Gen Chem

Teacher’s Guide
FEBRUARY 2020
Chernobyl’s Legacy .............................................. 2

Is Iron the Most Important Element? ................. 12
Chemistry Takes to the Skies ............................. 21
Crystal Caves...................................................... 32
About the Teacher’s Guide ................................ 41
www.asc.org/chemmatters
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Teacher’s Guide
Chernobyl’s Legacy
February 2020
Table of Contents
Anticipation Guide 3
Activate students’ prior knowledge and engage them before they read the article.
Reading Comprehension Questions 4

These questions are designed to help students read the article (and graphics) carefully. They can help the
teacher assess how well students understand the content and help direct the need for follow-up discussions
and/or activities. You’ll find the questions ordered in increasing difficulty.
Graphic Organizer 6
This helps students locate and analyze information from the article. Students should use their own words and
not copy entire sentences from the article. Encourage the use of bullet points.
Answers 7
Access the answers to reading comprehension questions and a rubric to assess the graphic organizer.
Additional Resources 10
Here you will find additional labs, simulations, lessons, and project ideas that you can use with your students
alongside this article.
Chemistry Concepts, Standards, and Teaching Strategies 11
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Chernobyl’s Legacy, February 2020
Anticipation Guide Name: ______________________________
Directions: Before reading the article, in the first column, write “A” or “D,” indicating your Agreement or
Disagreement with each statement. Complete the activity in the box.
As you read, compare your opinions with information from the article. In the space under each statement, cite
information from the article that supports or refutes your original ideas.
Me Text Statement
1. Most of the people who left Chernobyl after the nuclear plant explosion have returned.
2. The accident at Chernobyl occurred during a safety test.
3. Temperatures inside the reactor during the explosion were as hot as parts of the Sun’s
atmosphere.
4. The fuel in the reactor included U-238 from enriched uranium dioxide.
5. A radioactive cloud blew across Northern Europe after the explosion.
6. Isotopes of the same element have the same number of neutrons.
7. When one mole of U-235 undergoes fission, the energy released can power about 400
average U.S. homes for a year.
8. Nuclear reactors must have control rods to keep a chain reaction from occurring.
9. Radioactive strontium can lead to bone cancer.
10. The radioactive iodine released during the explosion still poses a health threat to people
in Northern Europe.
3
Student Reading
Comprehension Questions Name: ______________________________
Directions: Use the article to answer the questions below.
1. Why is there an exclusion zone in Chernobyl?
2. How many nuclear reactors did Chernobyl have?
3. What type of fuel was used in the reactors in Chernobyl?
4. Describe the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor.
5. Nuclear reactions involve the nucleus of an atom. Which two subatomic particles are found in the nucleus of
an atom?
6. What are isotopes? Give an example not cited in the article.
7. List the three radioisotopes that can result from the decay of U-235 in order of their half-lives.
8. Describe the process of fission in U-235.
9. If you start with a 30 g sample of I-131, how many grams of I-131 would there be after 16 days?
10. Explain how half a pound of U-235 can generate enough energy to power 400 average U.S. homes for a year.
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Student Reading Comprehension Questions, cont.
Questions for Further Learning

Write your answers on another piece of paper if needed.
1. In 1979, the U.S. experienced a nuclear accident at Three Mile Island. Do some research and compare and
contrast the two events.
2. Th-232 undergoes decay by emitting the following particles: alpha, beta, beta, alpha, alpha, alpha, alpha,
beta, beta, alpha. What is the resulting isotope? Write out the entire decay series.
3. Do some research to conclude why alpha radiation is dangerous when ingested, beta particles cause
damage to skin, and gamma radiation damages human cells.
4. Develop a list of at least three drawbacks and three benefits for using nuclear power as an energy source.
Examine your list and explain whether or not we should continue to use nuclear power. Read the Open for
Discussion article in this issue to help you decide.
5
Graphic Organizer Name: ______________________________
Directions: As you read, complete the graphic organizer below to describe what happened during and after the
explosion of the nuclear power plant at Chernobyl.
Nuclear Explosion at Chernobyl
When did it
happen?
Where did it
happen?
What happened?
How could the

explosion have
been prevented?
What
radioisotopes
were produced?
What kind of
radiation was
emitted?
How were human

beings affected?
Summary: In the space below, or on the back of this paper, write three new things you learned about nuclear
power plants and/or nuclear radiation.
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Answers to Reading Comprehension Questions & Graphic

Organizer Rubric
1. Why is there an exclusion zone in Chernobyl?

The exclusion zone restricts access to the area around Chernobyl. The soil is still radioactively contaminated
after the Chernobyl nuclear explosion.
2. How many nuclear reactors did Chernobyl have?

Chernobyl had four nuclear reactors.
3. What type of fuel was used in the reactors in Chernobyl?

Uranium dioxide, UO2, was the fuel in the reactors in Chernobyl.
4. Describe the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor.

Control rods slow chemical reactions because they absorb neutrons. This prevents the neutrons from reacting
with additional uranium.
5. Nuclear reactions involve the nucleus of an atom. Which two subatomic particles are found in the nucleus
of an atom?
Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus of an atom.
s.
6. What are isotopes? Give an example not cited in the article.

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons and electrons but different
numbers of neutrons. To find more information about isotopes, visit the Isotopes Matter website at
https://applets.kcvs.ca/IPTEI/IPTEI.html.
7. List the three radioisotopes that can result from the decay of U235 in order of their half-lives.
Iodine -131 half-life of eight days, strontium – 90 half-life of 29 years, cesium-137 half-life of 30 years
8. Describe the process of fission in U-235.

In fission, the nucleus of a U-235 atom is bombarded by a neutron. This splits the nucleus to release a
daughter nuclei, more neutrons, and energy.
9. If you start with a 30 g sample of I-131, how many grams of I-131 would there be after 16 days?
There would be 7.5 grams of I-131.
10. Explain how half a pound of U-235 can generate enough energy to power 400 average U.S. homes for a
year.
When one atom of uranium goes through fission, the reaction releases a small amount of energy. When the
reaction is repeated on the mole scale though, the self-sustaining reaction becomes significantly larger,
producing exponentially more energy.
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1. In 1979, the U.S. experienced a nuclear accident at Three Mile Island. Do some research and compare and
contrast the two events.
Three Mile Island information can be found here: https://www.thebalance.com/three-mile-island-nuclear-
accident-facts-impact-today-3306337
From the article: At 4 a.m. on March 28, a cooling circuit malfunctioned, allowing the primary coolant to
overheat. The reactor shut down immediately, and the release valve opened for 10 seconds, which
allowed enough coolant to escape to reduce pressure and heat. But the valve got stuck in the open
position, and as a result, all the coolant was released. Unfortunately, there wasn't an instrument that
could have alerted engineers that this had happened.
New coolant rushed into the tank, but the engineers now thought that there was too much, so they
reduced the flow. The remaining coolant turned to steam. The fuel rods overheated, melting the
protective coating, which released radioactive material into the coolant. When the steam was released,
the radioactive contaminant was released into the surrounding area. Fortunately, the amount released
was not enough to harm local food supplies, animals, or people.
Chernobyl scenario: Operator errors and design flaws in the reactor. A power surge caused the temperature
and pressure of the reactor to rise dramatically creating a meltdown and explosion. Additionally, there were
only eight control rods in the reactor when there should have been at least 15.
2. Th-232 undergoes decay by emitting the following particles: alpha, beta, beta, alpha, alpha, alpha, alpha,
beta, beta, alpha. What is the resulting isotope? Write out the entire decay series.
Pb-208
90Th  2α +
232 4 228
88Ra
88Ra  -1β +
228 0 228
89Ac
228
89Ac  0
-1 β + 228 Th
90
90Th  2α +
228 4 224
88Ra
88Ra  2α +
224 4 220
86Rn
220
86Rn  4
2α + 216
84Po
84Po  2α +
216 4 212
82Pb
82Pb  -1β +
212 0 212
83Bi
83Bi  -1β +
212 0 212
84Po
84Po  2α +
212 4 208
82Pb
3. Do some research to conclude why alpha radiation is dangerous when ingested, beta particles cause
damage to skin, and gamma radiation damages human cells.
Alpha particles are two protons and two neutrons, so they are too large to penetrate human skin. If alpha
particles are ingested through food or breathing contaminated air, the large particles can wreak havoc on
the human body inside.
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Beta particles are an electron expelled from a nucleus, so they are small high-energy particles that can
penetrate pores in the skin.
Gamma rays are the most dangerous because it is pure energy, not matter. These rays can pass through
human cells and cause damage.
4. Develop a list of at least three drawbacks and three benefits for using nuclear power as an energy source.
Examine your list and explain whether or not we should continue to use nuclear power. Read the Open for
Discussion article in this issue to help you decide.
Benefits: Source of low carbon energy, considered safe, produces a large amount of energy, low fuel costs
Drawbacks: Long-term waste disposal can be expensive, potential for nuclear accidents, initial building of
nuclear reactor can be expensive
Graphic Organizer Rubric

If you use the Graphic Organizer to evaluate student performance, you may want to develop a grading rubric
such as the one below.
Score Description Evidence
4 Excellent Complete; details provided; demonstrates deep understanding.

3 Good Complete; few details provided; demonstrates some understanding.
2 Fair Incomplete; few details provided; some misconceptions evident.
1 Poor Very incomplete; no details provided; many misconceptions evident.
0 Not acceptable So incomplete that no judgment can be made about student understanding
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Additional Resources
Labs and demos

Twizzler Half-Life: In this lab activity students use licorice to understand and graph half-life and radioactive
decay. https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/twizzler-half-life
Fission Demonstration: In this demonstration, students use balloons to simulation fission.

http://nuclearconnect.org/in-the-classroom/for-teachers/what-is-fission
Half-Life: In this lab, students visualize the random nature of atomic decay (or first order chemical reactions). It
helps them answer the inevitable question of what happens when a decaying material reaches a single particle
of the species. https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/half-life
Using Dice to Explore Radioactive Decay: In this activity, students will use dice to simulate the radioactive
“decay” of samples of two different elements with two different half-lives.
https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/using-dice-to-explore-radioactive-decay
Simulations
Half-Life Investigation: This simulation provides students with an opportunity to explore the decay of two
unstable atom samples. https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/half-life-investigation-simulation
Isotopes & Calculating Average Atomic Mass: https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/isotopes-

calculating-average-atomic-mass-simulation
Lessons and lesson plans

Nuclear Energy and the Three Mile Island Unit Two Accident: This set of lesson plans explores nuclear energy
and the function of nuclear reactors. http://www.efmr.org/edu/nuclear2009.pdf
Projects and extension activities

Detecting Radiation in our Radioactive World: This teacher resource guide contains several hands-on activities
designed to help students understand fission, radioisotopes, and decay chains. http://nuclearconnect.org/wp-
content/uploads/2015/04/ANS-Teacher_Resource_Guide.pdf
Nuclear Energy Power Plants: In this activity, students will write a persuasive essay in which they state an
opinion about whether the number of nuclear plants should be increased or decreased.
https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/nuclear-energy-power-plants
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Chemistry Concepts, Standards, and Teaching Strategies
Connections to Chemistry Concepts

The following chemistry concepts are highlighted in this article:
 Atomic Structure – Isotopes
 Nuclear Chemistry
o Alpha/beta/gamma decay
o Half-lives
o Pros/cons of nuclear power
o Radioactive isotopes
o Radiation
Correlations to Next Generation Science Standards

This article relates to the following performance expectations and dimensions of the NGSS:
HS-PS1-8
Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy
released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
HS-ETS1-3
Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and tradeoffs that
account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible
social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Disciplinary Core Ideas: Science and Engineering Practices:

 PS1.C: Nuclear Processes  Constructing explanations and designing
 ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design solutions
Solution  Analyzing and interpreting data
Crosscutting Concepts:  Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating
 Cause and Effect: Mechanism and information
explanation Nature of Science:
 Scale, Proportion, and Quantity  Science is a human endeavor.
 Energy and Matter
Student Reading Comprehension Questions – connections to NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:

 Q7 + Q9: Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
 Q4: Structure and Function
 Further Learning Q2: Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Correlations to Common Core State Standards

See how ChemMatters correlates to the Common Core State Standards at www.acs.org/chemmatters.
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Teaching Strategies
Consider the following tips and strategies for incorporating this article into your classroom:
 Alternative to the Anticipation Guide provided: Before reading, ask students if they have heard about
Chernobyl. If students have never heard of the nuclear accident at Chernobyl, tell them there was a
serious accident at the nuclear power plant in Chernobyl and ask them what questions they have about
the accident or its aftermath. As they read the article, students should look for answers to their
questions.
 Encourage students to watch the video (What Exactly Happened at Chernobyl? bit.ly/ACSReactions-
Chernobyl) after they read the article. The video summarizes much of the information in the article and
presents some animation to help students understand what happened.
 After students read “Chernobyl’s Legacy,” ask them to read “Open for Discussion: Can Nuclear Power
Save the Planet” on page 4 of this issue of ChemMatters. Then ask students to list (or debate) the pros
and cons of nuclear power.
 Have students do the Radioactivity Puzzle on the next page.
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Radioactivity Puzzle
Sources of ionizing radiation
A lot of radioactive elements are either mined in a quarry (like uranium) or made in a lab (like americium). But
there are a lot of things in your everyday life that are sources of ionizing radiation. Unscramble the words and
phrases below to find some of them.
1) UNS
2) PASS
3) CHEWSAT
4) ANABANS
5) BEANSTEMS
6) ARLBIZ STUN
7) COTTONPURSE
8) KOMES DECOTTERS
Uses of ionizing radiation

Radiation from unstable isotopes has more uses than you think. Unscramble these words and phrases to find a
few of those uses.
9) AMBERSINUS
10) PROWE LTSNAP
11) PACES ORBSEP
12) KALE CITEDNOTE
13) ARCENC MATTRENTE
14) CLAIMED ADIOSSIGN
15) NUTRIMENTS INITIALZOSTER
16) ODOF INCANTATIONMODE
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Answers
Sources of ionizing radiation
A lot of radioactive elements are either mined in a quarry (like uranium) or made in a lab (like
americium). But there are a lot of things in your everyday life that are sources of ionizing radiation.
Unscramble the words and phrases below to find some of them.
1) Sun
Fusion reactions in the sun’s core emit powerful gamma () radiation that travels to the Earth. This
radiation is responsible for generating a steady supply of radioactive 14C on the Earth’s surface. Since the
sun’s rays cannot reach under the crust, scientists can measure the amount 14C in buried objects to
determine their age in a process called carbon dating.
2) Spas
Radon occurs naturally as a result of the radioactive decay of uranium in the soil. Because it is the
densest gas known, it tends to accumulate in underground spaces, such as mines and basements. In the
1950s, a number of abandoned gold and uranium mines were converted into health spas that
supposedly treat a variety of ailments via exposure to the radon in the mines. Despite the well-known
dangers of radon, some of these spas continue to do business today.
3) Watches
The original glow-in-the-dark watches were painted with radium and a “phosphor” (phosphorescent
compound) to achieve their luminescent effect. As the dangers of radium became known, the paints
were replaced with tritium- and promethium-based paints. While they are also radioactive, they emit
very low-energy beta () radiation, which is easily contained in the small quantities of a watch.
4) Bananas
About 0.01% of all potassium is the radioactive 40K, which means that any high-potassium food, such as
bananas, contains the radioactive isotope. However, your body only absorbs as much potassium as it
needs and flushes the rest away. Even if you eat a truckload of bananas, your radiation exposure is
about the same as eating one or two..
5) Basements
As mentioned above, radon occurs naturally in the soil, and it’s density means that it accumulates in
enclosed, underground spaces. Inhaling it puts the alpha ()-emitter in your lungs, where is the leading
cause of lung cancer after smoking. Because it is also odorless, colorless, and tasteless, the EPA
recommends testing your basement regularly for radon.
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6) Brazil nuts
Brazil nut trees have deep roots that absorb naturally-occurring radium from the soil. The radium
accumulates in the nuts. Brazil nuts are also high in potassium, making them one of the most radioactive
foods available. Fortunately, the radioactivity of Brazil nuts is closely monitored to ensure the ones you
buy in the store are safe.
7) Countertops
Stone countertops, like granite and marble, may contain veins of radioactive uranium and thorium,
which release radon in their decay products. While the composition of natural stone varies, the amount
of radiation exposure from any given countertop is too small to measure by the average consumer.
8) Smoke detectors
Smoke detectors contain a small amount of 241Am, which emits a steady stream of  particles. When the
stream is disrupted by the presence of smoke, an alarm is triggered. The plastic casing of the detector is
more than enough to protect you from the radiation—just keep it intact!
Uses of ionizing radiation

Radiation from unstable isotopes has more uses than you think. Unscramble these words and phrases
to find a few of those uses.
9) Submarines
Some US Navy submarines, and a few surface ships, rely on on-board nuclear reactors for power. These
vessels can then run for 25 years or more without refueling, even at high speeds. In contrast, diesel- and
battery-powered ships must refuel every few days or even hours. Due the expense of building and
maintaining nuclear vessels, only about 140 exist today.
10) Power plants

There are about 400 nuclear reactors in the world that supply electricity to local communities. Nuclear
energy is often considered an environmentally-friendly power source, because it emits no CO2. It is also
energy-dense: a 10 g uranium fuel pellet produces the same power as 150 barrels of oil. However,
disposing of nuclear waste is a common problem, and plant accidents can have huge impacts.
11) Space probes

Solar power is great for satellites that orbit the earth, but probes that go deep into space or behind
planets or moons wind up too far away for it to be effective. Instead, a golf-ball sized nuclear reactor
(usually powered by something like 238Pu) provides enough power to keep space probes going for
decades, along with enough heat to keep the circuits from freezing over. Probes such as New Horizons,
Voyager, and Curiosity, all run on nuclear power.
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12) Leak detection
Gas & oil pipelines, metal welding, boilers, and vehicle parts are often inspected for cracks or leaks using
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Ir or 60Co. These isotopes emit  rays that can be used like X-rays. Because radioactive decay is
spontaneous, the detectors don’t need batteries to function; they are also small and can find leaks in
tight corners.
13) Cancer treatment

Radioactive materials can cause cancer by damaging DNA in healthy cells, but they can also be used to
destroy cancerous cells in the same manner. Radioactive elements that are picked up by specific organs
can be given by injection or pill, such as 131I for thyroid cancer. Isotopes may also be attached to
molecules that are attracted to the organ or type of cancer. Sometimes tiny “seeds” of a radioisotope
are implanted in or near a tumor, such as 103Pd for treatment of early-stage prostate cancer.
14) Medical diagnosis

Radioactive isotopes can be injected into a patient, where they are taken up by certain organs. Scanners
track then track the isotopes to provide a far more complete picture of the target organ than would
otherwise be possible. For example, 99Tc can be used to image the heart, 131I for the thyroid, and 81Kr for
the lungs.
15) Instrument sterilization

Humans can handle small amounts of radiation because our bodies can easily replace a few cells
damaged by ionizing radiation. Single-celled organisms are not so lucky, which is why surgical equipment
can be treated with 60Co to sterilize it.
16) Food decontamination

In the same way that 60Co sterilizes equipment, it can also be used to decontaminate food. The low
amounts of energy needed to kill bacteria on food are not enough to damage the food itself or make it
radioactive.
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Is Iron the Most Important Element? February 2020
Teacher’s Guide
Is Iron the Most Important Element?
February 2020
Table of Contents

Graphic Organizer 21
Answers 22
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Me Text Statement
1. Earth would be lifeless without iron.
2. By weight, iron is one of the least abundant elements in the universe.
3. As a star’s core starts producing iron, the star begins to collapse, eventually forming a
supernova that releases iron into space.
4. Seismic waves were used to confirm the hypothesis that most of Earth’s core is made of iron.
5. Earth’s core is very cool by comparison to Earth’s surface.
6. Earth’s magnetic field protects life on Earth in several ways.
7. Most refined iron is processed into steel.
8. Steel is made of iron and carbon.
9. Iron processing helps remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
10. Only animals need iron to survive; plants and bacteria do not need iron.
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Student Reading
1. What are some of the physical properties of iron?
2. Describe how a metallic bond works.
3. What was the procedure that determined that Earth’s core was made of iron?
4. Give examples of how iron is needed for plants and animals to live.
5. There are two ways to get the required iron to live. What are those two ways?
6. List the effects of having too much and too little iron in our bodies.
7. Describe an ionic bond. What would be some properties in ionic bonds that are different from metallic
bonds?
8. Describe the process of converting iron oxides to pure iron. How could this process be detrimental to the
environment?
9. There is very little pure iron in Earth’s crust. How is iron typically found? What does that tell you about the
reactivity of iron, compared to other metals that are typically found in pure form? (Hint: look up the activity
series of metals.)
10. Sketch particle diagrams of pure iron, and of iron/carbon (steel) alloy. Use these diagrams to show how the
alloy is stronger than pure iron.
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1. The core of the planet is over 10,000 oF. Research the ways people are using this heat as an alternative
energy source (called geothermal energy).
2. Research and describe how seismic waves are detected and measured. How do these waves travel through
the planet?
3. Research and report any alternative methods to produce steel that reduces the CO2 production, or how steel
producers try to limit the amount of CO2 produced.
4. Research and list what metals are found in the human body. What are the primary uses/functions of these
metals?
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Directions: As you read, complete the graphic organizer below to describe the importance of iron.
How is iron
formed?
Where is iron
found on Earth?
What ores
contain iron?
How is iron
obtained from
ores?
What
compounds in
living things
contain iron?
How can you

obtain iron from
food?
What can
happen if you do
not eat enough
iron?
Summary: On the back of this paper, write a tweet (280 characters or less) describing the importance of iron.
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Organizer Rubric
1. What are some of the physical properties of iron?

Silver/grey, malleable, ductile, conducts electricity and heat. The atoms are held closely together by metallic
bonds.
2. Describe how a metallic bond works.

Metallic bonds happen when the electron shells of the metal atoms overlap, and the electrons move freely
throughout the atoms.
3. What was the procedure that determined that Earth’s core was made of iron?
Scientists measured the seismic waves, created by earthquakes, and how they travelled through Earth.
4. Give examples of how iron is needed for plants and animals to live.
For plants, enzymes that contain iron are needed to help them produce chlorophyll. For humans, iron is
needed in the blood cells as hemoglobin. This chemical helps transport oxygen throughout the body, and
transports carbon dioxide out of the body to the lungs.
5. There are two ways to get the required iron to live. What are those two ways?
Two forms of needed iron are heme and non-heme. The heme is found in meat, poultry and fish. The non-
heme is found in dark green leafy vegetables, as well as cereals, lentils, beans and rice.
6. List the effects of having too much and too little iron in our bodies.
Too much iron in the body will lead to iron poisoning, and hemochromatosis (causing fatigue and joint pain
and other symptoms. Too little iron causes anemia, which results in fatigue and shortness of breath.
7. Describe an ionic bond. What would be some properties in ionic bonds that are different from metallic
bonds?
Ionic bonds occur when electrons are transferred from metal atoms to nonmetal atoms, creating positive and
negative attractions, which form ordered crystal structures. One difference from metallic bonds is that ionic
bonds cannot conduct electricity or heat, because there are no free flowing electrons. The ionic bonds also
create a structure that cannot be malleable or ductile, because the ions remain in a fixed position.
8. Describe the process of converting iron oxides to pure iron. How could this process be detrimental to the
environment?
Coke (impure carbon) is reacted with oxygen to make carbon dioxide.
C + O2  CO2
The resulting carbon dioxide reacts with more coke to make carbon monoxide.
C + CO2  2CO
The carbon monoxide reacts with the iron ore to make pure iron and carbon dioxide
Fe2O3 + 3CO  2Fe + 3CO2
This process is not environmentally friendly because CO2 (a greenhouse gas) is produced. Also, there may be
some excess CO remaining (a poisonous gas). Also, some of the impurities of the coke could be hazardous to
the environment.
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9. There is very little pure iron in the earth’s crust. How is iron typically found? What does that tell you
about the reactivity of iron, compared to other metals that are typically found in pure form? (Hint: look
up the activity series of metals.)
Iron is typically found as iron oxide. Very little pure iron is found in nature. Iron is not very stable reactivity-
wise, compared to other metals. It is easy for oxygen to react with it. (Iron is oxidized).
10. Sketch particle diagrams of pure iron, and of iron/carbon (steel) alloy. Use these diagrams to show how
the alloy is stronger than pure iron.
Carbon atoms fill in the gaps between iron atoms (the interstices), which gives the alloy stronger structure.

1. The core of the planet is over 10,000 oF. Research the ways people are using this heat as an alternative
energy source (called geothermal energy).
Get started with geothermal energy basics: www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-basics
2. Research and describe how seismic waves are detected and measured. How do these waves travel
through the planet?
Get started with this article about seismic waves: www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/340-seismic-waves
3. Research and report any alternative methods to produce steel that reduces the CO2 production, or how
steel producers try to limit the amount of CO2 produced.
Get started with this C&EN article about this: https://cen.acs.org/environment/greenhouse-gases/Steel-
plant-waste-mop-CO2/97/web/2019/08
4. Research and list what metals are found in the human body. What are the primary uses/functions of these
metals?
You can point students here to get started: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/content/atoms-life
23



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Labs and demos

Metallic Breakfast: In this lab, students will separate iron filings from iron-fortified breakfast cereals. Students
will use the recorded data to conduct percent composition calculations. https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-
resources/metallic-breakfast
Iron Nail Redox: In this lab, students perform a simple redox reaction using an iron nail and copper(II) chloride
solution. They will consider both quantitative and qualitative data collected during the reaction in order to
attempt to explain what happened. https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/inquiry-redox-investigation
Separating Mixtures: In this lab, students devise their own method to separate a mixture of sand, salt, poppy
seeds, and iron filings. https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/separation-of-a-mixture
Mineral Investigation: In this lab, students will put their problem solving skills to work as a team to determine
how many specific samples of ore can be made from a lode equivalent to the size of their classroom.
https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/mineral-investigation
Other Resources
A clearer look at how iron reacts in the environment: https://www.anl.gov/article/a-clearer-look-at-how-iron-
reacts-in-the-environment
Steel production & environmental impact: http://www.greenspec.co.uk/building-design/steel-products-and-

environmental-impact/
Environmental impact of steel production processes: https://www.jernkontoret.se/en/the-steel-

industry/production-utilisation-recycling/environmental-impact-of-the-processes/
Periodic Table of Videos – Iron: https://youtu.be/euQUgp5AY-Y
Infographic- Iron: Blood, Mars, and magnetic fields: https://www.compoundchem.com/2019/05/03/iypt026-

iron/
Infographic – The Chemistry of Spinach: https://www.compoundchem.com/2018/07/17/spinach/
Metals in the body: https://www.livescience.com/18247-metals-human-body-health-nigms.html
25

 Chemistry Basics – Elements
 Molecules & bonding – alloys; metallic bonding; ionic bonding; molecular structure
 Reactions & Stoichiometry – combustion

This article can be used to achieve the following performance expectations of NGSS:
HS-PS1-3.
Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances at the bulk
scale to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles.
HS-ESS1-3.
Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle, produce elements.

 PS1.A: Structure and Properties of  Analyzing and interpreting data
Matter  Constructing explanations (for science) and
 ESS1.A: The Universe and Its Stars designing solutions (for engineering)
Crosscutting Concepts:
 Engaging in argument from evidence
 Patterns
Nature of Science:
 Cause and Effect: Mechanism and
 Scientific knowledge is based on empirical
explanation
evidence.
 Stability and Change
 Scientific knowledge assumes an order and
consistency in natural systems

Teaching Strategies
 Alternative to the Anticipation Guide: Before reading, ask students why iron is important to life on Earth.
 After reading, ask students what they found most interesting or surprising from reading the article.
 After reading, ask students to identify occurrences of iron in their day-to-day lives. Classify each
occurrence of iron as an element or an ion.
26
Teacher’s Guide
Chemistry Takes to the Skies
February 2020
Table of Contents

Answers 32
27
Chemistry Takes to the Skies, February 2020
Me Text Statement
11. World War I pilots used skywriting to communicate with one another.
12. Skywriting is created with smoke.
13. The gaseous products expelled from the exhaust pipe of a jet are white.
14. Contrails and skywriting are chemically the same.
15. Jet fuel has a higher boiling point than gasoline.
16. Smoke is an aerosol, with solid or liquid particles suspended in air.
17. Words written with skywriting remain legible for 3-4 hours.
18. When the letters from skywriting dissipate, the particles evaporate.
19. There are thousands of experienced skywriters in the world today.
20. A nanometer is larger than a micrometer.
28
Student Reading
1. Classify each of the following as either chemical or physical processes. For each, explain your answer.
a. Combustion
b. Fractional distillation
2. Examine the figure on page 13 and answer the following questions.

a. What is distillation?
b. Why is the process in this figure called fractional distillation?
c. Why must crude oil go through this process in order to be useful?
d. Describe the relationship between molecular mass, density, and boiling point for hydrocarbons.
e. Use molecule structure to explain the relationship between molecular mass and boiling point.
3. If there are seven carbons in an alkane, then what is its molecular formula? Write the balanced chemical
equation for the combustion of this seven-carbon compound.
4. What is the molecular mass of kerosene?
5. When we see a contrail in the sky, it is not the water vapor from the combustion reaction that we see.
Explain what happens to allow us to see this contrail.
6. Would you expect a contrail to last longer on a humid day or a dry day (assuming the same temperature)?
Explain.
7. An aerosol is one subcategory of a colloid. Colloids have particles of one substance with a size between 1
and 1000 nm dispersed in another substance. Each part of this mixture can be of any phase and the phase
combination is what classifies them into their subcategories. Use the table and the figure on page 14 to
answer the questions below:
a. How many nanometers are in a micrometer?
b. How many nanometers are in a kilometer?
c. How many nanometers are in a millimeter?
29
8. Why don’t skywriters simply rely on contrails to do their writing, rather than adding in other substances?
9. Why do contrails and the smoke from skywriting dissipate fairly quickly, even on a day without any wind?

1. Which would make more water when combusted in oxygen, 1 mole of C10H22 or 1 mole of C15H32? Explain,
but do not use calculations.
2. To what total volume will the water vapor from the combustion of 1.00 liter of kerosene spread when
released in the atmosphere at 30,000 feet, where the temperature is -47.8oC and the pressure is 0.298 atm?
The density of kerosene is 0.800 g/cm3.
3. Adiabatic processes are those during which no heat is exchanged between the system and the surroundings.
This term is often used as an approximation for processes that are very fast and have no heat exchange
while the process is occurring, even if heat is eventually exchanged. Fans of Superman often attempt to
describe the science of his superpowers. Use the idea of adiabatics to explain how Superman can freeze
things with his breath.
30
Directions: As you read, complete the graphic organizer below to compare contrails and skywriting.
Contrails Skywriting
How produced
(chemical
equation)
Composition
of vapor
Atmospheric
conditions
needed
Height of
plane
Appearance
Summary: In the space below, or on the back of this paper, write a short email to a friend explaining the
difference between contrails and skywriting.
31

Organizer Rubric
1. Classify each of the following as either chemical or physical processes. For each, explain your answer.
a. Combustion
Chemical process. The bonds in the original compounds are broken and new bonds are formed.
b. Fractional Distillation
Physical process. This works on evaporation and condensation, both of which are physical processes.
No bonds are broken or formed.
2. Examine the figure on page 13 and answer the following questions.

a. What is distillation?
Boiling a liquid and then catching the vapor in a separate by cooling it down. This is a way of
separating parts of a mixture by boiling point.
b. Why is the process in this figure called fractional distillation?
Crude oil is made of many different compounds. Each boiling range is specific to a fraction of the
molecules in the mixture, so each range is separately condensed.
c. Why must crude oil go through this process in order to be useful?
Most uses for substances require specific molecules. Crude oil is a mixture of many different
compounds that can be used in very different ways.
d. Describe the relationship between molecular mass, density, and boiling point for hydrocarbons.
A lower molecular mass has a lower density and a lower boiling point. All three are positively
correlated.
e. Use molecule structure to explain the relationship between molecular mass and boiling point.
Smaller molecules have lower polarizability, so their London dispersion forces are not as attractive as
larger molecules with higher polarizability, therefore smaller molecules have lower boiling points and
larger molecules have higher boiling points.
3. If there are seven carbons in an alkane, then what is its molecular formula? Write the balanced chemical
equation for the combustion of this seven-carbon compound.
C7H16
C7H16 + 11 O2  7 CO2 + 8 H2O
4. What is the molecular mass of kerosene?

170.34 amu (using molecular mass strictly) or 170.34 g/mol (using molar mass)
5. When we see a contrail in the sky, it is not the water vapor from the combustion reaction that we see.
Explain what happens to allow us to see this contrail.
The water vapor from combustion spreads into the atmosphere and condenses into liquid, then freezes into
solid around small particles in the atmosphere, where water vapor from the atmosphere also crystallizes. It is
the frozen water around the particles that we see as the contrail.
6. Would you expect a contrail to last longer on a humid day or a dry day (assuming the same temperature)?
Explain.
It should last longer on a humid day because there are more water molecules in the atmosphere to crystallize
onto the particles, making them last longer before dissipating.
32
7. An aerosol is one subcategory of a colloid. Colloids have particles of one substance with a size between 1
and 1000 nm dispersed in another substance. Each part of this mixture can be of any phase and the phase
combination is what classifies them into their subcategories. Use the table and the figure on page 14 to
answer the questions below:
a. How many nanometers are in a micrometer?
1000 micrometers = 1 nm
b. How many nanometers are in a kilometer?
1012 nanometers = 1 km
c. How many nanometers are in a millimeter?
1,000,000 nm = 1 mm
8. Why don’t skywriters simply rely on contrails to do their writing, rather than adding in other substances?
They fly at 10,000 feet, rather than 30,000 feet, so the air isn’t cold enough to crystallize enough water to
make it very visible.
9. Why do contrails and the smoke from skywriting dissipate fairly quickly, even on a day without any wind?
All molecules are in motion all the time. Over time, the air molecules and the molecules in the contrail or
smoke will run into each other and eventually mix and spread.

1. Which would make more water when combusted in oxygen, 1 mole of C10H22 or 1 mole of C15H32? Explain,
but do not use calculations.
C15H32 has more hydrogens that will turn into H2O during combustion, so it will make more water.
2. To what total volume will the water vapor from the combustion of 1.00 liter of kerosene spread when
released in the atmosphere at 30,000 feet, where the temperature is -47.8oC and the pressure is 0.298
atm? The density of kerosene is 0.800 g/cm3.
1000𝑚𝐿 0.800𝑔 1𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝐿 ∙ 𝑎𝑡𝑚⁄
𝑛𝑅𝑇 [(1.00𝐿 × 1𝐿 × 𝑚𝐿 )(170.34𝑔)] × 0.0821 𝑚𝑜𝑙 ∙ 𝐾 × 225.4𝐾
𝑉= = = 292𝐿
𝑃 0.298𝑎𝑡𝑚
3. Adiabatic processes are those during which no heat is exchanged between the system and the
surroundings. This term is often used as an approximation for processes that are very fast and have no
heat exchange while the process is occurring, even if heat is eventually exchanged. Fans of Superman
often attempt to describe the science of his superpowers. Use the idea of adiabatics to explain how
Superman can freeze things with his breath.
Student answers will vary.
33


34
Labs and demos
Whoosh bottle: In this demonstration, you will show students how hydrocarbons combust and that the products
are no longer combustible. Do not let students do this experiment, it must be done as a demo.
https://www.flinnsci.com/api/library/Download/bf2f0d16dd86411ea26eb0cb687dc593
Simulations and Videos

Gas laws: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/gas-properties
Balancing chemical equations: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/balancing-chemical-equations
Video of phase diagram basics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejg27ozbPA8

Simulation Activity: Balancing Chemical Equations: In this activity, students will learn how to count atoms and
how to balance chemical equations using a simulation and games from PhET Interactive Simulations.
https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/simulation-activity-balancing-chemical-equations
What Type of Mixture is Paint: In this lesson students will use simple laboratory tests to characterize differences
between solutions, colloids, and suspensions. They will then apply those tests to paints to classify them as
specific types of mixtures. https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/what-type-of-mixture-is-paint
Projects and extension activities

An extension of combustion could be done to compare the theoretical fuel efficiency of various hydrocarbons or
alcohols, like in this AACT lesson: https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/evaluating-fuels
35

 Chemistry basics – Chemical and Physical changes; Physical properties
 Gases – Temperature
 Quantitative Chemistry – SI units
 Solutions – Mixtures
 States of Matter – Boiling point

HS-PS2-6.
Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important
in the functioning of designed materials.
HS-ETS1-3
Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and tradeoffs that
account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible
social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

 PS1.A: Structure and Properties of  Developing and using models
Matter  Constructing explanations (for science) and
 ETS1.C: Optimizing the design designing solutions (for engineering)
solution Nature of Science:
Crosscutting Concepts:  Scientific knowledge is based on empirical
 Cause and Effect: Mechanism and evidence.
explanation  Scientific knowledge assumes an order and
 Structure and Function consistency in natural systems.
Student Reading Comprehension Questions – connections to NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:

 Q2: Patters + Systems & System Models
 Q7: Scale, Proportion, and Quantity + Systems & System Models

36
Teaching Strategies
 Alternative to the Anticipation Guide: Before reading, ask students if they have seen contrails,
where they have seen them, and what they think they are made of. Also ask them if they have
seen skywriting, and what questions they have about skywriting. As they read, students
should record information they find interesting and look for answers to their questions.
 Show (or ask students to watch) the three-minute video clip referenced in the article to learn
more about contrails.
 This lesson could be a phenomenon-based lesson, with skywriting or contrails being the
phenomenon to investigate through combustion reactions.
 Ask students what they found most interesting from reading article.
 Using phase diagrams, pressure and temperature are easy to find at various altitudes. This can
be used to interact with a phase diagram to learn all of its parts and to explain why the water
condenses and then crystallizes in the upper atmosphere to make a contrail.
37
Crystal Caves, February 2020
Teacher’s Guide
Crystal Caves
February 2020
Table of Contents

Answers 43
38
Me Text Statement
1. Huge gypsum crystals were discovered in a cave under a mountain rich in lead, zinc, and
silver ore.
2. The cave where the crystals were found is cold and dry.
3. Gypsum is mostly calcium sulfate.
4. Gypsum crystals grow from tiny starting crystals of gypsum.
5. Gypsum’s crystal structure includes water molecules.
6. Understanding crystal growth could help combat mineral growth on equipment at

desalination plants.
7. The age of the crystals in the cave was determined by carbon dating.
8. The Cave of Crystals (with larger crystals) is found at a shallower depth than the Cave of
Swords (with smaller crystals).
9. Visitors to the cave can stay for up to four hours.
10. In order to preserve the gigantic crystals, the crystals must be removed from the cave.
39
Student Reading
1. Briefly describe how the crystal formations in Crystal Cave formed.
2. Compare and contrast the following: unsaturated solution, saturated solution, and supersaturated solution.
3. Define nucleation and give an example.
4. What environmental conditions caused the crystals to grow to their tremendous size?
5. What are the potential benefits of conducting research on the conditions in the cave and on mineral
deposits?
6. Explain how a chemist could create a supersaturated solution in a laboratory. What equipment would be
needed?
7. Rock candy is an example of a product created from a supersaturated solution. Research and explain the
process of making rock candy.
8. Explain, using your knowledge of chemical principles, why generally solubility increases with increasing
temperature.
9. Mineral deposits form in many different colors. What causes the color differences between various
minerals?
10. Compare and contrast the formation of the minerals in the article to how diamonds are formed.
40

Write your answer on another piece of paper if needed.
Suppose the Mexican government wanted to make “Crystal Cave” a tourist destination to increase tourism
revenue. You have been put in charge of the team who is tasked with making Crystal Cave a safe, accessible,
place for tourists to visit and enjoy the beauty of the caves. Devise a detailed plan explaining how you would
alter a dangerous cave into a civilian-friendly display for all to enjoy.
Things to consider: How would you access the cave? How would you control the climate in the cave and not
interrupt the crystal formation? How would civilians navigate the cave? How would your ensure the structural
integrity of the cave?
41
Directions: As you read, complete the graphic organizer below to compare the Cave of Crystals and Cave of
Swords described in the article.
Cave of Crystals Cave of Swords
Size of crystals
Type of crystals
Depth of cave
Location of cave
How the crystals

formed
Time involved for

crystal formation
What limited the

growth of the crystals
Summary: On the back of this sheet, write a one-sentence summary (18 words or less) describing what you
learned about crystal growth.
42

Organizer Rubric
1. Briefly describe how the crystal formations in Crystal Cave formed.

Approximately 26 million years ago, a mound of magma strained upward through the earth and forced hot,
mineral rich waters into caverns and gaps in the mountain’s limestone. The supersaturated solution of
mineral rich water cooled very slowly, allowing large crystals to form on nucleation sites.
2. Compare and contrast the following: unsaturated solution, saturated solution, and supersaturated
solution.
Unsaturated Solution: A solution in which more solute can be added and dissolved in the solvent.
Saturated Solution: A solution in which no more solute can be dissolved in the solvent.
Supersaturated Solution: An unstable solution which contains more dissolved solute than the predicted
amount in a saturated solution.
3. Define nucleation and give an example.

Nucleation, the initial process that occurs in the formation of a crystal from a solution in which a small
number of molecules become arranged in a pattern characteristic of a crystalline solid, forming a site upon
which additional particles are deposited as the crystal grows.
4. What environmental conditions caused the crystals to grow to their tremendous size?
Warm water, mineral rich water, nucleation sites, and a perfect cooling rate. If the water would have could
too fast, the minerals would have been smaller as in the “Cave of Swords”
5. What are the potential benefits of conducting research on the conditions in the cave and on mineral
deposits?
The mineral research could help mining companies prevent mineral deposits on their machinery and
equipment, thus prolonging the life of the equipment and saving the company money.
6. Explain how a chemist could create a supersaturated solution in a laboratory. What equipment would be
needed?
One would need a solute (example sodium acetate), a solvent (example water), a beaker or flask, and a hot
plate. The student/teacher would make a saturated solution of sodium acetate and water with excess
sodium acetate remaining in solution (undissolved) at room temperature. The solution should be slowly
heated while stirring until all the solute dissolves. Once all the solute is completely dissolved the solution
should be cooled slowly. A simple agitation of or the solution or the addition of one granule of the solute
would be enough to cause the supersaturated solute to come out of solution and crystalize
7. Rock candy is an example of a product created from a supersaturated solution. Research and explain the
process of making rock candy.
1) Put water in a pot and bring to boil on a stove or hotplate
2) Slowly add sugar until no more sugar will dissolve
3) Let solution cool to room temperature.
4) Pour solution through a strainer to remove undissolved sugar.
5) Add food coloring or flavoring
6) Pour solution in a jar or cup
43
7) Tie a clean string around a pencil, wooden dowel, or similar object that will allow the string to hang in the
solution
8) Let the string soak in the solution for about a week, undisturbed.
9) Take the string out and enjoy the candy.
8. Explain, using your knowledge of chemical principles, why generally solubility increases with increasing
temperature.
Answers may vary. Simply stated, a higher temperatures molecules have increased kinetic energy and are
vibrating and moving faster. This increased kinetic energy, or vibration, allow solvent molecules to more
effectively break down solute molecules causing them to dissolve or dissociate.
9. Mineral deposits form in many different colors. What causes the color differences between various
minerals?
Color differences in minerals are caused by of the wavelengths of visible light that are absorbed and emitted
from the different minerals. Depending on the composition of the mineral, and which elements (different
arrangement of electrons) they contain and what patterns they form, difference light waves will be absorbed
and emitted causing different colors.
10. Compare and contrast the formation of the minerals in the article to how diamonds are formed.
Mineral deposits in Crystal Cave required mineral rich water, cavernous areas, high temperatures, and slow
cooling.
Diamonds need incredible pressure and temperature deep in the earth’s mantle.
44

Suppose the Mexican government wanted to make “Crystal Cave” a tourist destination to increase tourism
revenue. You have been put in charge of the team who is tasked with making Crystal Cave a safe, accessible,
places for tourists to visit and enjoy the beauty of the caves. Devise a detailed plan explaining how you would
alter a dangerous cave into a civilian friendly display for all to enjoy.
Things to consider: How would you access the cave? How would you control the climate in the cave and not
interrupt the crystal formation? How would civilians navigate the cave? How would your ensure the structural
integrity of the cave?
Answers will vary. Some things to consider are ease of access to the mine, how the tourist will get down to the
cave, temperature control and comfort in the cave without damaging the crystals, safe navigation of the cave,
structural integrity of the cave, preserving the cave with the increased traffic.


45
Labs and demos

Mineral Investigation: Minerals are a great way to teach percent composition.
https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/mineral-investigation
Supersaturated Solution Lab: Lab in which students create their own supersaturated solution.
https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/winter-crystals
Chemistree: In this lab, students will prepare a solution to observe a physical change.
https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/chemistree
Crystallization of Sugar: In this demonstration, students will observe how to make rock candy in order to
understand how sugar crystals form. They will be able to explain what a supersaturated solution is and how it is
relevant to sugar crystallization. https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/crystallization-of-sugar
Saturated Solutions: An Engagement Activity: In this demonstration, students will observe salt dissolving in
water and participate in a think-pair-share activity using teacher-led questions. It is intended to be an
introduction to solutions, particularly saturation. https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/saturated-
solutions-an-engagement-activity

Earth Chemistry: An excellent resource for more information on minerals and Earth Chemistry. Also helpful if
you need a refresher before implementing the article in your class.
https://teachchemistry.org/periodical/issues/september-2019/teaching-earth-chemistry-1
Particle Modeling of Hand Warmers: In this lesson, students will create a particulate model of matter that
explains energy changes and transfer during a physical process, such as the crystallization of a solid from a
supersaturated solution. https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/particle-modeling-of-hand-warmers
Other Resources
Mineral Chemistry Webinar: A webinar on minerals and chemistry to reinforce or expand on information in the
article. https://teachchemistry.org/professional-development/webinars/the-rocky-road-to-chemistry
46

 Chemistry Basics
o Physical properties
o Inference
 Solutions
o Solubility
o Solute/solvent
 States of Matter

HS-PS1-5.
Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about the effects of changing the
temperature or concentration of the reacting particles on the rate at which a reaction occurs.
HS-ESS2-5.
Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and
surface processes.

 PS1.A: Structure and Properties of  Analyzing and interpreting data
Matter  Asking questions (for science) and defining
 ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in problems (for engineering)
Earth’s Surface Processes Nature of Science:
Crosscutting Concepts:  Scientific knowledge is based on empirical
 Cause and Effect: Mechanism and evidence.
explanation.  Science addresses questions about the
 Scale, Proportion, and Quantity natural and material world
 Structure and Function
 Stability and Change

Teaching Strategies
 Alternative to Anticipation Guide: Before reading, ask students if they have ever grown crystals (like rock
candy) and how crystals form. As they read, students can find information to confirm or refute their
original ideas.
 After they read, ask students what conditions promoted the growth of the giant gypsum crystals.
47
ChemMatters Magazine, February 2020
About the Teacher’s Guide

Teacher’s Guide team editors Dusty Carroll, Scott Hawkins, Matt Perekupka, and Jennifer Smith created
the Teacher’s Guide article material. Susan Cooper prepared the anticipation, reading guides, and
connections to standards.
Christine Suh (Managing Editor), Emily Abbott (Administrative Editor), and Lis Gallegos (Production
Editor) coordinated the production and development of the Teacher’s Guides.
E-mail: [email protected]
Subscribe to ChemMatters magazine or purchase back-issues of the magazine at

www.acs.org/chemmatters.
48

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Teacher’s Guide

Chernobyl’s Legacy .............................................. 2

Reading Comprehension Questions 4

Chemistry Concepts, Standards, and Teaching Strategies 11

Anticipation Guide Name: ______________________________

2. The accident at Chernobyl occurred during a safety test.

5. A radioactive cloud blew across Northern Europe after the explosion.

6. Isotopes of the same element have the same number of neutrons.

9. Radioactive strontium can lead to bone cancer.

Directions: Use the article to answer the questions below.

1. Why is there an exclusion zone in Chernobyl?

2. How many nuclear reactors did Chernobyl have?

3. What type of fuel was used in the reactors in Chernobyl?

4. Describe the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor.

6. What are isotopes? Give an example not cited in the article.

8. Describe the process of fission in U-235.

Student Reading Comprehension Questions, cont.

Questions for Further Learning

Graphic Organizer Name: ______________________________

Nuclear Explosion at Chernobyl

How could the

How were human

Answers to Reading Comprehension Questions & Graphic

1. Why is there an exclusion zone in Chernobyl?

2. How many nuclear reactors did Chernobyl have?

3. What type of fuel was used in the reactors in Chernobyl?

4. Describe the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor.

6. What are isotopes? Give an example not cited in the article.

8. Describe the process of fission in U-235.

Student Reading Comprehension Questions, cont.

Questions for Further Learning

Graphic Organizer Rubric

Score Description Evidence

4 Excellent Complete; details provided; demonstrates deep understanding.

1 Poor Very incomplete; no details provided; many misconceptions evident.

Labs and demos

Fission Demonstration: In this demonstration, students use balloons to simulation fission.

Isotopes & Calculating Average Atomic Mass: https://teachchemistry.org/classroom-resources/isotopes-

Lessons and lesson plans

Projects and extension activities

Chemistry Concepts, Standards, and Teaching Strategies

Connections to Chemistry Concepts

Correlations to Next Generation Science Standards

Disciplinary Core Ideas: Science and Engineering Practices:

Student Reading Comprehension Questions – connections to NGSS Crosscutting Concepts:

Correlations to Common Core State Standards

Uses of ionizing radiation

Uses of ionizing radiation

10) Power plants

11) Space probes

13) Cancer treatment

14) Medical diagnosis

15) Instrument sterilization

16) Food decontamination

Reading Comprehension Questions 19

Chemistry Concepts, Standards, and Teaching Strategies 26

Anticipation Guide Name: ______________________________

2. By weight, iron is one of the least abundant elements in the universe.

5. Earth’s core is very cool by comparison to Earth’s surface.

6. Earth’s magnetic field protects life on Earth in several ways.