| Grade Level | 9 - 12 | |
| Standards | Inquiry Skills | |
| Students will design and conduct scientific investigations | ||
| Students will communicate scientific procedures and explanations | ||
| Physical Science Concepts | ||
| Students will understand the structure of atoms | ||
| Science And Technology | ||
| Students will demonstrate abilities in technological design | ||
| Students will investigate science and technology in local, national, and global challenges with reference to advances in chemistry | ||
| Science in Personal And Social Perspectives | ||
| Students will understand the dangers associated with human-induced hazards | ||
| Objectives |
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| Materials and Activities | |
| Materials | |
| Engage | Without the aid of reference materials, ask each student to make a list that shows ways in which radioisotopes are used. Have students share with the rest of the class. |
| Explore |
Earliest: Recorder * Possible radioisotopes to be used and their half-life * A description of tasks to be performed as they solve the problem |
| Explain |
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| Elaborate |
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| Evaluation | Each student will write a report that describes how their life would be affected if radioisotopes were banned by the government. |
| Homework | |
ChemCom Activity
You Decide: Putting Atoms to Work
Your team is asked to propose a solution for each of the following problems using a radioisotope. Write a description of each proposed solution. Each team member should also be prepared to describe one solution to the rest of the class. Consider these points as you describe your solutions:
Consider half-life, type of radiation---alpha, beta, or gamma--and the physical or chemical state of the radioactive material.
What, if any, safety and health precautions are needed?
How should the system be designed? A sketch or diagram might help.
Does the problem require use of a radioisotope over an extended time, or is a "one shot" short-term approach needed?
Could a non-nuclear technology solve the problem just as easily---or more easily?
N-13\tab 9.97 minutes
Fe-55 2.6 years
P-32 14.3 days
Co-60 5.24 years
Sb-124 60.3 days
Problem #1
Many oil companies that pump oil and gas from Texas to midwestern states share
the same pipelines. How could radioisotopes help pipeline operators in Michigan
decide which company's oil or gas is arriving at a particular time?
Problem #2
An automobile manufacturer is investigating ways to extend the life and efficiency
of car engines. The manufacturer wants to compare how rapidly piston rings in
several different engines will wear out.
Problem #3
Applying more fertilizer than crops are able to use can harm the environment.
Excess fertilizer may contaminate water runoff, polluting nearby streams. An
agricultural chemist wants to find out which fertilizer application method results
in the highest crop uptake of fertilzer with the least water pollution.
Problem #4
A doctor is treating a patient who has inoperable lung cancer. She wants to
kill the maximum number of cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
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