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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Radioactive Beans

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Pupils investigate radioactive atoms. In this radioactive beans instructional activity, students experiment with split peas and beans to determine what happens when a radioactive atom decays. 
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Geological History Vocabulary

For Students 9th - 12th
In this geological history worksheet, learners define 17 terms associated with index fossils, nuclear decay, and radioactive decay.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Absolute Ages of Rocks

For Students 9th - 12th
In this rocks worksheet, students review the process of absolute dating of rocks and compare it to the relative dating process. This worksheet has 16 fill in the blank questions.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Nuclear-Powered Space Probes

For Students 7th - 10th
In this space probes worksheet, students read about radioisotope thermoelectric generators and how they work. Then students complete 3 short answer questions.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Radiation Lab

For Students 9th - Higher Ed
In this radiation learning exercise, students use a data table to determine what kind of radiation is being emitted by unknown sources. This learning exercise has 3 problems to solve.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Radiation vs. Shielding

For Students 10th - Higher Ed
In this radiation worksheet, learners compare the effects of shielding on radiation on known isotopes. This worksheet has 2 problems to solve.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

The Nucleus

For Students 9th - Higher Ed
In this atoms worksheet, students review terms associated with atoms which includes isotopes, transmutation, and radioactive decay. This worksheet has 11 short answer questions.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Radioactive Decay To Determine Age

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Students explore the process of carbon dating fossils to determine their age. They simulate radioactive decay using pennies in a shoe box. Heads represents a decayed atom each time they shake the box. They use the data to calculate the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is the Relationship Between Radioactivity and Radon?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the relationship between radioactivity and radon. They practice using a geiger counter with different materials. They answer questions to complete the lesson.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Radioactivity?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils use a geiger counter to record changes in the amount of radioactivity produced by different objects. They research articles which mention radiation and discuss them. They work together to complete an activity and worksheet.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dangers of Radiation Exposure

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore sources of high-energy radiation and calculate student exposure to ionizing radiation over the past year.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Radioactive Waste

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students assemble a nuclear waste cube to represent the amount of waste from one person over a period of 20 years that would be left after all stable materials had been recycled. They discuss current methods of containing waste.
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Article
University of Hawai'i

Univ. Of Hawaii: The Effects of Gamma Rays on Mars Rocks

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the University of Hawaii describes the results of experiments to use gamma rays to sterilize rocks from outer space.
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Website
PBS

Pbs American Experience: Race for the Superbomb

For Students 9th - 10th
This site explores the Cold War race to develop the hydrogen bomb, a weapon that would change the world. Content details all the people who were involved in the race for the H-Bomb, as well as notable events during this time period....
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Unit Plan
University of Colorado

University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Radioactive Dating Game

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about different types of radiometric dating, such as carbon dating. Understand how decay and half life work to enable radiometric dating. Play a game that tests your ability to match the percentage of the dating element that...
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Handout
PBS

Pbs: People & Discoveries: Ernest Rutherford

For Students 9th - 10th
A lovely biographical piece about Ernest Rutherford. A number of personal notes, along with extensive information about the physics work he did. Nice quote at the end.
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Website
Other

Le Moyne College:elements & Atoms, Indivisible No Longer

For Students 9th - 10th
Click to read different historical documents in chemistry related to the history of the study and discovery of radioactivity.
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Article
Famous Scientists

Famous Scientists: Maria Sklodowska Curie

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the life and scientific work of Marie Curie, possibly the most famous female scientist in history. In addition to providing biographical information, this page includes details on her scientific discoveries and her influence...
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Website
Other

Mineralogical Society of America: Mineral Identification Key: Mineral Properties

For Students 9th - 10th
Scientists classify minerals based on a set of physical properties. Each of these properties is described in detail.
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Lesson Plan
Other

Nrc: Unit 2 the Uses of Radiation

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A lesson plan on the uses of radiation in science, industry, and medicine. Gives many household examples of how radiation is used. Students will also learn about the NRC's role in regulating radioactive materials.
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Activity
Other

Nrc: Students' Corner: Nuclear Energy

For Students 6th - 8th
A colorful guide to nuclear energy and radiation. A great supplement to the NRC lesson plan series.
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Unit Plan
University of Colorado

University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Radioactive Dating Game

For Students 9th - 10th
Explore various types of radiometric dating.
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Activity
National Health Museum

Access Excellence: The Discovery of Radioactivity: Dawn of the Nuclear Age

For Students 9th - 10th
This article discusses the historical discoveries of the atom and radioactivity. Includes links to biographies of famous people.
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Handout
University of California

Ucla: Irene Joliot Curie (1897 1956 )

For Students 9th - 10th
Site includes the titles of publications authored by nuclear physicist Irene Joliot-Curie, as well as her complete resume.