The Story of Radiation

10 Fifteen Minute Programs
Grade(s): Sr. High/Adult
Curriculum: Science.

Objectives:

  1. To demonstrate an awareness of the nature and existence of man-made and naturally occurring radiation.
  2. To demonstrate the nature of radiation by identifying and describing the characteristics of the major types.
  3. To demonstrate the results of interaction with non-living matter and the results of interaction with living matter.
  4. To demonstrate the methods and purposes of detection and measurement.
  5. To describe a variety of short and long term effects in humans.
  6. To introduce and describe "exposure" and dose concepts.
  7. To describe the concepts of risk and benefit.
  8. To describe varieties of methods used to protect humans from radiation.

THE STORY OF RADIATION was shot on location at many facilities and plants throughout the United States where radiation is used to produce a product or where it is being studied in a scientific manner to learn its characteristics.

The series contains many animated segments illustrating abstract concepts in a manner easy to understand. These include ionic bonding, alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, half-lives, and others.

Program Titles:

  1. What Is It? (Energy In Motion)
  2. What Is It Made Of? (Particles and Waves)
  3. What Does It Do? (Interaction With Matter)
  4. Where Is It? (Measurement and Detection)
  5. What Effect Does It Have? (Biological Effects)
  6. Does It Affect Us? (Human Effects)
  7. Is It Safe? (Interpretation of Dose)
  8. Can We Use It? (Risk vs. Benefit)
  9. Can We Control It? (Safety Precautions)
  10. Where Do We Go From Here?(Issues)