Radioactivity Half-Life Simulation—Super Value Laboratory Kit

Product Details

Students model the process of radioactive decay by studying the “decay curves” for a variety of multi-sided dice. Radioactive decay is a spontaneous and completely random process. The probability that a specific atom will decay after a certain period of time can be simulated by studying the random process of rolling dice. Students are given a set of dice, ranging from 4-sided to 20-sided dice, along with a number designated as the “decay” number. Students then conduct a series of dice rolls, each time recording the number of decayed dice. The “half-life” is then determined by graphing the number of dice remaining after each roll of the dice. The variety of dice allows students to simulate a wide range of half-lives, from very long to extremely short. Includes 100 plastic coins and 150 multi-sided dice, along with reproducible student handouts, detailed background information and complete Teacher Notes with sample data and answers to all questions.

Super Value Kit is complete for 15 student groups. All materials are reusable!