Teaching Radioactivity - Norwich Physics Hub

Description

This in-person workshop on Radioactivity is led by Eleanor Wylie, Physics Partners Coach and hosted by the Physics department in New Science Building at UEA.

Refreshments and the opportunity to network from 4.15pm in the foyer of the New Science Building.

Join us to explore ways to teach the topic of Radioactivity. This workshop is open to all teachers of physics but specifically aimed at non-physics specialists, early career teachers and trainee teachers. It's a great chance to develop your pedagogy in an informal and supportive environment. We’ll see how to make this topic relevant to students, and consider what misconceptions they are likely to bring to lessons. We’ll share ideas for effective modelling for alpha scattering, types of radiation and penetration, and exponential decay using balloons, nerf guns, skittles and maybe even beer foam! We’ll see how to scaffold half-life calculations, and focus in on language issues that can cause problems in this topic. We’ll use a Geiger counter to detect radiation and look at safe handling of radioactive sources. All welcome.

Please sign up so we can make sure there’s enough tea and coffee and cakes and biscuits!

This session is fully-funded and delivered by Physics Partners. This session forms part of the Norwich Physics Hub series of twilight sessions for physics teachers, particularly non-specialists, teacher trainees and early career teachers. Technicians are also welcome to attend.