Matter and nuclear CPD videos
CPD
for 11-14
14-16
16-19
In matter and nuclear physics, we explain macroscopic behaviours using descriptions of microscopic models. This presents challenges to student thinking; as teachers we have to work carefully to use the appropriate language to help students to build their understanding. These videos highlight this, student misconceptions and other suggestions for teachers.
Meet the presenters
(Left to right, IOP Coaches) Ben Dickens, Nicky Thomas, Peter Tiktin, Sue Woolhouse.
- States and models (11-14)
- Radioactive decay 1: α, β, γ (14-16)
- Radioactive decay 1: half-life (14-16)
- Nuclear particle physics (16-19)
- Links to teaching resources
11-14
States and models
Peter and Helen explore models to explain the states of matter, addressing common misconceptions and language for the microscopic and macroscopic.
Radioactive decay 1: α, β, γ
Ben and Sue discuss the difference between irradiation and contamination, show how to model α, β, γ decay and demonstrate the spontaneous and random nature of decay.
Radioactive decay 2: half-life
In part 2 of the radioactive decay videos, Ben showcases a wide range of kit to model and measure half-life; he discusses how to help your students interpret decay graphs, and he describes uses of isotopes.
16-19
Nuclear particle physics
Nuclear particle physics is an exciting, new topic for your advanced students. Gary and Nicky present an array of effective teaching approaches for this topic, including: the standard model; the scale and structure of the nucleus; quarks; the strong force; antimatter and mesons.
