This unit will cover topics regarding nuclear chemistry and biochemistry. Students will first learn how to identify unknown radioactive samples. They will only have to identify the possible processes or devices used and not give an in depth description on how each of those processes or devices works (these are rather complex topics that go well beyond the scope of this course). They will then learn how to identify the age of the sample. That is, they will learn how to identify when the sample was produced by calculating the parent-daughter ratio of radioisotopes and by using half-lives. After students have identified the unknown substance as nuclear waste, their next step will be to determine how that nuclear waste was created. This lesson will outline the steps of the nuclear fuel cycle focusing on the nuclear fission reaction taking place inside a nuclear power plant. They will be able to explain how a nuclear fission reaction of uranium leads to electricity and what is leftover at the end. Once they have discovered the waste that is left at the end, the next step would be to determine the environmental impacts of that nuclear waste. The environmental impacts of nuclear waste will be looked at through the lens of uranium mining as well as cancer impacts from the Chernobyl accident. Students will be exposed to radiation impact on DNA, isotopes found in waste, and the effect of nuclear radiation on groundwater and running water. Students will utilize this information to assess the risks of using nuclear energy as a fuel source.

The following learning objectives for this unit are as follows:

Students will be able to describe the methods used to identify an unknown radioactive sample and determine the age of the sample
Students will be able to adequately explain how a nuclear fission reaction is used to generate electricity in a nuclear power plant.
Students will be able to inspect biotic and abiotic environmental impacts of nuclear waste and accidents.
Students will be able to describe methods of disposal for hazardous waste

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