Domino is a small rectangular block of wood or plastic, with one side marked with an arrangement of spots resembling those on dice. The other side is blank or identically patterned. A set of dominoes, usually 28 pieces in total, can be used to play a variety of games. Many children enjoy stacking dominoes on end in long lines and then knocking them down. When this happens, the first domino sets off a chain reaction that causes all of the other dominoes to tip over and fall. Some people use dominoes to create elaborate designs and structures.
The word domino is also used to describe a person who is dominant in a particular field or activity. For example, if someone is an expert in computers, it is possible to say that he or she is a domino programmer. The word domino is also used to refer to a restaurant chain that sells pizzas. It is also common for people to use the word to describe a sequence of events that starts with a simple action and then leads to larger and often catastrophic consequences. This is the concept behind the popular phrase, “the domino effect.”
A Domino is also the name of a company that produces an electronic device designed to play games on a computer. This device is connected to the Internet and can be controlled by a remote computer or mobile phone. It is similar to a game console, except it is much more affordable. The Domino is available online and at some retail stores.
Hevesh, the domino artist mentioned earlier, works with dominoes to create amazing structures and patterns. However, her biggest projects take several nail-biting minutes to complete because a simple law of physics governs them.
When Hevesh sets up a domino pattern, she has to make sure that each piece has enough space for the next one to fit in place before it is pushed. She also needs to consider the force of gravity, which pulls each domino down toward Earth and can cause them to tumble in unison.
To create her designs, Hevesh uses a range of tools in her grandmother’s garage. Her tools include a drill press, radial arm saw, scroll saw, belt sander and welder. While she could have purchased these items from a craft store, Hevesh believes that she has developed her own unique method that allows her to express herself creatively through woodworking.
In addition to being fun for kids, dominoes are an excellent way to teach the basics of math and science. For example, the simple act of a child placing one domino on top of another can lead to complex chains that help with the learning of number sequencing and counting. Children can also learn about the principles of gravity, friction and force by playing games with these bricks. For example, the classic game of kings and queens can be played with dominoes by arranging them into a circle.