Teacher Resources for Instructional Planning


HS, Physical Science Std 11: Describe the nuclear composition of unstable isotopes and the resulting changes to their nuclear composition. • Identifying types of nuclear emissions, including alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma radiation • Differentiating between fission and fusion • Identifying uses and possible negative side contamination, nuclear fuel waste and waste storage • effects of nuclear technology Examples: uses—nuclear power generation, medical applications, space travel; negative effects—radioactive contamination, nuclear fuel waste and waste storage

Lesson Plans: Isotopes of Pennies To demonstrate that isotopes of an element have different masses; that isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons; and that atomic mass is the weighted average of the naturally occurring isotopes of an element. Splitting the Atom To use the Internet to research the history of the splitting of the atom. To use that research to prepare a presentation on an aspect of that topic. Radiation Exposure To estimate your yearly exposure rate to radiation. Irradiation To explore whether or not irradiation makes a difference in appearance or taste. Half-life Activity: Analogous activity in which half life is compared to people leaving a crowded room at various rates and is graphed.

Resources: Atomic Alchemy: Nuclear Processes Natural Radioactivity: Detailed information on radioactivity. The labs The Physics Classroom Teach Students the Skills of a Scientist Introduction to the Scientific Method
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