July 2000 Science Teacher
Workshop
- Downloadable powerpoint presentation of pictures
from July 2000 workshop. (4mb, uncompressed) Download
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Article
submitted to Health Physics Newsletter on July 2000 workshop:
I'm
Radioactive, Are You?
Workshop
presented to fifteen 4th to 8th grade
science teachers
Members
of the New Jersey Chapter coordinated the classroom presentations,
classroom exercises and the tour of a research lab for this
July 24-27, 2000 workshop in West Windsor, NJ, BUT WERE NOT
THE PRESENTERS.
In keeping
with its goal of educating the public regarding LLRW, the New
Jersey Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility Siting
Board through the staff at the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection contracted four middle and high school science teachers.
These teachers undertook independent study of radioactive sources
and uses of ionizing radiation and presented this information
to their peers. NJDEP staff provided support material.
The 3 and
a half day workshop was attended by fifteen 4th to
8th grade NJ science teachers. Theory from atomic
structure to uses of radioactive material was presented, followed
by hands-on demonstrations. Most demonstrations used materials
such as paper, cups, balls, scissors and string that can easily
be obtained from a school stockroom. Songs about the atom and
nuclear transformations were included in these demonstrations.
Technical
staff from the NJDEP was always on hand to edit presentations
and answer technical questions. The four middle and high school
science teachers, who were the main presenters, received their
specific knowledge of the uses of radioactive materials only
months before.
Was it
worth training the presenters who never had a radiation physics
course and never completed an exposure and contamination survey?
Would it have been more efficient and effective to have technical
staff make the presentations? Our experience showed that some
middle school teachers feel comfortable learning in a classroom
taught by fellow middle school teachers - teachers who know
how to reach the minds of 9 to 14 year olds.
Should
we only present these topics to high school teachers who know
much of the subject matter? Our experience showed that the target
audience should include teachers who mold the minds of
young boys and girls with VERY basic concepts in an atmosphere
of song and games. Since attitudes are shaped at a very early
age, teaching proper respect and dispelling inappropriate fear
for the natural and man-made sources of radiation must take
place at the elementary level.
Kudos to
the Grover Middle School for hosting the workshop, to Bristol-Myers
Squibb for hosting the half day tour and to the Siting Board
for sponsoring the event.
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Presenter/teacher
transmits the newly acquired knowledge of radiation
detection equipment to his fellow science teachers.
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A
song and dance way to make atomic structure less boring
(sorry I left out the h). |
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