Nuclear Chemistry Lesson Plans

Students examine concepts of nuclear chemistry. They compare and contrast the topics of nuclear fission and nuclear fision. They predict the outcome of reactions based on the types of emissions and reactants.

Students explore the effects of nuclear weapons. In this nuclear weapons lesson plan, students view an online simulation that features a chain reaction in a nuclear power plant. Students complet a nuclear chemistry activity.

Learners explore the different techniques used in forensic science. In this chemistry lesson, students investigate a fictional crime and identify the culprit. They create a brochure or collage career bulletin.

Young scholars evaluate the use of scientific concepts in political cartoons. In this critical thinking lesson, students are shown a variety of cartoons by Zoom-In, in which misconceptions about scientific truths are illustrated. Young scholars work in small groups to understand what the misconceptions are, and create a PowerPoint presentation explaining their findings.

Students investigate which metal is best to use as storage material in hydrogen cars. In this chemistry lesson, students differentiate endothermic and exothermic reactions. They write a reflection paragraph about what they learned in the activity.

Ninth graders investigate the effect of different gases in the atmosphere. In this chemistry lesson, 9th graders explain how these gases contribute to global warming. They suggest possible solutions to this growing problem.

Students explore nuclear scientists.  In this nuclear science research lesson, students choose a scientist who has contributed to nuclear theory, research his/her life and accomplishments, and write a paper. Students generate interview questions based on this research, and create a video "interviewing" a classmate posing as the scientist.

Pupils write and balance nuclear equations. In this chemistry lesson, students identify materials that block radiation using polymers. They collect and analyze data from the experiment.

Students explore the Chernobyl incident and the resulting environmental health impacts. They explore three different isotopes that were released into the atmosphere. Through inquiry, students determine the difference between types of ionizing radiation and how elements are transmuted. They chart the decay series and health hazards of a number of radioactive isotopes. Students examine the future of nuclear energy.

Students comprehend that there are risks involved with using nuclear power. They write persuasive paragraphs for and against nuclear power. Students analyze the environmental issues and risks with nuclear power.