Contact Information:
- Katelyn McCarthy. Email: kpsutton@mtu.edu
Abstract:
In this exciting, hands on lesson plan students will discover the wonders of the tiny. Students will learn about the radiation that exists all around us, both from the sky and their classmates. Students will dive deep into the particle model of energy and create a miniature cloud chamber that allows them to witness the actual particles that exist around them at all times. Students will also be able to learn how to distinguish between particles that come from their environment verses particles that come from space.
Lesson Content Overview:
- Engage (10 min): Students read a short article from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission on natural background radiation and discuss with their classmates. Students then brainstorm initial answers to the lesson questions.
- Explore (45 min): Students build a diffusion cloud chamber to observe natural background radiation. Students use the cloud chambers to collect data on the direction and frequency of particles (radiation).
- Explain (45 min): Students share their data with their classmates and create a class data set. Students make conclusions based on the combined data about natural background radiation.
- Extend (20 min): Students work through a variety of activities, depending on the course and goal(s) of the teacher. Students may calculate their personal radiation dosage and explore health effects (biology), use the cloud chamber to study radioactive sources and half life (chemistry), or learn more about terrestrial (earth science) or cosmic (space science) radiation through a variety of sources.
- Evaluate (5 min): Students revisit the lesson questions and construct their explanation using the evidence gathered during the lesson.
Supporting Material:
Observing Radiation – Lesson Plan
Resource – Building a Cloud Chamber