Standards

• Social Studies: Students will discuss the current positive and negative uses of radiation.
• Science: Students will report on a specific use of radiation.
• Science: Students will report on how an atomic bomb or a nuclear reactor works.

Activities

• Use the News: What examples of radiation can you find in the newspaper? Is it a positive use or a destructive one? You may want to brainstorm as many uses of radiation as you can think of before you search the paper. Remember, even radios and microwave ovens use radiation.

• Sometimes we think only of the destructive power of radiation, but there are many positive uses, too. Choose one positive use of radiation and report on it to the class. Are there any dangers even for the good use of this radiation? How is the danger controlled? Is the benefit worth the risk?

• How does an atomic bomb work? How does a nuclear reactor work? Research and report on one of these two powerful uses of radiation. Include diagrams and pictures in your report.

World of Wonder meets many state educational standards. This guide helps teachers identify standards and related activities generally intended for grade 6, but teachers can modify activities to the appropriate grade level.