Radioactivity

Introduction

Introduction

When many people think of radiation the first thing that may come to mind is how dangerous radiation and radioactive elements can be. History has shown that radiation can be used for destructive purposes (i.e. nuclear weapons). You may have even seen pictures of animals mutated as a result of exposure to radiation. But radiation is also used for many useful purposes. In this WebQuest you are to explore the various uses of radiation and determine in your opinion on the safety of these applications.

Task

Groups will choose one of the following topics:

1. Food Irradiation

2. Nuclear Energy

3. Medical Imaging/Nuclear Medicine

4. Radiation Treatment

Each group will research relevant information on their topic. Keep in mind that you are not only gathering pertinent information, but you also want to think about how you feel about the topic. Do you think that the application of radiation is safe? important? economical?

Process

Process

Once groups have been formed, follow these steps:

1. Before diving into research on your particular topic, familiarize yourself with the nature of radiation and radioactivity in general

  •  when was it discovered? and by whom?
  •  are there different kinds of radiation?

2. Research your topic - start with websites provided on this page page 

  • You will need to find other sources, all sources must be cited.

3. Begin to form some opinions about the application of radiation

  • set up pro and con arguments for the application of your topic (make sure to provide support for your arguments!)

4. Pull all of the information together into a cohesive presentation about your topic. Include details such as:

  • history of the application
  • different methods
  • safety issues 
  • benefits 

list of the websites and other sources used Your presentation can be whatever form you choose (check with me first though). Possible examples are: Google Slides, Prezi, Video etc. You have my permission to be creative and have a little fun!

5. Each presentation will be posteed, each person in the class will evaluate each group

Nuclear Energy

Research the following websites to learn more about nuclear energy. Make sure to find accurate and credible support for your pro and con arguments.

Nuclear Energy Links


Nuclear Energy Institute: http://www.nei.org/

HowStuffWorks: http://people.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-power.htm

Tennesee Valley Authority https://www.tva.gov/Energy/Our-Power-System/Nuclear

US Department of Energy  http://energy.gov/science-innovation/energy-sources/nuclear

Radiation Treatment

Research the following websites to learn more about radiation treatment. Make sure to find accurate and credible support for your pro and con arguments.

Radiation Links


A non-profit organization for breast cancer research: http://www.breastcancer.org/tre_rad_idx.html

Cancer.gov

Radiation Therapy Effects 

Medical Imaging

Research the following websites to learn more about medical imaging. Make sure to find accurate and credible support for your pro and con arguments.

Links for Medical Imaging

Society of Nuclear Medicine: http://interactive.snm.org/index.cfm?pageid=10&rpid=1977

How Stuff Works: http://science.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-medicine2.htm

Food Irridation

Food Irradiation: What You Need to Know

Facts about food Irradation

Evaluation

The presentation shoulld be able to be used to teach someone about your topic. Relevent images should be used. Pro and con arguements presented. The work should be in your words, not copy and paste. 

Your presentation will be evaluated by class members, each person will use a rubric to score the presenations

This is the schedule

Day 1- research, decide on your topic, decide who you will be working with. Groups of no more than three. This needs to be emailed to me. (10 points)

Day 2 Presentation started, information is gathered. This needs to be shared (10 points)

Day 3 Finish. You should have something you would be proud of. (20 points)

Day 4 Class evaluation

Conclusion

I hope you all have learned something about radiation and radioactivity. This project should also have made you realize some important roles that chemistry plays in our everyday lives. As an extra credit opportunity (or just for fun) I encourage you to learn more about any other applications of radiation. It is possible that you come into contact with it more than you think..... You can either prepare a short presentation about your topic or just tell me about it.