Kinetic and Potential Energy - The Science of Dominoes

K for Kinetic and Potential Energy

Energy! A little older children might be quite familiar with the term ‘energy’. Perhaps adults often use the word when exclaiming that they are tired or when they have no ‘energy’. Perhaps children might know that the food we eat gives us ‘energy’. To take them a step further into the science of energy, you can grab a chance with daily life events like things falling down, pushing or moving other objects.

The little boy is an ardent domino builder. He has spent hours and days setting up and knocking down a variety of towers, walls, and structures. This is one playtime that develops focus, patience, and perseverance in children. And not to miss, it is a matter of big science as well!

Tips to introduce to children

Children observe and infer many phenomena naturally as a part of their everyday lives, perhaps without associating with science terms. An adult with whom children interact about their observations plays a pivotal role in inculcating science awareness in them. If that’s you, know that you have the power to inspire science learning in children.

To initiate a science discussion on kinetic and potential energy, we chose dominoes. You can choose whatever works best at home. You can arrange a pile of books, paper cups, chess coins, sticks – look around and just grab what’s closer. Sometimes that’s all it requires – an idea, things at a reachable distance, and your time.

Set it up and let them observe what happens!

Allow them to explain their inference if it is of their interest. Don’t push or annoyingly try to bring explanations out of them. Most importantly, enjoy if their rationales are not logical or correct. They are still children, and being right is not as important as being interested to observe and have fun with science. And then follow their cues to build on.