Domino Effect: Science, Society, and Machining
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.In what ways can we use the 'domino effect' concept to understand and influence complex systems across biological, environmental, political, and social realms, and how can effective storytelling amplify our understanding and impact?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we use the domino effect to model biological processes or ecosystems?
- How do political ideologies and systems create a domino effect on societies?
- In what ways does the domino effect explain cause and effect relationships in environmental changes?
- How can the concept of a 'tipping point' or domino effect be used to influence policy decisions?
- How can storytelling and narrative structures, like the domino effect, enhance persuasive writing about scientific or political topics?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will learn machining processes to create dominoes.
- Students will be able to describe biological processes, ecosystems, political ideologies and systems, environmental changes, policy decisions, or scientific/political topics.
- Students will be able to model biological processes, ecosystems, political ideologies and systems, environmental changes, policy decisions, or scientific/political topics using the domino effect.
- Students will be able to explain the domino effect.
- Students will be able to use storytelling and narrative structures to enhance persuasive writing.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Domino Effect Mystery
A mysterious chain reaction is triggered in the school, setting off a Rube Goldberg-like sequence of events. Students must investigate the cause, tracing the chain back to its origin and documenting each step using scientific observation and narrative storytelling techniques. This event sparks inquiry into cause-and-effect relationships in natural and social systems.Dominoes of Doom: A Future Warning
Students receive a cryptic message from a future civilization describing a catastrophic environmental collapse triggered by a single policy decision. Using dominoes, they must model the chain of events leading to the disaster, propose alternative policies to prevent it, and present their findings in a persuasive speech to a mock government body. This event connects environmental science with political action and creative problem-solving.The Ecosystem Domino Collapse
A local ecosystem is disrupted, causing a chain reaction affecting various species. Students must analyze the ecosystem, identify the keystone species and the initial disruption, and then create a domino model representing the ecological consequences. They will present their model with a narrative explaining the ecological domino effect and propose solutions for restoring balance. This event integrates biology, environmental science, and storytelling.Political Dominoes: Policy Consequences
Students participate in a mock political campaign where they must create a domino effect representing the potential consequences of a proposed law or policy. They will use their domino model to visually argue for or against the policy, incorporating scientific data and persuasive language. This event combines political science, environmental science, and persuasive communication skills.The Unfolding Story: Connecting the Headlines
The class is presented with a series of seemingly unrelated news headlines covering topics from biology, environmental science, and political events. Students must identify the underlying connections between these events and create a domino chain that visually represents how one event can trigger another across different domains. This activity encourages critical thinking, interdisciplinary connections, and an understanding of complex systems.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Domino Design & Creation: Foundations
Students will design and create a set of dominoes using machining techniques. Each domino will feature a design or symbol representing a key element from their chosen subject area (biology, environmental science, political science, or a combination). This activity introduces basic machining skills and the initial connection to the 'domino effect' concept within their chosen subject.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of custom-machined dominoes, each adorned with a symbol or design relevant to the student's chosen subject area. Accompanying the dominoes is a brief written explanation of each domino's significance.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses machining skills, introduces the domino effect concept, and encourages initial exploration of chosen subject matter.Domino Narrative & Storyboard: Chain Reactions
Students will create a short narrative outlining a 'domino effect' scenario related to their chosen subject. This narrative will describe a sequence of events where one action triggers a series of consequences, culminating in a final outcome. They will then storyboard this narrative, visually representing the key events and their domino-like connections.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written narrative describing a domino effect scenario and a storyboard visually representing the sequence of events.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDeepens understanding of cause-and-effect relationships and introduces the storytelling aspect of the project.Domino Demonstration: Bringing the Effect to Life
Students will physically arrange their machined dominoes to match the sequence of events in their storyboard. They will then film a short video of the dominoes falling, narrating the 'domino effect' story as the chain reaction unfolds. This activity combines machining skills, narrative storytelling, and visual representation into a cohesive presentation.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA short video of the dominoes falling in sequence, accompanied by a narration of the domino effect story. The video should clearly demonstrate the connection between the dominoes, the storyboard, and the narrative.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsIntegrates the physical dominoes with the narrative and storyboard, creating a tangible model of the domino effect. Focuses on presentation and communication skills.Domino Persuasion: The Ripple Effect Argument
Students will write a persuasive essay arguing for or against a specific policy or action related to their chosen subject. They will use the 'domino effect' as a central rhetorical device, illustrating how the policy or action could lead to a series of consequences, both positive and negative. This essay should incorporate evidence and data to support their claims.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-researched persuasive essay that uses the domino effect as a framework for argumentation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFocuses on persuasive writing and argumentation, using the domino effect as a framework for making a point. Encourages deeper research and critical thinking.Domino Reflection: Synthesis and Impact
Students will create a reflective presentation summarizing their learning throughout the domino project. They will discuss how the project deepened their understanding of their chosen subject, how the 'domino effect' concept applies to real-world situations, and how the project has influenced their perspective on the interconnectedness of various systems. The presentation should include visual aids, such as images, videos, and diagrams.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflective presentation summarizing the student's learning journey and insights gained from the domino project.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsEncourages reflection, synthesis, and application of learning. Connects the project to real-world implications and personal growth.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioDomino Project Rubric
Domino Design & Creation
Focuses on the physical creation of dominoes and the initial understanding of the chosen subject area.Domino Craftsmanship & Design
Craftsmanship and accuracy of the dominoes, incorporating designs relevant to the chosen subject matter.
Exemplary
4 PointsDominoes are expertly crafted with precise detailing and flawless designs. Designs are exceptionally creative and deeply relevant to the chosen subject matter, demonstrating advanced machining skills.
Proficient
3 PointsDominoes are well-crafted with accurate detailing and relevant designs. Designs are creative and clearly connected to the chosen subject matter, demonstrating proficient machining skills.
Developing
2 PointsDominoes show basic craftsmanship with some inaccuracies in detailing. Designs are somewhat relevant to the chosen subject matter, demonstrating developing machining skills.
Beginning
1 PointsDominoes are poorly crafted with significant inaccuracies and irrelevant designs. Demonstrates beginning machining skills.
Explanation Clarity & Accuracy
Clarity and accuracy of the written explanation for each domino, demonstrating understanding of the chosen topic.
Exemplary
4 PointsExplanations are exceptionally clear, insightful, and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the chosen topic. Shows innovative connections and advanced knowledge.
Proficient
3 PointsExplanations are clear, accurate, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the chosen topic. Shows effective connections and comprehensive knowledge.
Developing
2 PointsExplanations are somewhat unclear or inaccurate, demonstrating an emerging understanding of the chosen topic. Shows basic connections and partial knowledge.
Beginning
1 PointsExplanations are unclear, inaccurate, and demonstrate a minimal understanding of the chosen topic. Shows limited connections and insufficient knowledge.
Domino Narrative & Storyboard
Focuses on narrative construction and visual representation of the domino effect.Narrative Clarity & Coherence
Clarity and coherence of the narrative outlining the domino effect scenario within the chosen subject.
Exemplary
4 PointsNarrative is exceptionally clear, engaging, and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the domino effect and its implications within the chosen subject. Shows innovative storytelling and advanced connections.
Proficient
3 PointsNarrative is clear, coherent, and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the domino effect and its implications within the chosen subject. Shows effective storytelling and comprehensive connections.
Developing
2 PointsNarrative is somewhat unclear or incoherent, demonstrating an emerging understanding of the domino effect. Shows basic storytelling and partial connections.
Beginning
1 PointsNarrative is unclear, incoherent, and demonstrates a minimal understanding of the domino effect. Shows limited storytelling and insufficient connections.
Storyboard Effectiveness
Effectiveness of the storyboard in visually representing the domino effect sequence and its connection to the narrative.
Exemplary
4 PointsStoryboard is exceptionally effective, visually compelling, and enhances the understanding of the domino effect. Shows innovative visual representation and advanced connections to the narrative.
Proficient
3 PointsStoryboard is effective, visually clear, and supports the understanding of the domino effect. Shows effective visual representation and comprehensive connections to the narrative.
Developing
2 PointsStoryboard is somewhat ineffective or unclear, demonstrating an emerging understanding of the domino effect. Shows basic visual representation and partial connections to the narrative.
Beginning
1 PointsStoryboard is ineffective, visually unclear, and demonstrates a minimal understanding of the domino effect. Shows limited visual representation and insufficient connections to the narrative.
Domino Demonstration
Focuses on the integration of physical dominoes, narrative, and storyboard in a video presentation.Domino Arrangement Accuracy
Accuracy of domino arrangement in relation to the storyboard sequence and narrative.
Exemplary
4 PointsDomino arrangement flawlessly matches the storyboard and narrative, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the domino effect and meticulous attention to detail.
Proficient
3 PointsDomino arrangement accurately matches the storyboard and narrative, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the domino effect and careful attention to detail.
Developing
2 PointsDomino arrangement somewhat matches the storyboard and narrative, demonstrating an emerging understanding of the domino effect and some attention to detail.
Beginning
1 PointsDomino arrangement does not match the storyboard and narrative, demonstrating a minimal understanding of the domino effect and a lack of attention to detail.
Video Presentation Quality
Quality of the video presentation, including narration, visual clarity, and overall effectiveness in conveying the domino effect story.
Exemplary
4 PointsVideo is exceptionally clear, engaging, and professionally produced, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the domino effect and advanced presentation skills. Narration is captivating and insightful.
Proficient
3 PointsVideo is clear, engaging, and well-produced, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the domino effect and effective presentation skills. Narration is clear and informative.
Developing
2 PointsVideo is somewhat unclear or disengaging, demonstrating an emerging understanding of the domino effect and basic presentation skills. Narration is somewhat unclear or incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsVideo is unclear, disengaging, and poorly produced, demonstrating a minimal understanding of the domino effect and limited presentation skills. Narration is unclear and insufficient.
Domino Persuasion
Focuses on persuasive writing and argumentation using the domino effect framework.Argument Strength
Strength of the argument presented in the essay, using the domino effect as a framework for persuasion.
Exemplary
4 PointsArgument is exceptionally strong, persuasive, and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the domino effect and its implications. Shows innovative reasoning and advanced critical thinking.
Proficient
3 PointsArgument is strong, persuasive, and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the domino effect and its implications. Shows effective reasoning and comprehensive critical thinking.
Developing
2 PointsArgument is somewhat weak or unpersuasive, demonstrating an emerging understanding of the domino effect. Shows basic reasoning and partial critical thinking.
Beginning
1 PointsArgument is weak, unpersuasive, and demonstrates a minimal understanding of the domino effect. Shows limited reasoning and insufficient critical thinking.
Evidence & Data Support
Use of evidence and data to support claims, demonstrating research and critical thinking skills.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses compelling evidence and data from diverse sources to support claims effectively, demonstrating exceptional research and critical thinking skills. Shows innovative synthesis and advanced analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsUses relevant evidence and data to support claims effectively, demonstrating thorough research and critical thinking skills. Shows effective synthesis and comprehensive analysis.
Developing
2 PointsUses limited or somewhat irrelevant evidence and data to support claims, demonstrating emerging research and critical thinking skills. Shows basic synthesis and partial analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsUses insufficient or irrelevant evidence and data to support claims, demonstrating minimal research and critical thinking skills. Shows limited synthesis and insufficient analysis.
Domino Reflection
Focuses on reflection, synthesis, and application of learning throughout the domino project.Reflection Depth
Depth of reflection on the learning journey and insights gained from the domino project.
Exemplary
4 PointsReflection is exceptionally insightful, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the learning journey and its impact. Shows innovative connections to real-world implications and advanced personal growth.
Proficient
3 PointsReflection is insightful, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the learning journey and its impact. Shows effective connections to real-world implications and comprehensive personal growth.
Developing
2 PointsReflection is somewhat superficial, demonstrating an emerging understanding of the learning journey. Shows basic connections to real-world implications and partial personal growth.
Beginning
1 PointsReflection is minimal and lacks insight, demonstrating a limited understanding of the learning journey. Shows limited connections to real-world implications and insufficient personal growth.
Presentation Clarity & Engagement
Clarity and engagement of the presentation, effectively summarizing the project and its impact.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and professionally delivered, captivating the audience and demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the project and its impact. Uses innovative visual aids and advanced communication skills.
Proficient
3 PointsPresentation is clear, engaging, and well-delivered, effectively summarizing the project and its impact. Uses effective visual aids and comprehensive communication skills.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation is somewhat unclear or disengaging, demonstrating an emerging understanding of the project. Uses basic visual aids and partial communication skills.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is unclear, disengaging, and poorly delivered, demonstrating a minimal understanding of the project. Uses limited visual aids and insufficient communication skills.