Radioactivity - Revision history

imported>Stwikiadmin: /* Why This Works */

2016-08-26T14:47:31Z

Why This Works

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 26 August 2016
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	== Why This Works ==		== Why This Works ==

	~~===Short Explanation===~~		When we say that something is ''Radioactive'', we are saying that it is giving off high energy particles. The type of particle and how much energy it has let us know how the material is decaying. If something is giving off ''Alpha-decay'', that means it is losing protons, and releasing elemental Helium. This type of decay has pretty low energy, and the released Helium atom is easily blocked by thin walls like plastic, paper or our skin. If something is giving off ''Beta-decay'', then that means that one of the Neutrons decays into a Proton, which sends an electron flying. This type of decay has more energy to it, but can still be blocked by thicker barriers. If something is giving off ''Gamma-decay'', then that means the atom is releasing energy by launching high energy photons. This type of radiation is good for us in small doses, but in large doses can be very dangerous. Also, this type of radiation is very hard to block, requiring thick walls to shield from it.
	When we say that something is Radioactive, we are saying that it is giving off high energy particles. The type of particle and how much energy it has let us know how the material is decaying. If something is giving off Alpha-decay, that means it is losing protons, and releasing elemental Helium. This type of decay has pretty low energy, and the released Helium atom is easily blocked by thin walls like plastic, paper or our skin. If something is giving off Beta-decay, then that means that one of the Neutrons decays into a Proton, which sends an electron flying. This type of decay has more energy to it, but can still be blocked by thicker barriers. If something is giving off Gamma-decay, then that means the atom is releasing energy by launching high energy photons. This type of radiation is good for us in small doses, but in large doses can be very dangerous. Also, this type of radiation is very hard to block, requiring thick walls to shield from it.

	The Fiestaware pieces are releasing Alpha and Beta radiation, so that means the atoms in the paint are releasing some protons and some electrons with high energy. The Uranium sample is also releasing Alpha and Beta radiation, but we can see that it is giving off much lower levels. The Trinitite, which is sand that was fused by the Trinity Bomb test, gives off ~~some Alpha~~ radiation, most of which is blocked by the plastic packaging on it. The sample on the front of the Geiger counter gives off Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiation; however, it is not dangerous to be around. The sample was carefully selected so to be used for calibrating the counter, so it gives off very low doses of Gamma radiation.		The Fiestaware pieces are releasing Alpha and Beta radiation, so that means the atoms in the paint are releasing some protons and some electrons with high energy. The Uranium sample is also releasing Alpha and Beta radiation, but we can see that it is giving off much lower levels. The Trinitite, which is sand that was fused by the Trinity Bomb test, gives off alpha radiation, most of which is blocked by the plastic packaging on it. The sample on the front of the old Geiger counter gives off Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiation; however, it is not dangerous to be around. The sample was carefully selected so to be used for calibrating the counter, so it gives off very low doses of Gamma radiation.

	~~===Full Explanation===~~		There are all kinds of everyday things that are radioactive. This is important to note, so that students and parents can learn about the safe and helpful side of radioactivity. Some of the more common radioactive sources around us are:
	'''''~~UNDER CONSTRUCTION'''''~~		* Concrete, which gives off alpha decay, and is good at absorbing beta and gamma radiation.
			* Bananas, or more specifically potassium. Potassium gives off beta decay, which our bodies can actually use!
			* Sunlight, which contains gamma radiation in the form of UV rays. This is why you should wear sunblock if you plan to be in the sun for extended periods of time, because a sunburn is a type of radiation burn! However, don't be afraid to be in the sunlight, because our bodies need it to produce vitamin D.
			* Our bones, which give off beta decay! Our bodies store small amounts of carbon-13 in our bones. Carbon-13 is an ''Isotope'' of carbon, meaning that it has a different number of neutrons than carbon typically does (7 instead of 6). It has a half-life of about 5000 years, but it still decays slowly within our bones, and can be picked up on by a geiger counter!

	== Additional Information ==		== Additional Information ==

imported>Stwikiadmin: /* Additional Information */

2016-08-26T14:37:31Z

Additional Information

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:37, 26 August 2016
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	== Additional Information ==		== Additional Information ==

	* There are all kinds of everyday things that you can list off as being radioactive.
	* An important thing to note: Smart phones are NOT radioactive. This misconception that our phones are radioactive comes from our phones working via electromagnetic radiation. the frequencies that our technology operates on is not the same, and you can prove this by simply placing the Dosimeter on your phone during a presentation.		* An important thing to note: Smart phones are NOT radioactive. This misconception that our phones are radioactive comes from our phones working via electromagnetic radiation. the frequencies that our technology operates on is not the same, and you can prove this by simply placing the Dosimeter on your phone during a presentation.
	* This demonstration is a part of the [[Nuclear Physics Show]]		* This demonstration is a part of the [[Nuclear Physics Show]]

imported>Stwikiadmin: /* Full Explanation */

2016-01-29T16:49:33Z

Full Explanation

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:49, 29 January 2016
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	===Full Explanation===		===Full Explanation===
	This is where you will explain the demonstration in full, and provide all additional information that pertains to the demo. Unlike the short explanation above, this should be worded so someone who is familiar with the topics might understand it. If needed, you can provide equations and citations for additional sources of information on the topic. This is also where you will find some answers for trickier questions, such as "How does a plane fly upside-down?" for the Bernoulli'~~s Principle demo.~~		'''''UNDER CONSTRUCTION'''''

	== Additional Information ==		== Additional Information ==

imported>Stwikiadmin at 16:48, 29 January 2016

2016-01-29T16:48:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:48, 29 January 2016
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	1. Show the pieces of Fiestaware to the students. Allow them to hold the pieces and look at them, and explain that the pieces are glow-in-the-dark due to the paint on them. Then, explain that unlike all the modern glow-in-the-dark things we have, this paint glows because it was made with radioactive materials.		# Show the pieces of Fiestaware to the students. Allow them to hold the pieces and look at them, and explain that the pieces are glow-in-the-dark due to the paint on them. Then, explain that unlike all the modern glow-in-the-dark things we have, this paint glows because it was made with radioactive materials.
	2. Using the Dosimeter, show the students that the pieces of plate give off a strong reading. Explain to them the three types of radiation, and the two that the plate gives off.		# Using the Dosimeter, show the students that the pieces of plate give off a strong reading. Explain to them the three types of radiation, and the two that the plate gives off.
	3. Show them the Uranium sample and the trinitite sample. If they wish, let them hold the samples and explain what types of radiation they give off.		# Show them the Uranium sample and the trinitite sample. If they wish, let them hold the samples and explain what types of radiation they give off.
	4. Show the Geiger Counter, and explain how it would detect particles using the "wand", and how that same technology is in the Dosimeter. You can also point out the small radioactive sample that is on the front of the Geiger Counter, which would be used to calibrate the detector.		# Show the Geiger Counter, and explain how it would detect particles using the "wand", and how that same technology is in the Dosimeter. You can also point out the small radioactive sample that is on the front of the Geiger Counter, which would be used to calibrate the detector.
	4. Explain to the students that they interact with several radioactive materials all the time in their everyday activities. List off things such as:		# Explain to the students that they interact with several radioactive materials all the time in their everyday activities. List off things such as:
	** Concrete (Alpha-decay)		## Concrete (Alpha-decay)
	** Sunlight (Gamma-decay)		## Sunlight (Gamma-decay)
	** Banana's (fun fact: "one banana" is actually a measure used in Nuclear Physics, and is equal to one microSeivert.		## Banana's (fun fact: "one banana" is actually a measure used in Nuclear Physics, and is equal to one microSeivert.
	** The air (Main source of background radiation)		## The air (Main source of background radiation)
	5. Let students know that we are radioactive as well! Have them hold out an arm, and if you hold the Dosimeter against it you can get faint readings.		# Let students know that we are radioactive as well! Have them hold out an arm, and if you hold the Dosimeter against it you can get faint readings.

imported>Stwikiadmin at 16:47, 29 January 2016

2016-01-29T16:47:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:47, 29 January 2016
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	1. ~~Steps for~~ the ~~demonstration~~.		1. Show the pieces of Fiestaware to the students. Allow them to hold the pieces and look at them, and explain that the pieces are glow-in-the-dark due to the paint on them. Then, explain that unlike all the modern glow-in-the-dark things we have, this paint glows because it was made with radioactive materials.
			2. Using the Dosimeter, show the students that the pieces of plate give off a strong reading. Explain to them the three types of radiation, and the two that the plate gives off.
	2. ~~Be sure~~ to ~~clarify on steps about any safety equipment needed~~.		3. Show them the Uranium sample and the trinitite sample. If they wish, let them hold the samples and explain what types of radiation they give off.
			4. Show the Geiger Counter, and explain how it would detect particles using the "wand", and how that same technology is in the Dosimeter. You can also point out the small radioactive sample that is on the front of the Geiger Counter, which would be used to calibrate the detector.
	3. ~~Make sure steps~~ can be ~~understood by~~ a ~~first-time reader~~.		4. Explain to the students that they interact with several radioactive materials all the time in their everyday activities. List off things such as:
			** Concrete (Alpha-decay)
			** Sunlight (Gamma-decay)
			** Banana's (fun fact: "one banana" is actually a measure used in Nuclear Physics, and is equal to one microSeivert.
			** The air (Main source of background radiation)
			5. Let students know that we are radioactive as well! Have them hold out an arm, and if you hold the Dosimeter against it you can get faint readings.


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	===Short Explanation===		===Short Explanation===
	This is ~~where you would provide~~ a ~~basic~~, ~~easy-~~to-~~understand explanation~~ of ~~the demonstration~~. ~~Try not~~ to ~~use too much "Science Jargon"~~, and ~~if needed add any explanation tips~~, ~~like comparing~~ the ~~demo to something kids~~ are ~~familiar~~ with.		When we say that something is Radioactive, we are saying that it is giving off high energy particles. The type of particle and how much energy it has let us know how the material is decaying. If something is giving off Alpha-decay, that means it is losing protons, and releasing elemental Helium. This type of decay has pretty low energy, and the released Helium atom is easily blocked by thin walls like plastic, paper or our skin. If something is giving off Beta-decay, then that means that one of the Neutrons decays into a Proton, which sends an electron flying. This type of decay has more energy to it, but can still be blocked by thicker barriers. If something is giving off Gamma-decay, then that means the atom is releasing energy by launching high energy photons. This type of radiation is good for us in small doses, but in large doses can be very dangerous. Also, this type of radiation is very hard to block, requiring thick walls to shield from it.

			The Fiestaware pieces are releasing Alpha and Beta radiation, so that means the atoms in the paint are releasing some protons and some electrons with high energy. The Uranium sample is also releasing Alpha and Beta radiation, but we can see that it is giving off much lower levels. The Trinitite, which is sand that was fused by the Trinity Bomb test, gives off some Alpha radiation, most of which is blocked by the plastic packaging on it. The sample on the front of the Geiger counter gives off Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiation; however, it is not dangerous to be around. The sample was carefully selected so to be used for calibrating the counter, so it gives off very low doses of Gamma radiation.

	===Full Explanation===		===Full Explanation===
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	== Additional Information ==		== Additional Information ==

	* ~~Any extra tidbits~~ that do not ~~fit into other sections~~		* There are all kinds of everyday things that you can list off as being radioactive.
	* This demonstration is a part of the ~~(insert~~ [[~~Stage~~ Show]] ~~here)~~		* An important thing to note: Smart phones are NOT radioactive. This misconception that our phones are radioactive comes from our phones working via electromagnetic radiation. the frequencies that our technology operates on is not the same, and you can prove this by simply placing the Dosimeter on your phone during a presentation.
			* This demonstration is a part of the [[Nuclear Physics Show]]

imported>Stwikiadmin at 16:03, 29 January 2016

2016-01-29T16:03:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:03, 29 January 2016
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	== ~~Age ==~~		{\| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; margin-left: auto; float:right"
			\| [[Physics]]:
			\| Radioactivity
			\|-
			\| Grade Range:
			\| [[Middle School]], [[High School]]
			\|-
			\| Format:
			\| [[Hands-on]]
			\|}

	~~Elementary School~~, ~~Middle School~~, ~~High School~~		This demonstration allows students to learn what a radioactive material can look like, and is a good way to introduce radioactivity in a non-threatening way. All materials for this demonstration are safe for students to handle, and give students and their parents a chance to see how we detect radiation.

	~~== Format ==~~

	~~Stage Show, Hands-on~~

	== Materials ==		== Materials ==

	Geiger ~~counter~~		* SOEKS Dosimeter
	~~Speakers to hook to Geiger counter (works with any headphone jack)~~		* Geiger Counter
	~~pieces of fiestaware and/or other (safe) radioactive samples~~		* Uranium sample
			* Fiestaware plate sample
			* Trinitite sample

	== Safety Precautions ==		== Safety Precautions ==

	~~Science Theatre demonstrators must~~ keep the ~~safety~~ of ~~themselves~~ and ~~their audience~~ in ~~mind~~ at ~~all times~~. All Science Theatre ~~demonstrators must have read~~ through the Safety Training ~~page~~. ~~The ST Safety Box with first aid kit~~, ~~fire extinguisher, etc~~. ~~should always be available~~ to ~~demonstrators. Always wear safety gloves~~, ~~glasses~~, and ~~a labcoat if handling chemicals; always perform potentially dangerous demonstrations at a safe distance from the audience; and always keep a very close eye on any volunteers you call from the audience~~.		* This demonstration utilizes a Dosimeter, which needs to be carefully taken care of. Remove the batteries from it when it is no longer in use to preserve battery life. It is a sensitive piece of equipment, so never drop it or you may disrupt the equipment inside. If you notice that the batteries are low, be sure to plug the device in when you return to the planetarium, and allow it to charge overnight. Do not leave it plugged in for more than 24 hours.
			* This demonstration uses radioactive materials. Be careful not to let small children put '''anything''' from this demonstration in their mouths. Make sure that students know to wash their hands after this demonstration if they handled any of the samples.
			* '''''Do not let anyone keep any of the radioactive samples'''''. The pieces are safe to hold and examine, but be sure to have all pieces returned to you before the end of the demonstration.
			* The plate gives off Beta-decay and Alpha-decay at moderate levels, so it should be kept in the plastic basin until needed during the presentation. The Uranium ore sample gives off Beta-decay and Alpha-decay as well, but at much lower levels, and can be kept out of the bin during the performance. The Trinitite gives off Alpha-decay. All the samples are safe to handle.
			* All Science Theatre Officers who will be using this demonstration should go through the [http://www.oeos.msu.edu/TRAIN/RDR/ EHS Radiation Safety Refresher Training]. Officers and volunteers are not required to go through this training, but officers are strongly encouraged to do so. Officers are required to instruct volunteers on safe handling of radioactive samples, the Dosimeter, and proper presentation of this demonstration.

	~~All samples used in this demo are (and should be) safe for volunteers and audience members to handle.~~

	~~[[ Preparation~~ ==		== Demonstration ==

	~~Set up Geiger counter and speakers and check to make sure they work. Lay out samples so they can easily be seen. Go!~~

	~~== Demonstration ==~~		1. Steps for the demonstration.

			2. Be sure to clarify on steps about any safety equipment needed.

			3. Make sure steps can be understood by a first-time reader.

	~~Writeup in progress...see [[Nuclear Physics Show]] script in the meantime.~~

	== ~~What to Say~~ ==		== Why This Works ==

	~~Writeup in progress..~~.~~see [[Nuclear Physics Show]] script in~~ the ~~meantime~~.		===Short Explanation===
			This is where you would provide a basic, easy-to-understand explanation of the demonstration. Try not to use too much "Science Jargon", and if needed add any explanation tips, like comparing the demo to something kids are familiar with.

	== ~~Why It Is~~ ==		===Full Explanation===
			This is where you will explain the demonstration in full, and provide all additional information that pertains to the demo. Unlike the short explanation above, this should be worded so someone who is familiar with the topics might understand it. If needed, you can provide equations and citations for additional sources of information on the topic. This is also where you will find some answers for trickier questions, such as "How does a plane fly upside-down?" for the Bernoulli's Principle demo.

	~~Writeup in progress...see [[Nuclear Physics Show]] script in the meantime.~~		== Additional Information ==

	~~== Real Life Examples ==~~		* Any extra tidbits that do not fit into other sections
			* This demonstration is a part of the (insert [[Stage Show]] here)

imported>Gregpetrone at 22:15, 13 October 2013

2013-10-13T22:15:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:15, 13 October 2013
(No difference)

imported>Gregpetrone at 22:15, 13 October 2013

2013-10-13T22:15:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:15, 13 October 2013
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	== Demonstration ==		== Demonstration ==

	Writeup in progress...see [[~~FRIB~~ Show]] script in the meantime.		Writeup in progress...see [[Nuclear Physics Show]] script in the meantime.

	== What to Say ==		== What to Say ==

	Writeup in progress...see [[~~FRIB~~ Show]] script in the meantime.		Writeup in progress...see [[Nuclear Physics Show]] script in the meantime.

	== Why It Is ==		== Why It Is ==

	Writeup in progress...see [[~~FRIB~~ Show]] script in the meantime.		Writeup in progress...see [[Nuclear Physics Show]] script in the meantime.

	== Real Life Examples ==		== Real Life Examples ==

imported>Stwikiadmin: Created page with "== Age == Elementary School, Middle School, High School == Format == Stage Show, Hands-on == Materials == Geiger counter Speakers to hook to Geiger counter (works wi..."

2013-09-11T23:46:15Z

Created page with "== Age == Elementary School, Middle School, High School == Format == Stage Show, Hands-on == Materials == Geiger counter Speakers to hook to Geiger counter (works wi..."

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:46, 11 September 2013
(No difference)

imported>Stwikiadmin: Created page with "== Age == Elementary School, Middle School, High School == Format == Stage Show, Hands-on == Materials == Geiger counter Speakers to hook to Geiger counter (works wi..."

2013-09-11T23:46:15Z

Created page with "== Age == Elementary School, Middle School, High School == Format == Stage Show, Hands-on == Materials == Geiger counter Speakers to hook to Geiger counter (works wi..."

New page

== Age ==

Elementary School, Middle School, High School

== Format ==

Stage Show, Hands-on

== Materials ==

Geiger counter
Speakers to hook to Geiger counter (works with any headphone jack)
pieces of fiestaware and/or other (safe) radioactive samples

== Safety Precautions ==

Science Theatre demonstrators must keep the safety of themselves and their audience in mind at all times. All Science Theatre demonstrators must have read through the Safety Training page. The ST Safety Box with first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc. should always be available to demonstrators. Always wear safety gloves, glasses, and a labcoat if handling chemicals; always perform potentially dangerous demonstrations at a safe distance from the audience; and always keep a very close eye on any volunteers you call from the audience.

All samples used in this demo are (and should be) safe for volunteers and audience members to handle.

[[ Preparation ==

Set up Geiger counter and speakers and check to make sure they work. Lay out samples so they can easily be seen. Go!

== Demonstration ==

Writeup in progress...see [[FRIB Show]] script in the meantime.

== What to Say ==

Writeup in progress...see [[FRIB Show]] script in the meantime.

== Why It Is ==

Writeup in progress...see [[FRIB Show]] script in the meantime.

== Real Life Examples ==