Re: Radiation Safety Presentation for 4th graders

["Eric L. Darois" <daroiel@naesco.com>]

     Steve:
     
     Here is my general approach for 4th graders, but remember to only use 
     exempt sources and/or devices.
     
     Terminal Objective:  To understand that radiation and radioactive 
     material is part of our natural world and has beneficial uses.
     
     1. Explain atomic structure and radiaoactivity using simple terms and 
     comparisons.
     
     2. Explain and demonstrate radiation using some consumer products.
     
     3. Discuss some consumer application of radiation and radioactive 
     material (fiesta ware, luminescent dials, smoke detetcors, etc..).
     
     4. Set-up an air sample using a commercial air sampler or a vacuum 
     cleaner w/paper towel attached with an elastic band.  Run for 10 
     minutes in a basement or crawl space area.  Use a student to help 
     set-up.
     
     5. While the sample is running, discuss protective clothing and 
     devices for people that work with radiation/material.  If possible 
     demonstate PCs, and ask if they want the teacher to dress-up (hood, 
     gloves, shoe covers, etc..).  The purpose is to show that the PCs are 
     not "radiation" clothes, just normal clothing with an awfull color so 
     people won't try to take them home..Take a photo of the teacher.
     
     6. Demonstrate the radioactivity on the air sample using an alpha 
     detector or pancake/end-window GM.  This is usually imrpessive if you 
     have even moderate radon levels available.  If it does not provide an 
     imrpessive response, explain that this is the process we use to 
     measure radioactivity in air.
     
     Good Luck
     
     Eric Darois, CHP
     Daroiel@naesco.com
     


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Radiation Safety Presentation for 4th graders
Author:  radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu at Internet
Date:    10/29/96 12:46 PM


     
     
I have read on this list before that some of you have been to 
secondary and elementary schools to present programs, either 
for your own children's class or a local school.  Could I ask 
someone to fax me an outline on conducting such a presentation. 
Specific target is 4th graders.  
     
     
Thank you.
fax number is 301-314-9467 
steve at UMCP