Demo: Background radiationGeiger–Muller tube and counter

Notes…The word ‘Radioactive’ is…

…used to describe a material, atom or element that emits radiation (alpha, beta or gamma).

Radiation is emitted from unstable nuclei of atoms and is a random process.

These radiation can be in the form of electromagnetic waves, or energetic particles.

Radioactive elements are naturally found in the environment, contributing to background radiation e.g. rocks and food.

Task

Calculate your annual dose of background radiation.

Check learningWhere does radiation come from?

Copy the table into the back of your book4

3

2

6

6

4

6

2

1

9 5

6

0Starter Designed by Eugene Brunet; Adapted for PowerPoint by A. Camburn, St George School

The history of radioactivity

• Prepare a role-play to tell the story of how the ideas about the dangers of using radioactive materials developed.

• Time: 30 minutes

Scene 1 Bequerel and research assistants

• Discovery of gamma rays from uranium

Scene 2 Marie Curie part 1

• Her research, unaware of the dangers

Scene 3 Quack cures

• Early misguided use of radioactivity

Scene 4 Marie Curie part 2

• Her medical achievement and suffering

Scene 5 Hiroshima

• The legacy of atomic bomb

Scene 6 Hospital waiting room

• Modern radiation treatment