How Do You Teach Nuclear Physics In High School?
The mystery and fascination with perhaps mankind’s most dangerous field of knowledge–which also presents one of the world’s most important challenges–appeals to young and curious minds. High school science teachers can provide the opportunity to sate the curiosity and also provide opportunity for confidence as the students are able to understand something seemingly so beyond their reach. The concepts of nuclear physics and its applications are surprisingly simple once you can get past the initial awe of the subject. Present descriptions and concepts and terminology of the atomic nuclear structure and its physical properties, including electron configuration. Explain units of measurements, atomic numbers, and mass. Describe the difference between fusion, which is a nuclear reaction in which nuclei with a low atomic number fuse together to form a heavier nucleus; and nuclear fission, which is when a heavy nucleus splits. Review the periodic table of the elements to aid in this discussi
