RadTown Radon: Vocabulary Activities

The concepts surrounding radiation can be complex. By conducting a vocabulary activity before beginning an activity or series of activities, students will have a shared base knowledge. This activity is intended for middle and high school students.

• Materials and Resources
• Vocabulary by Activity
• Activity Suggestions
• Common Core State Standards
• Printable Worksheets and Classroom Aids

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Materials and Resources

Each italicized document title can be found at the bottom of this page, and is available for printing and distribution.

• RadTown Vocabulary Cards
• RadTown Glossary Flash Cards
• Materials noted in activity suggestions

Vocabulary by Activity

Activity 1: Ground Up	Ionizing radiation Radiation Radioactive atom	Radioactive decay Radon Uranium
Activity 2: Radon Vacuum	Ionizing radiation Radiation Radon Uranium
Activity 3: Indoor Radon Levels	Ionizing radiation Radiation Radon Uranium
Activity 4: The Half-Life of Radon	Ionizing radiation Radiation Radon Uranium

Activity Suggestions

Identifying images:

• Print the applicable images from RadTown Vocabulary Cards.
• Display the images around the room or spread them out in an open area on the floor.
• Pronounce the vocabulary words one at a time. NOTE: You can provide the definition of the given word at this time or after students have identified the words.
• Have students take turns identifying the words in an active manner. Suggestions include having students move to and identify the correct image, use a flashlight to point to the correct image (review safety rule: never shine the light in another person’s eyes), drive a remote control car to the correct image, or throw a bean bag to land on the correct image.

Matching words and images:

• Print the applicable words and images from RadTown Vocabulary Cards.
• Give each student a vocabulary word or image. Options: Fold or ball up the copies and let each student select one. Have students trade their copy with another student once or twice. NOTE: You may need to participate to have an even number of participants.
• Direct students to find the person with the matching word or image.
• Review the matches to confirm they are correct.
• Pronounce each word and provide a definition.

Spelling the words:

• Print the applicable words and images from RadTown Vocabulary Cards.
• Display the words and images.
• Pronounce each word and provide a definition.
• Conduct a spelling activity:
  • Have students create a word scramble or word find activity, trade papers and complete the activity.
  • Play spelling basketball. Divide the class into two teams. Pronounce a vocabulary word. Have a student (alternating between teams) spell or write the word on the board. Students that spell the word correctly are given an opportunity to shoot a basket (use a trash can) with a ball of paper (ball) from a designated distance (or varying distances for a different number of points). The team that scores the most points wins. You can have students provide a definition for extra points.

Creating definitions:

• Print the applicable words and images from the RadTown Vocabulary Cards.
• Display the vocabulary words and images.
• Pronounce the vocabulary words.
• Have students work in pairs or small groups to hypothesize and create a definition for each vocabulary word.
• Options: Direct one student from each pair/group to rotate and join another pair/group or have two pairs/groups join together. Direct the newly formed groups to compare their definitions and modify them if desired.
• Review each pair/group’s definitions, have students discuss what they agree/disagree with and share the accurate definition.

Printable Worksheets and Classroom Aids

• RadTown Vocabulary Cards 
• RadTown Flash Cards