People use californium in metal detectors, cancer treatments when radiation fails, and airplane safety protocol. Discovered in 1950, the element has many unique properties, especially when compared to those around it, and is the focus of an educational video.

Concepts

chemical elements, the periodic table

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Learn more about how people use this element to inspect airplane metal fatigue
• Read more about Thomas E. Albrecht-Schmitt's research on the element

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of nuclear technology

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Works well in traditional or flipped classes
• Offers subtitles in English and Portuguese for visual learners

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4