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Use a plastic egg, a roll of tape, a toy car, a rubber ball, or even a marker.
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A binder becomes a ramp when a falling domino yanks out the support that keeps it level.
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Grade 4
Energy & Energy Transfer
Energy Transfer & Engineering
4-PS3-4, 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
In this lesson, students learn about storing, releasing, and transferring energy. In the activity, Build a Chain Reaction (Part II), students complete the chain-reaction machine they started building in the previous lesson.
Preview activity| Chain-Reaction Starter Kit printout | Print 30 copies |
| Pop-Up Sign printout | Print 30 copies |
|
Hardcover Books
|
45 books |
|
Lever from Previous Lesson
|
15 built levers |
|
Markers
|
15 markers |
|
Ramp from Previous Lesson
|
15 built ramps |
|
Scissors
|
15 pairs |
|
Dixie Cups (3 oz)
|
15 cups |
|
File Folder Labels (Stickers)
We prefer stickers because they are easier to distribute in a classroom.
Or pieces of tape.
|
Details
60 labels
|
|
Index Cards (3x5)
|
15 cards |
|
Paper Clips (Jumbo)
Double the quantity if using normal-sized paper clips (do not use tiny).
|
Details
60 clips
|
|
Small Marbles
1/2" marbles will also work.
|
Details
15 marbles
|
We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.
To complete this lesson, students will need the ramps and levers they built in the previous lesson.
Students can also add a variety of materials to extend their chain-reaction machines. You can ask them to bring things in, or gather some basic materials to keep in the classroom. See the list below for items we recommend having on hand. Or, for more ideas, watch "Inspiration for Chain Reaction Builders" in Extensions before you start this activity to see some possibilities.
Each Chain Reaction Machine will take up several feet. Each student or group of students will need a table or several desks pushed together as a work space.
Marbles are very fun, but can be very distracting! We suggest waiting to distribute marbles to students until Step 14 of the activity.
Grade 4
Energy & Energy Transfer
Energy Transfer & Engineering
4-PS3-4, 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
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