Home
Student Resources

Investigating Isotopes

Teacher Tips, Tools, and Tutorials

How to implement engaging research, including mini-skills lessons and student reference sheets.
Targeted Learning Styles
Time Frame


This Online Research Model will take four class periods to complete. Two periods for research, one period for group presentations, and one period for final product production.



Grade Level/Content Area/Unit:

Grade 9/Physical Science

Students will describe the application of radioisotopes in modern science.
Focus:
Enduring Understanding
or Essential Question

How does the application of radioisotopes impact and improve the quality of life on earth?
MSDE Voluntary State Curriculum:
Science Content Standards/

5.5 The student will investigate certain topics in modern physics.

Indicator 5.5.1 The student will cite evidence of the wave/particle duality in the nature of matter

 
MSDE Voluntary State Curriculum:
Library Media

2A
1. Match resources to topic of interest or need.
3A
1. Students will use print resources efficiently and effectively.
3. Students will use computer/online/digital resources efficiently and effectively.
7. Use appropriate graphic organizers or note cards to record relevant information. 
8. Use own words to capture concepts and avoid plagiarism.
5A

2. Apply critical thinking and problem solving strategies.
6A
1. Make decisions to facilitate effective communication of ideas.

National Content Standards for Science(NSES)

Radioactive isotopes are unstable and undergo spontaneous nuclear reactions, emitting particles and/or wavelike radiation. The decay of any one nucleus cannot be predicted, but a large group of identical nuclei decay at a predictable rate. This predictability can be used to estimate the age of materials that contain radioactive isotopes.

 
Standards for the 21st-Century Learner
(American Association of
School Librarians)

Learners use skills, resources and tools to:

  • Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.
  • Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.
  • Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society.
  • Pursue Personal and aesthetic growth.
National Technology Education
Standards for Students
(International Society for
Technology in Education)
 Standard 3: Technology productivity tools
Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works. Standard 4: Technology communications tools
Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences. Standard 5: Technology research tools
Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
Students use technology tools to process data and report results. Standard 6: Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools
Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
21st Century Skills

Students Who Are Scientifically Literate:

  • Have the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for participation in a Digital Age society.

  • Can ask, find, or determine answers to questions derived from curiosity about everyday experiences.

  • Have the ability to describe, explain, and predict natural phenomena.

  • Are able to read with understanding articles about science in the popular press and to engage in social conversation about the validity of the conclusions.

  • Can identify scientific issues underlying national and local decisions and express positions that are scientifically and technologically informed.

  • Are able to evaluate the quality of scientific information on the basis of its source and the methods used to generate it.

  • Have the capacity to pose and evaluate arguments based on evidence and to apply conclusions from such arguments appropriately
Last update: June, 2010

BCPS Research Module, Copyright 2005, Baltimore County Public Schools, MD, all rights reserved.
This Research Module may be used for educational, non-profit school use only. All other uses, transmissions, and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. The Baltimore County Public schools does not guarantee the accuracy or quality of information located on telecommunications networks. We have made every reasonable attempt to ensure that our school system's web pages are educationally sound and do not contain links to any questionable materials or anything that can be deemed in violation of the BCPS Telecommunications Policy. The linked sites are not under the control of the Baltimore County Public Schools; therefore, BCPS is not responsible for the contents of any linked site, links within the site, or any revisions to such sites. Links from BCPS Copyright © 2005 Baltimore County Public Schools, Towson, MD 21204, all rights reserved. Images used through subscription to clipart.com,or public domain unless otherwise noted. Documents and related graphics may be duplicated for educational, non-profit school use only. All other uses, transmissions and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. Contact Margaret-Ann Howie, Esq. 410-887-2646