Radiation has numerous real-world applications, some of which are relatively safe while others can be extremely hazardous. In this nuclear chemistry project, young scientists choose a practical use of nuclear reactions to research in order to make a recommendation about whether or not the world should continue its use. 

Concepts

nuclear chemistry, radiation, fission, fusion

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use this project to culminate a high school chemistry unit on nuclear reactions and radiation
• Implement this resource as either an independent of partner project depending the needs of your students and the availability of resources

Classroom Considerations

• Set aside time for students to visit the library and/or computer lab to perform research on their nuclear chemistry topics
• Additional scaffolding, like graphic orgnizers and note-taking guides may be required to support all learners with forming factual arguments based on research

Pros

• Provides a rubric for assessing students' projects
• A provided peer evaluation form allows learners to give feedback about their partners
• Offers a list of radiation applications to support students with selecting a topic to research
• Includes a small collection of online resources to use when gathering information about nuclear chemistry

Cons

• None

Common Core

W.9-10.1.a W.9-10.2.a W.9-10.7 W.9-10.8 W.9-10.9.a W.11-12.1.a W.11-12.2.a W.11-12.7 W.11-12.8 W.11-12.9.a SL.9-10.4 SL.9-10.5 SL.11-12.4 SL.11-12.5