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Outline of the Radiation Learning Lab
Measurement of alpha particle radiation from Americium-241 using CR-39...
Goals:
introduce students to the presence of natural radiation in our environment
introduce the biology of radiation injury from radon in our environment
allow student-initiated investigation of the basic properties of alpha particle radiation
understand a smoke detector's ionization chamber
demonstrate how alpha particles can be recorded from an Americium-241 source using CR-39 plastic
generalize the use of this method to radon detection in air and water
in the local environment
Objectives:
Students will:
discuss what they know about natural and "man-made" radiation and learn about their biological effects
use facts gleaned from the presentation by ScienceWorks staff and group discussion to develop hypotheses and experiments using Am-241 and CR-39
perform student-designed experiments in the ScienceWorks lab followed by etching of CR-39 in 6.25 N NaOH to visualize tracks for counting
analyze and discuss results
discuss possible applications of CR-39 as a detector for alpha particle radiation from radon in their local environments
Target audience: Advanced Placement Biology and Chemistry students
Length of presentation: 1.5 hours
Maine Performance Indicators: This lab aligns with the following Maine performance indicators: E6 and 7, H9, J1-4, K3 and 4,L1 and 4,and M1 and 2 and is allied with Advanced Placement Biology Lab #6
Important background concepts for this unit:
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Biology
- The Central Dogma: DNA produces RNA produces protein
- What is meant by a "mutation" at the DNA level?
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Chemistry
- Principles of radioactive decay
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