Unpacked Content
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
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.
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
