Nuclear Chemistry - Particle Decay
Students will be able to describe and differentiate characteristics of Alpha Particles, Beta Particles, and Gamma Rays to explain how each decay and conduct a literacture research review.
Overview
Students begin by discussing what comes to mind when they hear the word radiation, then watch a video on alpha, beta, and gamma radiation and annotate a ChemMatters article. In a modeling activity, they build nuclei and observe how proton repulsion makes larger nuclei unstable, simulating alpha decay. After a Canva presentation, students use PhET alpha and beta decay simulations with worksheets to predict and explain how each decay works. Each student presents a research project on nuclear and radioactive applications, and an AACT simulation, a Quizizz, and the project serve as assessments.
Lesson Objectives
- Describe and differentiate characteristics of Alpha Particles, Beta Particles, and Gamma Rays to explain how each decay
- Conduct literature research review for the different types of nuclear and radioactive applications
Standards
NGSS · 2
- HS-PS1-1Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
- HS-PS1-8Develop 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.
CCSS Math · 5
- MP2Reason abstractly and quantitatively
- MP4Model with mathematics
- HSN-Q.A.1Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays.
- HSN-Q.A.2Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling.
- HSN-Q.A.3Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement when reporting quantities.
CCSS ELA · 4
- SL.11-12.1.aD: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- RST.11-12.1Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account.
- WHST.11-12.7Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
- RST.9-10.3Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.