Radioactive Decay Cubes Lab Activity

Radioisotopes have been found to be useful in the fields of geology, medical diagnosis and treatment, metallurgy, agriculture, and scientific research. In this lab activity, students will use the framework concepts of Matter and Its Interactions (PS1) to explore the concepts of radioactive decay and half-life. They will determine the half-life of two different "elements," as well as graphically represent the observed decay. Students will also be able to investigate what happens when a parent nuclei decays into daughter nuclei over time.

This kit has been aligned with all published National Standards. Pre- and Post-laboratory assessments and vocabulary words all target specific Science and Engineering Practices and common core standards. The teacher guide also contains specific "Did You Know" concepts that link the real world with the scientific standards explored. A student copymaster is also included. This lab activity can be successfully performed repeatedly with the materials provided and includes enough materials for 10 setups.


Materials included:
500 Cubes with 2 dots, blue
500 Cubes with 3 dots, orange
10 shaker cups with lids
1 Graph paper pad, 100 sheets
Teacher's Guide and Student Guide


Time requirements:
This lab activity requires approximately one 45-minute class period to complete

• Determine the half-life of two different "elements" Graphically represent the observed decay

Radioisotopes have been found to be useful in the fields of geology, medical diagnosis and treatment, metallurgy, agriculture, and scientific research. In this lab activity, students will use the framework concepts of Matter and Its Interactions (PS1) to explore the concepts of radioactive decay and half-life. Students will also be able to investigate what happens when a parent nuclei decays into daughter nuclei over time.

This kit has been aligned with all published National Standards. Pre- and Post-laboratory assessments and vocabulary words all target specific Science and Engineering Practices and common core standards. The teacher guide also contains specific "Did You Know" concepts that link the real world with the scientific standards explored. A student copy master is also included. This lab activity can be successfully performed repeatedly with the materials provided and includes enough materials for 10 setups. Time requirements: This lab activity requires approximately one 45-minute class period to complete.