Topic: Radioactivity Title: Surviving a Cosmic Invasion
Grade Level: Middle School Time Frame: 3 separate lessons
Contributors:
John Bartholomew
Calhoun Middle School
Denton ISD
jbarth@tenet.edu
Overview:
You would need 3 separate lessons to cover this material. Our team will use the lessons in our thematic unit "Survival", and we will introduce the topic as an extension of our having read periodicals concerning: the use of nuclear power plants, why people protest when plants are located near them, catastrophic events that have occurred, nuclear particles in the air, war use, and the storage of radioactive materials. these labs work well as a hands on activity and should allow students to develop a significant awareness of radioactivity.
TEKS Correlation:
(See TEKS Grades 6,7,8)
Goals and Objectives:
  • Students will read periodicals relating to radioactivity.
  • Students will be able to read and interpret a Geiger Counter.
  • Students will work in small groups, share information and help each other understand the Geiger Counter.
  • Students will discover the relationship distance to bombardment/contact.
  • Students will discover the relationship of using different materials and thickness' to attempt to reduce bombardment/contact.
  • Students will develop a comfort zone using a graph to explain the implications of data collected.
Prerequisite Skills/Knowledge:
  • Understand basic vocabulary- atom, nucleus, electrons, protons, neutrons, charges, energy, waves, radioactivity.
  • Readings from newspapers and textbooks, observing videos, all of which address radioactivity.
  • A basic understanding of graphing.
Materials/Equipment/Resources:
graphing paper
Geiger counters
tape
ring stand
overhead transparencies of nuclear atom		 paper
metric ruler
lead plates
container of water (glass)
radioactive source		 journals
aluminum plates 4" x 4"
glass plates
radiation emission
articles/magazines for students to read
Instructional Activities/ Strategies:

Preparation:

  1. A short lesson on alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays would present a clearer picture of what is happening.
  2. Include a brief description and drawing of the Geiger counter, explaining how to read it and how the sound is produced.
  3. Introduce the equipment we will use to determine radioactivity.
  4. Introduce or review dial readings on the Geiger counter, i.e.: 1x,10x,100x, etc. Have students look at the actual needle and observe the scale. Make sure the students hold the Geiger counter and operate it.
  5. Ask one student from each group to explain how they are going to test for particles/rays/

 

Classroom Management:
Break into groups, making sure someone from each group has understood the material and can help others in their group. Give them a source material to practice with. Monitor that each student is taking part in the discussions and observations.

Questions to Investigate:

  1. Is radioactivity good or bad?
  2. Should we stop it?
  3. Can we stop it?
  4. Do you think it is wise to produce nuclear energy to provide the energy we need for our homes and cities?
  5. Radioactivity is always harmful?
  6. How do you keep radiation from harming you?
  7. What professions have to be careful in their use of radioactivity?

Data Collection:

  1. Discuss with each group how they would display the data collected. Ask each group to construct a graph.
  2. Describe how to load information into the classroom computer (Labquest program) and to select a graph that would help explain their findings.

Communicate Results:

  • Have the students demonstrate the operation of the Geiger counter to the class or teacher.
  • Have students enter into their journal comments they think are appropriate and describe what they have learned.
  • Explain how to determine if there is any dangerous radioactivity in the air.
Assessment:
  • Check off on a Rubric chart, the skills they have learned from these exercises.

 
Teaching Suggestions/Extensions:
  • Research Projects: Chernobyl, nuclear power plant at Glenrose, wartime dangers, inverse relationships, nuclear reactions, fission/fusion, graphing, testing for radioactivity in school.
  • Reread articles and determine if students have greater understanding of the material.
  • Expand information and understanding of EMS chart.
  • Discuss wave lengths and frequencies.
  • Collate students written papers, drawings, into a booklet for distribution.
  • Send for information on nuclear power plants, radon testing etc.
  • Use Internet and bring up information.

Go Back