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RadTown

RadTown Radiation Exposure: Vocabulary Activities

Radiation Exposure Activity

Radiation Exposure Image

The concepts surrounding radiation can be complex. By conducting a vocabulary activity before beginning an activity or series of activities, students will have a shared base knowledge. This activity is intended for middle and high school students.

On this page:


Materials and Resources

  • RadTown Vocabulary Cards
  • RadTown Glossary Flash Cards
  • Materials noted in activity suggestions

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Vocabulary by Activity

Activity 1: Types of Radiation
  • Atom
  • DNA
  • Electromagnetic spectrum
  • Gamma rays 
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Non-ionizing radiation
  • Radiation
  • X-rays
Activity 2: Sources of Annual Radiation Exposure
  • Cosmic radiation
  • Dose 
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Man-made radiation
  • Natural (background) radiation
  • Radiation 
  • Radon
  • Rem 
  • Terrestrial radiation 
Activity 3: Penetrating Powers of Ionizing Radiation
  • Alpha particles
  • Beta particles
  • Direct exposure 
  • Exposure pathways
  • Gamma rays
  • Ingestion
  • Inhalation
  • Ionizing radiation 
  • Radiation
  • Radiation exposure
  • Radiation protection 
  • Radioactive contamination
  • X-rays
Activity 4: Exposure Pathways
  • Alpha particles
  • Beta particles
  • Direct exposure
  • Gamma rays
  • Ingestion
  • Inhalation
  • Ionizing radiation 
  • Man-made radiation
  • Natural (background) radiation 
  • Radiation 
  • Radiation exposure 
  • Radiation protection 
  •  X-rays
Activity 5: Radiation Health Effects
  • Alpha particles
  • Beta particles
  • Direct exposure
  • Gamma rays
  • Ingestion
  • Inhalation 
  • Ionizing radiation 
  • Man-made radiation
  • Natural (background) radiation
  • Radiation
  • Radiation exposure 
  • X-rays
Activity 6: Acute versus Chronic Exposure
  • Alpha particles
  • Beta particles
  • Direct exposure
  • Gamma rays
  • Ingestion
  • Inhalation 
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Man-made radiation
  • Natural (background) radiation
  • Radiation
  • Radiation exposure
  • X-rays 
Activity 7: Radiation: Fact or Fiction?
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Radiation
  • Radiation exposure
  • Radioactive atom
  • Radioactive material

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Activity Suggestions

Identifying images:

  • Print the applicable images from RadTown Vocabulary Cards.
  • Display the images around the room or spread them out in an open area on the floor.
  • Pronounce the vocabulary words one at a time. NOTE: You can provide the definition of the given word at this time or after students have identified the words.
  • Have students take turns identifying the words in an active manner. Suggestions include having students move to and identify the correct image, use a flashlight to point to the correct image (review safety rule: never shine the light in another person’s eyes), drive a remote control car to the correct image, or throw a bean bag to land on the correct image.
     

Matching words and images:

  • Print the applicable words and images from RadTown Vocabulary Cards.
  • Give each student a vocabulary word or image. Options: Fold or ball up the copies and let each student select one. Have students trade their copy with another student once or twice. NOTE: You may need an even number of participants.
  • Direct students to find the person with the matching word or image.
  • Review the matches to confirm they are correct.
  • Pronounce each word and provide a definition.
     

Spelling the words:

  • Print the applicable words and images from RadTown Vocabulary Cards.
  • Display the words and images.
  • Pronounce each word and provide a definition.
  • Conduct a spelling activity:
    • Have students create a word scramble or word find activity, trade papers and complete the activity.
    • Play spelling basketball. Divide the class into two teams. Pronounce a vocabulary word. Have a student (alternating between teams) spell or write the word on the board. Students that spell the word correctly are given an opportunity to shoot a basket (use a trash can) with a ball of paper (ball) from a designated distance (or varying distances for a different number of points). The team that scores the most points wins. You can have students provide a definition for extra points.

Creating definitions:

  • Print the applicable words and images from RadTown Vocabulary Cards.
  • Display the vocabulary words and images.
  • Pronounce the vocabulary words.
  • Have students work in pairs or small groups to hypothesize and create a definition for each vocabulary word.
  • Options:
    • Direct one student from each pair/group to rotate and join another pair/group or have two pairs/groups join together. Direct the newly formed groups to compare their definitions and modify them if desired.
    • Review each pair/group’s definitions, have students discuss what they agree/disagree with and share the accurate definition.

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Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

The concepts in this activity align with the following CCSS English Language Arts Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, & Technical Subjects:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-12.2 Key Ideas and Details 
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-12.4 Craft and Structure
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6-12.6 Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

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Printable Worksheets and Classroom Aids

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