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Learning Target

Understands the properties of different kinds of radiation.

Nuclear and radiation accidents

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) defines a nuclear and radiation accident as "an event that has led to significant consequences to people, the environment or the facility. Examples include lethal effects to individuals, large radioactivity release to the environment, reactor core melt."

Suggested Topics

  • Chernobyl disaster, Ukraine 1986
  • Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, Japan 2011
  • Kyshtym disaster, Russia 1957
  • Windscale fire, United Kingdom 1957
  • Three Mile Island accident, Pennsylvania 1979
  • SL-1, Idaho 1961
  • Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan 1945
  • Nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands 1946 to 1958

Crash Course: Nuclear Chemistry

Tip!

 Visit the Mahoney Project & Research Help Guide for more details on the research process, including choosing a topic, finding and evaluating sources, and creating a works cited list.

Assignment Details

Research a radiation emergency and create a documentary over the incident . 

Be sure to:

  • Explain the impacts on public health and the environment.
  • Identify and describe what kind of radiation was involved (ionizing, non-ionizing, alpha, beta, gamma).
  • Identify the parties who responded to radiation emergencies and what they did.
  • Evaluate: Were the situations handled effectively? Why or why not? Explain your evaluation.

You must turn in a story board and final product with MLA citations:

Story Board

  • Introduction:  An overview of the incident: Where, when and how it happened.
  • Middle: Identify causes and effects, explain the type of radiation involved, and why the event was an emergency.
  • Conclusion: Evaluate: Was the situation handled effectively? Why or why not? Explain.
  • Sources: At least three sources in MLA format.

Final ProductKeynote, iMovie or Explain Everything.