Curated OER
Determining the Age of Fossils
High schoolers examine the concept of radioactive dating. In this radioactive dating instructional activity, students investigate how to determine the ages of fossils and rocks as they learn about half-life radioactive decay.
Curated OER
Understanding Radon Detection
In this understanding radon detection worksheet, 6th graders read 8 facts about radon, make observations about and draw pictures of hidden objects, use a chart of elements to answer questions about radon.
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A Phylogenetic Perspective for the Cladistically Challenged
Students use M&Ms to simulate radioactive decay of elements.
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Get a Half-Life!: Student Worksheet
In this math/science worksheet, young scholars will work in pairs to conduct an experiment based on a decay function which is often used to model radioactive decay. Students will shake M & M's in a cup to rub off the M and then...
Curated OER
Radioactive Decay
Young scholars generate a radioactive decay table for an imaginary element, use their data to plot a decay graph, develop the concept of half-life, and use the graph to "age" several samples.
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I'm Late, I'm Late, for a Radioactive Date!
Through the use of an interactive Web site, students explore C-14 and C-14 dating. Then students analyze an article written about the C-14 dating of the Shroud of Turin and draw conclusions.
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Rock of Ages
Students use a video, the Internet and hands-on activities to explore how to determine the age of rocks and fossils based on radioactive decay data.
Cornell University
Isotope Rummy
Thanks to this game, teaching isotopes will never be the same. Physical science scholars work their way toward understanding isotopes in an entertaining game. Pupils play rummy in groups while practicing good sportsmanship and creating...
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Properties of Matter
Ninth graders explore the molecular structure of matter and how it can affect the physical characteristics of a specific material. They demonstrate that isotopes of an element have different masses. Students demonstrate that the rates of...
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Atomic Structure and Quantum Theory
Students are introduced to the structure of an atom and Dalton's atomic theory through a short video and mini-lecture. They also take a look at the weight of mass and become familiar with the idea of quantum theory
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Plate Tectonics
Learners research separate elements of the theory of Plate Tectonics, then share that information with each other, drawing conclusions from the culminated information.
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Chemical Formulas
Here is an interesting lesson plan which invites learners to focus on understanding and interpreting the symbols used in writing and communicating information about chemical elements, compounds, and equations. The hope is that this...
NASA
MASS, MASS – Who Has the MASS? Analyzing Tiny Samples
What is it worth to you? A hands-on lesson plan asks groups to collect weights of different combinations of coins and calculate weighted averages. They use the analysis to understand the concept of an isotope to finish the third lesson...
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Earth System Science
Students investigate the age of the earth by using accepted scientific methods. They conduct research about the use of radioactive dating and there is a simulation activity of the process. Finally, students measure the radioactive decay...
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Isotopes of Pennies
Learners demonstrate that isotopes of an element have different masses. They illustrate atomic mass and neutrons. The periodic table is examined in length. Display of a collection of atoms is surveyed.
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How Does Probability Relate to Radon?
Middle schoolers read an article about probability and radon. They practice using a hand held geiger counter to understand the properties of radiation and radioactivity. They identify the harmful and helpful effects of radiation as well.
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What is Radon?
Middle schoolers read an article about radon and its properties. They examine a periodic table and identify the numbers surrounding an element. They discuss the harmful and helpful effects of radiation.
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Watershed Investigations
Learners find maps of the region to show rock formations and soil types and use GIS to compare radon levels. They describe three types of radioactive decay, interpret graphs, and follow steps to develop a nuclear bomb or energy.
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Ecological Impact of River Dams
Students investigate their environment by completing an in-class experiment. In this ecological lesson, students define the roles of dams and how electricity is created by them. Students utilize plastic jugs, sand and tap water to...
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Origins: Earth Is Born
Students develop a timeline of all the major events involved in the formation of the Earth and the emergence of humans. In groups, they focus on a specific topic by watching a PBS program and taking notes. After the video, they list...
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Get a Half Life!
Eighth graders use M&M's to experiment with data. They use a graphing calculator to determine the best equation for their data; linear, quadratic or exponential. They analyze the data to find the half-life of their M&M's.
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The Energy of the Sun
High schoolers study energy generation by the Sun, which involves atoms and nuclei.
Curated OER
Taking Apart Electrical Appliances
High schoolers discover that electrical appliances are made up of individual components that work together. They, with partners, demonstrate to others how their piece of equipment or appliance works by taking it apart and examining the...
Curated OER
Get a Half-life!
Students explore decay functions and the half-life of a substance. Through an M&M activity with calculators, students collect and graph data. They determine the linear, quadratic and exponential functions of the graph. Students...