RadTown Radiation Exposure: Vocabulary Activities

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.

• Materials and Resources
• Vocabulary by Activity
• Activity Suggestions
• Common Core State Standards
• Printable Worksheets and Classroom Aids

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Materials and Resources

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

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

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.
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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.

Printable Worksheets and Classroom Aids

• RadTown Vocabulary Cards 
• RadTown Flash Cards