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RadTown

RadTown Radiation Protection: Vocabulary Activities

Radiation Protection Activity

Radiation Protection 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

Each italicized document title can be found at the bottom of this page, and is available for printing and distribution.

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

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Vocabulary by Activity

Activity 1: History of Radiation Protection 
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Radiation
  • Radiation exposure
  • Radiation protection
  • Radioactive decay
  • Radium
  • X-rays 
Activity 2: Time, Distance and Shielding 
  • Dosimeter
  • Geiger counter
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Radiation 
  • Radiation exposure
  • Radiation protection
Activity 3: Radiation Warning and Protection Equipment
  • Geiger counter
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Radiation
  • Radiation exposure
  • Radiation protection
  • Radon
Activity 4: Buildings as Shielding 
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Radiation
  • Radiation exposure
  • Radiation protection
Activity 5: Career in Radiation Protection
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Radiation 
  • Radiation protection
Activity 6: Impact of Radiological Emergencies 
  • Dose
  • Ionizing radiation 
  • Radiation 
  • Radiation protection
Activity 7: Benefits of Radiation
  • Alpha particles
  • Beta particles
  • Gamma rays
  • Ionizing radiation 
  • Radiation
  • Radioactive atom
  • Radioactive materials

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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 the correct image and identify it, use a flashlight to point to the correct image (safety reminder: 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:

CSS English Language Arts Standards:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6-12.6

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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