How can you effectively teach the unseen yet potent concept of nuclear fission to your students? With this engaging hands-on lesson provided by America’s Navy, your class will experience the chain reaction that fuels submarines and aircraft carriers. By utilizing Lite-Brite boards, students can visually simulate how the splitting of a single atom unleashes enormous energy. This interactive approach offers a memorable opportunity to delve into the science behind nuclear power!
Click the link below to register for a comprehensive classroom kit. Selected teachers will receive everything necessary to implement this lesson. Although only around 200 educators will be awarded the complete kit, every teacher who fills out the form will gain access to the digital lesson plan, allowing you to recreate the activity using your own materials.
Ideal for These Grade Levels and Subjects
This hands-on experience is designed for high school chemistry and STEM courses. The activities are especially suitable for students in grades 9-12 and for advanced learners keen to explore nuclear science and energy concepts in depth.
Learning Outcomes for Students
This lesson is aligned with NGSS high school standards and connects to topics such as nuclear chemistry and STEM. Students will gain insights into:
- Applications of Nuclear Chemistry
- Isotopes & Nuclear Notation
- Types of Radioactive Decay
- Nuclear Fission & Chain Reactions
Main NGSS Standard
HS-PS1-8: Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
Contents of the Classroom Kit*
- Teachers guide with detailed facilitation notes and extension options
- Student booklet that includes higher-order thinking questions and space for students to document their findings
- Large-format classroom poster demonstrating nuclear fission in action
- Periodic table foldouts for quick reference
- 7 Lite-Brite boards for hands-on modeling of chain reactions
*Physical kits are limited. However, all interested participants will receive access to digital resources.
How to Register
Interested in bringing this exciting nuclear energy experience to your classroom? Click the button below to sign up for a chance to receive one of the kits distributed by America’s Navy, along with a digital copy of the lesson plan.
