About the module

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Theme 1: About radioactivity

This theme covers the basic technical aspects of radioactivity, with a focus on chemistry and physics. It explains key concepts such as the particle model of matter, the structure and properties of atoms, and electromagnetic radiation. As well as forming a basic foundation for further study in Science, this information supports a better understanding of the material covered in the other three topics. As such, it is envisaged that the content of this theme will be a core choice for Science teachers, to be combined with other themes in this series as desired.

Theme 2: Life in the nuclear age

Theme 2 is about life in the nuclear age in two senses. Topic 4 examines the effects of nuclear radiation on living cells and organisms. Topic 5 extends this focus and looks at the ways in which we need to control nuclear technologies in order to keep ourselves and the environment safe from harm. Both these topics touch upon points of contention, which are brought together in Topic 6: a sketch of current controversies over nuclear technology. Most of these controversies relate to problems of control, and to scientific uncertainty about the biological effects of nuclear radiation at low doses. These issues have wider significance. Questions of uncertainty and control are characteristic of many technological controversies in modern society. Gene technology is the most recent example, but nuclear technology is the classic. Grappling with these kinds of issues is an inescapable part of life in the nuclear age.

Theme 3: Using radiation

Theme 3 focuses on the uses of nuclear technology in society. Particular attention is paid to the connections between basic science (as studied in Theme 1) and its technological applications, and social benefits and costs. In addition, because many nuclear technologies are used in research, this presents an opportunity to explore the nature of science. What is scientific knowledge? How is it produced, what makes it especially reliable, and what are its limitations? Finally, while giving students an overview of the benefits of nuclear technologies, the theme also supports a balanced consideration of the costs and benefits of using nuclear technologies as explored in Themes 2 and 4.

Theme 4: Choosing nuclear futures

This theme sets nuclear science and technology within its historical and political context, both globally and within Australia. Radiation science and technology became very influential during the 20th century, and remain so today. In addition to transforming our understanding of matter and energy, nuclear science enabled the development of powerful technologies that have influenced history profoundly. These continue to play a role in society today, affecting our technologies and quality of life, our opportunities and dilemmas, and even our attitudes towards science and technology generally. The final lesson looks at how Australian society makes decisions about this powerful technology, and examines the roles of politicians, scientists and citizens.

Summary of module contents

Theme 1: About radioactivity

This theme, with its focus on chemistry and physics, provides the basic scientific knowledge to support an understanding of the science in each of the other three themes.

Topic 1 What is nuclear radiation?

Electromagnetic and nuclear radiation, radioactivity and atomic structure:

• Activity 1.1: Types of radiation
• Activity 1.2: Electromagnetic and nuclear radiation
• Activity 1.3: Radiation versus radioactivity
• Activity 1.4: Sources of radiation
• Activity 1.5: Types of nuclear radiation

Topic 2 Radioactivity and the atom

Isotopes, nuclear decay, half-life and α, β and γ radiation

• Activity 1.6: Subatomic particles
• Activity 1.7: Radioactive decay

Topic 3 Neutrons and fission

Nuclear fission, a chain reaction, nuclear fusion:

• Activity 1.8: Nuclear fission and fusion
• Activity 1.9: Student fission – a simulation activity

Summary task 1: Radiation and subatomic particles

This is written task to demonstrate understanding of atomic structure, nuclear decay and the nature of nuclear radiation.

Teacher notes

These notes help the teacher manage the classes and guide students through the activities in this theme.

Theme 2: Life in the nuclear age

This theme examines:

• the effects of nuclear radiation on living cells and organisms
• the ways in which we need to control nuclear technologies, in order to keep ourselves and the environment safe from harm.

Topic 4 Biological effects of nuclear radiation

Effects of differing doses of radiation on cells and whole organisms:

• Activity 2.1: Effects on living cells
• Activity 2.2: Safe doses?

Topic 5 Controlling the atom

This topic looks at ways of controlling the effects of radiation on humans and the environment.

Topic 6 Current controversies

This topic looks at controversies over the application of nuclear technologies.

Summary task 2: Life in the nuclear board game

Students do background research and create a board game incorporating the themes of biological effects, control and controversies.

Teacher notes

These notes help the teacher manage the classes and guide the learning through the activities in this theme.

Theme 3: Using radiation

This theme focuses on the uses of nuclear technology in society, gives an overview of how people can benefit from nuclear technologies in their everyday lives and considers the risks and benefits of using nuclear technologies.

Topic 7 Nuclear energy

Nuclear reactors and weapons

• Activity 3.1: The hidden costs of electricity generation

Topic 8 Radiation for research

Radioisotopes as tracers and energy and particle beams.

Topic 9 Radiation in medicine and industry

Nuclear medicine and the use of nuclear technologies in industry.

Summary task 3: Nuclear tools

Research and report on an example of either a nuclear technology or nuclear research program in Australia

Teacher notes

These notes help the teacher manage the classes and guide the learning through the activities in this theme.

Theme 4: Choosing nuclear futures

This topic sets nuclear science and technology within its historical and political context, both globally and within Australia. It also looks at how Australian society makes decisions about this powerful technology by examining the roles of politicians, scientists and citizens.

Topic 10 Bombs and breakthroughs: A history

The development of understanding of nuclear science is placed in a historical context.

Topic 11 Nuclear technology in Australia

The history of nuclear technological development and application in Australia is summarised.

Topic 12 How does society decide?

The social and political processes of decision making about the application of nuclear technologies in Australia are described.

Summary task 4: Mine your mind

Students examine:

• their attitudes to examples of the application of nuclear science and technology in Australia
• the risks and benefits, and reassess their attitudes.

Teacher notes

These notes help the teacher manage the classes and guide the learning through the activities in this theme.

Summary task for the whole module: Nuclear news

Student worksheet

This task involves research and report writing, and draws on the knowledge of nuclear science and technology developed throughout this module.

Teacher notes

These notes help the teacher manage and assess this task.

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