Beacon Lesson Plan Library
Domino Effect
Lisa Locklin
Santa Rosa District Schools
Description
Students investigate a change from potential energy to kinetic energy and discuss the concept of waves carrying energy.
Objectives
The student knows ways to change energy from potential to kinetic.
Materials
-Copies of the Domino Effect lab sheet, one per student (See Associated File)
-Dominoes, 25-30 per group of two students
Preparations
1. Explore the differences in kinetic energy and potential energy with the students prior to this lab.
2. Gather and group dominoes, 25-30 per group.
3. Print copies of the Domino Effect lab sheet, one per student. (See Associated File)
Procedures
Note: Explore the differences in kinetic energy and potential energy with the students prior to this lab, and also explain that waves transfer energy from one place to another. Explain that this activity illustrates the transfer of energy in a wave.
1. Divide students into groups of two. Give each student a copy of the Domino Effect lab sheet (See Associated File) and each group 25-30 dominoes.
2. Have students follow the procedure on the lab sheet and answer the related questions.
3. After students have completed the questions, review the results with them by asking individual students for their results.
4. Ask other students in the class to discuss the answers given by their fellow students and compare the answers to their answers.
5. Discuss the effects of disturbances and/or vibrations, transfer of energy, and kinetic energy.
6. Tell the students to return the dominoes to you at the completion of the activity.
Assessments
Students are assessed by completing the lab activity and answering the lab questions.
Attached Files
The lab sheet for the activity. File Extension: pdf
|