MATHS300 |
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MATHS300 |
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Each MATHS300 lesson serves two purposes. On the one hand it is a professional development experience offering opportunity to try something new, hopefully in conjunction with your staff, in the knowledge that the notes record the successful experiences of your colleagues elsewhere. On the other hand it is a well trialed lesson plan which provides clear information about 'what to do in maths tomorrow'.
| Years: 6 - 12 | Time: 1 - 3 lessons |
Summary:
This lesson addresses the hugely important current social issue of the development of Uranium mines and the problems of radioactive waste. Radioactive waste involves the concept of a half-life and exponential decay functions. All radioactive material is described in terms of its half-life.
Arising from this community concern the students 'pretend' to be uranium atoms and model the decay process. A computer simulation then provides an investigative tool to explore the underlying concepts of 'half-life' and exponential decay. Students discover just how long some of this material can stay in the environment.
The mathematical aspects of this lesson should be seen as supporting a joint study of the topic with other subject disciplines to bring out the full range issues.
Resources required:
Content Outcomes\Links To Curriculum Documents
Lesson Stages
Issues or Discussion Points
Straw Vote
After teaching the lesson, please rate each of the following features (out of 10) as to its contribution to the overall quality of the learning experience. This exercise will provide a basis for staff discussion of curriculum development.
| 1. | Based on a real social issue | |
| 2. | Linking of maths, science and other subjects | |
| 3. | Kinaesthetic, whole class simulation - personal involvement | |
| 4. | Use of class data (first hand data) | |
| 5. | Estimation stage at half way | |
| 6. | Small group experiments with dice | |
| 7. | Computer as investigative tool | |
| 8. | Mixed ability - suits many year levels |
Acknowledgements:
This lesson generates from:
Lovitt, C. & Lowe, I (1993) Chance & Data Investigations Volume 1, Curriculum Corporation, Melbourne.
This book provides additional information on this lesson, and provides a wide range of other lessons in Chance suitable for Years K - 12. Volume 2 provides a second set of lessons of a similar vein related to collection, presentation and interpretation of data.
For more information visit the Curriculum Corporation Catalogue.
Kinaesthetic involvement of the students as atoms in a decaying radioactive substance is central to this lesson. It helps students build their understanding of the exponential rate of decay. However, there is not enough real time in class to act out more than one or two decay situations. The software allows us to extend the investigation. It can carry out a decay experiment 'in the blink of an eye' and it pauses poignantly to allow students to take in the moment when half the material has decayed. Students have the opportunity to choose both the number of atoms in the 'starting mass' and the decay rate. Time and again the program reinforces the concepts of radioactive half life and exponential functions; and, perhaps more importantly, repeatedly illustrates the dangerous nature of radioactive material. |
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It is strongly advised that students use the demonstration option first, before the higher speed decay options, so they can believe the computer is indeed modelling the same activity as they act out.
Addresses a real social issue: There are several reasons why Australians might be interested in this issue. These are:
Similar issues are bubbling in every country. They are all issues of major social concern and as such should rightfully be part of a student's learning experience.
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I like the activity because it makes a very complex issue accessible to students. |
Links mathematics and science studies: The physics of radioactive decay and the mathematics of exponential decay merge naturally in this investigation.
Involves a kinaesthetic and personal dimension: Physical involvement in modelling the decay process to collect class data adds a personal dimension to the lesson.
