Lesson 12-Measuring Radiation - Teacher's Guide

Targeted Instructional Objective Defining fundamental concepts of radiological science

Content Focus: Analyze concrete applications of measurements and methods

The standard units used to measure radiation vary to indicate measurements concerning raw data, comparative levels of concentrations, or factors of risk and exposure. Understanding the measurements used allows students to interpret the measurements and place levels of radiation in realistic perspectives.

General Instructional Goal: Interpret the most common measurements used with radiation

Students compare methods of measuring radiation to evaluate the informative property of data

Specific Outcomes:

Upon completion of the lesson, students will be able to:

1) Identify the units used for raw totals, air and water volumes, and exposure evaluation
2) Convert numbers using scientific
3) Convert fractions using prefix identification

 
Lesson Content Instructional Processes
  • Set
Topic Introduction (Teacher defined)
Suggested preview approaches:
1) Transition from basic radiation facts to precise measurements of risk
2) Discussion of why radiation levels must be measured precisely
  • Purpose
Identifying units used to measure radiation
Applying conversion techniques to compare radiological measurements:
Suggested Strategies:

1) If available to the teacher, instruments used in measuring radiation could be demonstrated.
  • Guided Practice
 Teacher may wish to read along with the students, pausing for questions.
  • Practice/Application
 Individual or small groups convert measurements to answer the worksheet questions.
  • Summary
Synopsis of material covered
Optional Strategies:

1) Whole group spot check of worksheet answers
  • Evaluation
 Recommended score of at least 85% on worksheet

Necessary Materials:

Student worksheet: students may wish to use calculators during conversion practice

Supplemental/Cross Curricular Activities and Ideas

Measurements in Action: Observing the chronological processes that refine scientific knowledge

Research project asks students to identify pioneers in radiation research and study the course of events that led to early discoveries in radiological science, particularly noting the risks and hazards to which these early scientists exposed themselves without realizing the potential later effects.

The Small World of The Atom: Identifying the power in the atomic structure

Individual or group poster activity has students defining the basic structure of the atom and the effects of radiation on atoms as they draw realistic or interpretive panels which follow the stages of an atom being exposed to ionizing radiation, becoming unstable, emitting radiation during decay, and finally returning to a stable state.

Freeform Unit Final: Identifying key concepts presented by the IEMP Unit

Group Project requires that the students, not the teacher, write test questions concerning the major concepts presented in the unit. Each group can be assigned one or more sections of material to review: the teacher can emphasize the importance of focusing on significant concepts for the test, require a certain number of detailed test questions, or even ask students to develop a study guide or review activity for their fellow classmates. The generation of the test questions can act as the actual examination, or students can be required to take their own test.

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