Instructional Video

Real Plutonium

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Most substances decrease in density as they melt, but plutonium doesn't follow that rule. Viewers learn about plutonium while observing experiments using the element. Interesting anecdotes, terrifying properties, and enchanting visuals keep pupils' attention in the 94th video in the series on each of the 118 elements on the periodic table.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Create a timeline of plutonium's prediction, discovery, and applications
  • Share the story of why plutonium's symbol is Pu instead of Pl, because it shows the humor of the discoverers
Classroom Considerations
  • Relies on prior knowledge of radioactivity and the periodic table
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • Displays actual samples of plutonium used by scientists
  • Introduces leading researchers currently working with plutonium
Cons
  • None