Radioactive Decay: a sweet simulation of a half-life
Type of Resource:
Weblink
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)
Australian Curriculum:
- Year 9 > Science Inquiry Skills > Processing and analysing data and information > Use knowledge of scientific concepts to draw conclusions that are consistent... > ACSIS170
- Year 9 > Science Understanding > Chemical Sciences > All matter is made of atoms which are composed of protons, neutrons and... > ACSSU177
