Lesson Plan

Isotopic Pennies

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This Isotopic Pennies lesson plan also includes:

Many people confuse atomic mass and atomic numbers. The sixth of seven lessons in a unit requires scholars to find the weight of different groups of pennies. Then, they must solve how many of each type of penny exists in a closed system by setting up and solving a system of equations.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Set up multiple isotopes in different colored balloons so students or groups that finish early can solve another problem for additional practice
Classroom Considerations
  • Check the dates on the pennies used in the experiment before starting
  • Relies on prior knowledge of atomic mass and solving systems of equations
Pros
  • Connects math and science through a hands-on application
  • Requires only basic materials
Cons
  • None
Common Core