In the activity, Build a Chain Reaction (Part I), students are presented with an engineering design challenge to create their own chain reaction machine--a project they will continue in Lesson 5. Students experiment with a “Chain-Reaction Starter Kit.” This kit includes a lever and a ramp, which serve as the first two steps of a chain-reaction machine.
Preview activity

I have a Mystery Pack

Chain-Reaction Starter Kit printout Print 30 copies
Marble Corral printout Print 30 copies
Markers
Must be at least 1/2" in diameter because it will serve as the fulcrum of a lever.
Details
30 markers
Rulers
30 rulers
Scissors
30 pairs
Dixie Cups (3 oz)
30 cups
File Folder Labels (Stickers)
We prefer stickers because they are easier to distribute in a classroom. Or pieces of tape.
Details
90 labels
Paper Clips
30 clips
Paper Cups (8 oz)
Cup cannot be more than 4" tall.
Details
30 cups
Rubber Bands (#32)
30 bands
Small Marbles
1/2" marbles will also work.
Details
30 marbles
Prep Instructions

We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own, but will need a partner to help with some steps.

Plan Ahead

We strongly recommend pairing this lesson with Lesson 5, “Can you build a chain reaction machine?” If you plan to do Lesson 5, don’t throw away the ramps that your students build in this lesson. Students will use these ramps when creating their very own chain reaction machine.

Classroom Management Tip

Marbles are very fun, but can be very distracting! We suggest waiting to distribute marbles to students until Step 17 of the activity.

Exploration

28 mins

Hands-On Activity

30 mins

Wrap-Up

2 mins

Grade 4

Energy & Energy Transfer

Energy Transfer & Engineering

4-PS3-4, 3-5-ETS1-1

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Credits
 
Energy Lesson 4: Could you knock down a building using only dominoes?

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