Physical Science
(Lesson Plan by Sandi Lewis)
Introductory Unit to Radiation and Radioactivity
Objectives:
Develop a working definition of radioactivity
Discover what radiation is and is not
Discover what radioactivity is and is not
Develop models for different kinds of radioactivity
NGSS Standards:
Performance Expectations
HS-PS1-8. Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the
nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion,
and radioactive decay.
HS-ETS1-4. Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to
a complex real-world problem with numerous criteria and constraints within and
between systems relevant to the problem.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
PS1.A
PS1.C
ETS1.A
ETS1.B
ETS1.C
Structure and Properties of Matter
Nuclear Processes
Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems
Developing Possible Solutions
Optimizing Design Solutions
Science and Engineering Practice
Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Developing and Using Models
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Crosscutting Concepts
Patterns
Energy and Matter
Stability and Change
Systems and System Models
Plan:
A. Engage students with radioactivity with Dr. Johnson’s questions / Pretest
https://docs.sanfordlab.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document95179/1.0%20Radiation%20Elic.doc
B. Utilize YouTube video as instruction
Radioactivity: Expect the Unexpected
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJgc28csgV0
C. Reinforce with PHET Activities
Alpha Decay
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/alpha-decay
Beta Decay
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/beta-decay
Nuclear Fission
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/nuclear-fission
Radioactive Dating Game (Half Life)
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/radioactive-dating-game
D. Additional reinforcement/enrichment with activities for reactivity
1.1 Using the Radiation Monitor
https://docs.sanfordlab.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document95175/1.1%20Monitor.doc
1.2 Radioactivity Varies
https://docs.sanfordlab.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document95176/1.2%20Rad%20varies.doc
1.3 Radiation Sources
https://docs.sanfordlab.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document95177/1.3%20Rad%20sources.doc
1.4 Can Radioactivity Cause Radiation in Other Objects?
https://docs.sanfordlab.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document95180/1.4%20Contamination.doc
1.5 Comparing Other Radiation Detectors
https://docs.sanfordlab.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document95178/1.5%20More%20detectors.doc
1.6 Different Types of Radiation
https://docs.sanfordlab.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document95181/1.6%20Types.doc
E. Repeat Dr. Johnson’s questions on radioactivity / Post Test
https://docs.sanfordlab.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document95179/1.0%20Radiation%20Elic.doc