Radiation Energy     

Doris Watkins                   John Hope School
                                5500 S. Lowe         
                                Chicago IL 60621
                                (312) 535-6176

Objectives:

This lesson is aimed at eighth grade students.  They are to:
1.  State that everything is made of atoms.  
2.  Explain that radiation energy is all around us and that it can be 
    measured even though it cannot be seen.  
3.  Understand several ways that radiation (from radioisotopes) helps us every 
    day.
4.  Relate that radiation may hurt us, but that we can protect ourselves 
    from this by shielding, time, and distance. 
  
Materials Needed:
 
    geiger counter                     aluminum foil 
    dosimeter                          a sheet of paper
    poster of an atom                  beta sample
    gamma sample                       lantern mantle sample
    brick                              smoke detector

Strategy:

The first activity will be to use the dosimeter, which is used to test how much 
radiation has been received in a day.  The geiger counter will be used to test 
how much radiation is in a room.  Beta and gamma ray producing samples, and a 
smoke detector will be used with the geiger counter.  A poster showing a model 
of an atom will also be used.  The students will use a sheet of paper, a sheet 
of aluminum foil, and a brick to show what type of things can be used to shield 
them from alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. 

Performance Assessment:

Students are to demonstrate what type of shielding will stop each of the various 
radiations by using the geiger counter.  Students are to identify the three 
types of radiations.  

Conclusions:

Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation all come from the nucleus of the atom.  Alpha 
being weakest can be stopped by the hand.  Beta can be stopped by using aluminum 
foil.  Gamma being the strongest can be stopped by lead or concrete.  Radiation 
has many risks and benefits. 
  
References:

Copyright 1991 Revised Edition.  American Nuclear Society.