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Lesson Plan
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Alphas, Betas and Gammas Oh, My!

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Referring to the periodic table of elements, nuclear physics learners determine the resulting elements of alpha and beta decay. Answers are given in atomic notation, showing the atomic symbol, mass, atomic number, and emission particles....
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Writing Nuclear Reactions

For Students 9th - 12th
For this writing nuclear reactions worksheet, high schoolers read about nuclear equations for alpha decay, beta decay and positron emission. They are given the rules for writing nuclear reactions and a sample problem.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Nuclear Chemistry

For Students 11th - 12th
In this nuclear chemistry learning exercise, students answer 9 questions. They balance nuclear equations, they write balanced equations, they calculate decay and they find binding energy of atoms.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Nuclear Power

For Students 10th - Higher Ed
In this nuclear power worksheet, students compare fission and fusion. Students learn about the different kinds of radiation. This worksheet has 2 short answer questions and 10 matching questions.
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Interactive
University of Colorado

University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Alpha Decay

For Students 9th - 10th
Watch alpha particles escape from a polonium nucleus, causing radioactive alpha decay. See how random decay times relate to the half life. Java required.
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Unit Plan
Georgia Department of Education

Ga Virtual Learning: Nuclear Physics and Elementary Particles

For Students 9th - 10th
This interactive unit will take students up close and personal with the nuclei of atoms as they discover some of their more intimate process. These will include radioactive decay, nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion.
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Interactive
University of Colorado

University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Alpha Decay

For Students 9th - 10th
Via this interactive SIMS experiment, students will grasp better understanding of decay in alpha particles and their relationship to half life. Lessons and teacher tips included.
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Handout
University of Colorado

University of Colorado: Physics 2000: Positrons, Alpha Particles, Gamma Rays

For Students 9th - 10th
An interactive tutorial on positrons. Very readible and has a little extra for the advanced student.
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Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Physical Science: Alpha Decay

For Students 7th - 9th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How and why alpha decay occurs, its dangers and how to write a balanced nuclear equation for alpha decay.
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Unknown Type
Soft Schools

Soft Schools: Radioactivity Quiz

For Students 9th - 10th
Take an interactive quiz over radioactivity. After completing the quiz, check your score, and then revisit any incorrect question for further review.
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Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: How Does Radioactive Decay Work?

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains the processes of radioactive decay in primary and secondary modes.
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eBook
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Radioactive Decay Types Article

For Students 9th - 10th
This article from Khan Academy provides information about radioactive decay. This information is intended for the Class 12 Physics Course (India).
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Handout
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Berkeley Lab: Alpha Decay

For Students 9th - 10th
Using examples, this page defines and explains what happens in the process of alpha decay.
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Handout
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Berkeley Lab: Unstable Nuclei

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief examination of the Chart of the Nuclides and unstable nuclei.
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Handout
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Berkeley Lab: Basic Nuclear Science Information

For Students 9th - 10th
Site provides the ABC's of nuclear science including radioactivity and gamma decay to fission and comic rays.
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Website
Other

Schoolscience: Beta Decay

For Students 9th - 10th
A basic explanation of beta decay.
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Article
Other

World Nuclear Association: Radiation and Life

For Students 9th - 10th
This article presents illustrations and a general discussion about radiation.
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Handout
Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility

Jefferson Lab: Alpha Decay

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the Jefferson Lab provides a glossary item with a good illustration.
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Handout
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Earth Science: Radioactive Decay as a Measure of Age Study Guide

For Students 6th - 8th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Summarizes the key points about how radioactive particles decay. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.