NEW AQA GCSE (2016) Physics - Alpha, Beta & Gamma Radiation

This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Physics GCSE, particularly the ‘Radioactivity’ SoW.

For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience

This lesson begins with a recap of the three main types of radiation: alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Students will firstly be asked to draw and label a diagram to show how each of these types of radiation can be stopped.

Students will then be given some information about the penetrating power of these three types of radiation, using the information and their own knowledge students will need to complete a summary worksheet. Once this has been completed students can self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.

The next part of the lesson will focus on the dangers of radiation, firstly students will be shown a teacher/technician demonstration of the different types of radiation, outlining some of the dangers and precautions taken when handling radioactive sources. Students can complete a table of information on the relative dangers of these radioactive sources whilst watching the demo. This work can self-assessed against the mark scheme provided once it is complete.

Next, pupils are asked to ‘Think > Pair > Share’ ideas about how scientists/workers can protect themselves against the hazards of ionising radiation. After a short class discussion the answers can be revealed for students to check their work and take extra notes if necessary.

Lastly, students are asked to think about the uses of radiation, they will be given a list and they will need to determine which are real uses of radiation. The real uses of alpha, beta and gamma radiation can then be revealed on the PowerPoint presentation - students can check their answers and take notes on extra uses.

The plenary task is for students to talk to the person next to them for one minute about what they have learned this lesson.

All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)