Virtual Science Challenge Mini-­‐Project 1 Purpose: Students demonstrate their knowledge of Topics 1 and 2 through a collaborative team project that conveys an understanding of basic nuclear physics and some aspect of nuclear energy (see sample projects, below). Format: This project should visually depict some aspect of nuclear energy—this is not a writing assignment. Think in terms of images with some or no text. You may write a script, but deliver it verbally, not in written form. Evaluation Criteria: Each team mini-­‐project will be evaluated by a CNS content expert. The evaluation criteria are listed below. Projects will be evaluated on how well they meet each criterion on a scale of 1-­‐5: 1 (did not meet) 4 (met very well) 2 (somewhat met) 5 (met exceedingly well)
3 (just met) Evaluation Criteria 1.
The mini-­‐project demonstrates original creative work by the student team and no evidence of plagiarized material. 2.
The mini-­‐project uses relevant resources, both suggested by the CNS team and researched by the student team. 3.
The mini-­‐project communicates good knowledge of the project topic clearly and concisely. 4.
It is clear what is opinion and what is fact. Data is unbiased and matches the conclusion. 5.
Sources are appropriately cited. 6.
Each student on the team provided ideas and contributed work to the final product. 7.
The group worked as a team, listened to each other, and showed respect for each other’s ideas. 8.
The mini-­‐project shows critical thinking, a new application of the knowledge, or higher-­‐
level thinking skills—not just reiteration of the lesson materials. 9.
The mini-­‐project uses visual materials and/or audio to communicate what was learned. 10.
All the objectives of the mini-­‐project have been met (either from the list of sample projects or those developed jointly with a teacher and mentor). 11.
The mini-­‐project is well-­‐developed and well-­‐organized with attention to visual neatness, detail and accuracy. 12.
Visuals relate to the mini-­‐project topic, data is neatly displayed. Sample presentation tools and ideas: •
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PowerPoint with voiceover Video Build a model and videotape a demonstration Example: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v8i4v1mieU Website Blog (visual blog; remember this is not a writing assignment) Photostory Digital Storytelling Voicethread Create a game Sample Project Ideas •
You may choose ONE of the following project ideas. •
Each suggested project is followed by mandatory content. •
If you have a different idea, submit it to your mentor for approval before you begin work. Demonstrate: A nuclear chain reaction inside a reactor and the behavior of elements and isotopes -
How a nuclear chain reaction works
The elements/isotopes involved and what they do
How the neutrons released during a fissionable reaction can sustain a chain reaction
The role of the moderator
Radioactive isotopes and their health effects
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Isotopes released in a radioactive accident
Isotopes used in nuclear medicine
The health effects of isotopes that are of the most concern in a radioactive accident
The health effects of isotopes used in nuclear medicine
How moderators slow down nuclear fission to make a sustained chain reaction
possible
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How a chain reaction works
Difference between sustained and uncontrolled chain reaction
An explanation of different moderators
How moderators slow down the fission process
The chemistry involved and what happens
Uranium enrichment by gas centrifuge
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Why uranium is enriched to create a fuel
The chemistry involved
How a gas centrifuge works
The basic design of a centrifuge plant
Compare:
Benefits and risks of peaceful uses of nuclear technology (e.g., nuclear power,
nuclear medicine)
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What peaceful uses of nuclear technology are
The benefits and risks
The chemistry involved
Health risks involved
Basic types of enrichment: gaseous diffusion, gas centrifuge, laser separation Compare different types of enrichment How they work and the chemistry involved What the proliferation implications are of each type Controlled and uncontrolled chain reaction The difference between a controlled and uncontrolled chain reaction How the different reactions are used Basic design of nuclear power plant: PWR, BWR, fast reactor Basic designs of nuclear weapons: gun-­‐type, implosion type