This online resource looks into the concept of radioactive decay.

The resource is a lesson that uses M&Ms or Skittles as a model to examine the rate of decay of unstable nuclei.

The lesson allows students to grasp the concept that the exact time a certain nuclei will decay cannot be predicted, but that the overall decay of the radioactive element in a solid can be predicted. A printable worksheet is linked to from the web page.

Students will need to be reminded not to eat in a school science lab. Alternatively, a classroom or café could be used for this activity.

Australian Curriculum v9 Codes: AC9S9U06 (Year 9)