Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Half Life

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] In this module, students will explore the radioactive decay process in terms of balanced nuclear equations to discover the concept of half-life.
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Half Life in Nuclear Chemistry

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains what is meant by the half-life of a radioactive element and how it is calculated.
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: List of Radioactive Elements

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about radioactivity, the different types of radioactive decay, isotopes, and half-life of a radioactive element. Includes a long chart listing radioactive elements, atomic number and mass number, decay type, and length of half-life.
Study Guide
Department of Defense

Do Dea: Ap Calculus: Radioactivity and Half Life [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Apply the Law of Exponential Change to solve a "real-world" science problem. Formulas and examples are provided. Great review for the AP Calculus test!
Website
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: The Dating Game: Radioactive Carbon

For Students 9th - 10th
In this media-rich essay from the NOVA: "Mystery of the First Americans" Web site, learn about the atomic structure of radioactive carbon and how it can be used to determine the age of organic remains, such as bones and teeth.
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: How Does Radioactive Decay Work?

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains the processes of radioactive decay in primary and secondary modes.
Activity
American Geosciences Institute

American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Dating Popcorn

For Students 9th - 10th
In this activity, students use popcorn to simulate the process scientists use to date layers in an ice core.