Super science learners examine the sun's production of energy by the process of nuclear fusion. Hands-on activities make this lesson engaging for middle schoolers. The lesson is made up of four parts. Part I is an introduction to the sun...

Students explore current events by sharing information about the Japanese nuclear plant. In this nuclear energy instructional activity, students discuss the pros and cons of nuclear energy plants and whether or not they can typically...

Young scholars view a video clip on North Korea's nuclear weapons. They identify issues between the United States and North Korea. They write any questions they have about the documentary and participate in a class discussion.

Students comprehend the Development and control of Nuclear Energy. They analyze the historical significance of the atomic age through use of primary documents. Students examines nuclear energy from the perspective of physical sciences.

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.

Four activities demonstrate the chain reaction of nuclear fission to your physical science fans: falling dominoes, snapping mouse traps, throwing paper wads, and igniting a series of matches. They perform additional...

Students investigate energy. In this Physics lesson, students explore different sources of energy: heat, nuclear, and chemical. Students sing an electricity song.

Fifth graders investigate various forms of energy. They compare potential and kinetic energy at different points during the period of a pendulum, design an apparatus that displays potential and kinetic energy, and analyze the advantages...

High schoolers 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...

High schoolers examine the division of North and South Korea. They identify the ideological differences and the tensions between the two countries. They discuss the threat of nuclear weapons as well.

Learners describe how the mass of a radioactive isotope changes with time and the factors that affect the rate of radioactive decay. They write nuclear decay equations to represent natural transmutation. This activity is accomplished...

Students investigate the concept of half-life by conducting an M&M experiment. In this chemistry lesson, students differentiate nuclear fusion and fission. They present investigation findings to class.

It's getting hot in here! The first in a series of six lessons has learners model nuclear fusion with a simple lab investigation. Groups collect data and analyze results, comparing their models to the actual process along the way.

Seventh graders distinguish characteristics of living things and identify the importance of careful observation. They identify five things that are not alive, but display characteristics of life and list five things that are alive, but...

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

Young scholars investigate the Chernobyl nuclear disaster by mapping out the winds carrying radiation and viewing a short video about the aftermath and subsequent health problems. They then calculate the amount of radiation that people...

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 evaluate the ways to control exposure to radiation and determine how to deal with the problem of nuclear waste in a rational rather than an emotional way.

Students simulate radioactive decay and nuclear power using an on line interactive web site. In this on line lesson plan, students monitor radioactive isotopes and record the activity of a particular element as the decay progresses. They...

A hands-on simulation perfect for an economics lesson, young learners investigate the availability of different sources of natural energy (coal, natural gas, oil, solar, and nuclear) and how this availability affects their cost....

Here is an interesting science lesson/activity which has learners working in groups in order to simulate experiments done at the Jefferson Science Lab. In this one, groups use a pie tin, a Hula Hoops, a marble, and a magic marker to...

Students view a short film about the results of dropping the atomic bomb at the end of World War II. They research controversies surrounding the use of the bomb and nuclear weapons. They write two editorials about the issue.

Students describe how radioactivity relates to alpha and beta particles. Using their properties, they write a descriptive paper about the gamma rays and alpha and beta particles. They calculate q-values and the half-life of a given...

Enrico Fermi, the physicist responsible for the first nuclear detonation, was known for his ability to estimate with little or no data. Use this task to have your classes practice their Fermi skills. They estimate the magnitude of three...