Ever wonder how one domino hits another and another until they all fall down? This is one example of fun and interactive chain reactions. The 4th Grade boys have recently been conducting several experiments with marbles and levers. They have seen how a ramp based on various angles causes a marble to roll down fast or slow and cause something else to happen. This chain reaction is fun to watch.
The boys worked in groups of two or three and enjoyed seeing the experiment come together. First, one boy folded, cut out and taped together the tube. Then, a cup was attached on one end of the tube. Sometimes the experiment got a bit tricky and the boys had to secure the cup with more or less tape depending on how adhesive their tube was.
Once this part was completed, a piece of paper was given to each group which had two pencils taped to it. Between each pencil was a label called Zone 1, 2 or 3. The goal of the experiment was to have the marble land in Zone 3 but not fly off the table. For some students, it worked right away, while others had to work at it and felt that exhilarating excitement when it finally worked. The 4th grade boys are passionate and motivated. They collaborate nicely together and are a pleasure to teach.