Domino is a small rectangular game piece with anywhere from 0 to 6 dots. The pieces are used in a number of games by lining them up into elaborate patterns and then knocking them down. A domino is also a metaphor for a series of similar or related events, often in the form of a chain reaction.
The most common use of the word, however, is in reference to a type of chain reaction known as the domino effect, which describes how one event can lead to many others. The term may also be used more generally to refer to a type of domino effect that occurs in other types of systems, such as financial markets or global politics.
For students, a metaphor that is particularly relevant is the “domino” concept of learning challenges. As students begin compensating for weak foundational skills they tax their working memory capacity and, just as with computer desktop space, there is a limit to how much information it can process at one time. This is when the “domino” effect begins as the compensation skills become increasingly overwhelming.
Fortunately, there are ways to address this. Ideally, a teacher should work with the student to develop a plan to strengthen those weak skills while building upon their strengths. This is the best way to maximize learning and minimize frustration.
A domino (plural: dominoes) is a flat, thumbsized, rectangular block with a face that is either blank or patterned with from one to six pips, or dots. A domino set usually contains 28 such blocks, although variants with different numbers of pips exist. The most popular domino game involves matching the ends of two adjacent blocks in order to score points. Other games involve laying down the dominoes in lines or angular patterns and then knocking them over.
A Domino is also the name of a mutant superhero created by Marvel Comics. Domino uses a form of luck that allows her to cause other objects to fall over in sequence, like dominoes. It is an unconsciously controlled ability that can be triggered in stressful situations, such as battle or a chase scene.
In the comics, Domino has fought against both humans and mutants, including X-Men villains such as Donald Pierce and Lady Deathstrike. She once prevented Pierce from downloading Milo Thurman’s mind into a computer, but the process cost him his life. Later, Domino helped lead the X-Men to Hong Kong, where they defeated John Sublime and his Third Species movement.
In today’s Wonder of the Day, we invite you to discover more about the fascinating world of domino! From the simple joy of watching a line of dominoes fall to the incredible power of the domino effect, this is one Wonder you won’t want to miss. Thanks for WONDERing with us!
