Radioactive Half-Life

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

In this virtual lab, students simulate the radioactive half-life of four different elements. They record the data in a digital table, graph the data, and then answer journal questions based on their findings.

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Gap Project Resource Development Summit.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain

Science (2015) Grade(s): 09-12 - Physical Science

SC15.PS.6
Develop models to illustrate the concept of half-life for radioactive decay.

Vocabulary

Atom
Isotopes
Protons
Neutrons
Electrons
Radioactivity
Half-life
Radioactive decay
Alpha particles
Beta particles
Positrons
Gamma
Fission
Fusion
Kinetic energy
Electromagnetic radiation
Emission
Nuclear power
Hydroelectric power
Solar power
Wind power
Penetrability
Fossil fuel combustion
Decay series

Knowledge

Students know:

The atom is made of protons, neutrons, electrons.
The types of radioactive decay include alpha, beta, and gamma.

Skills

Students are able to:

Exemplify the radioactive decay of unstable nuclei using the concept of half-life.
Perform simple half-life calculations based on an isotope's half-life value, time of decay, and/or amount of substance.
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions.
Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; trace the explanation or depiction of a complex process, phenomenon, or concept; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
Engage in argument from evidence.
Communicate information.

Understanding

Students understand that:

Nuclear processes, including fusion, fission, and radioactive decays of unstable nuclei, involve release or absorption of energy.
Half-life can be used to date the age of organic objects.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models; Engaging in Argument from Evidence; Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models; Energy and Matter

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to determine, compare, and contrast the half-lives of four radioactive elements.

Students will utilize a virtual simulation to develop models to illustrate the concept of half-life for radioactive decay.

Activity Details

1. Students will follow the procedure instructions 1-10 for the virtual lab.

2. Students will record their results in a table digitally and on their own paper.

3. The student will graph the results using the online interactive.

4. Students will answer the review questions in their journal on the online interactive.

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will assess students' completed answers to the five journal questions at the end of the lab which will require using models from the online interactive.

Variation Tips

Have students create their own models to demonstrate radioactive decay.

Background / Preparation

The teacher should have previously discussed atoms and radioactive decay before beginning the lesson. Students should also know the meaning of an isotope.

This virtual lab does not give the student an option to save the activity, so the teacher should instruct the students to Print Screen to save as a PDF and send to the teacher, or print and turn in the results.

The teacher could also create a worksheet for students to record their results and turn in the work.

Virtual Lab: How can you simulate the half-life of a radioactive element?

http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/science/virtual_labs/E18/E18.html

Approved Date

2018-07-25

Owner (Author)

ncaffee

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