1. Demo: Background radiation
Geiger–Muller tube and counter

2. Notes…The word ‘Radioactive’ is…
…used to describe a material, atom or element
that emits radiation (alpha, beta or gamma).
Radiation is emitted from unstable nuclei of
atoms and is a random process.
These radiation can be in the form of
electromagnetic waves, or energetic particles.
Radioactive elements are naturally found in the
environment, contributing to background
radiation e.g. rocks and food.

3. Task
Calculate your annual dose of background
radiation.

4. Check learning
Where does radiation come from?

5. 4
2
6
1
6
3
2
9
5
6 Copy the table into the
back of your book
4 0
Starter Designed by Eugene Brunet; Adapted for PowerPoint by A. Camburn, St George School
6

6. The history of radioactivity
• Prepare a role-play to tell the story
of how the ideas about the dangers
of using radioactive materials
developed.
• Time: 30 minutes

7. Scene 1 Bequerel and research
assistants
• Discovery of gamma rays from
uranium

8. Scene 2 Marie Curie part 1
• Her research, unaware of the dangers

9. Scene 3 Quack cures
• Early misguided use of radioactivity

10. Scene 4 Marie Curie part 2
• Her medical achievement and
suffering

11. Scene 5 Hiroshima
• The legacy of atomic bomb

12. Scene 6 Hospital waiting room
• Modern radiation treatment