Fizzics TWIST is back! In this episode we're doing something a little different.

Nuclear power has a pretty bad reputation right now, but it might be the energy solution that we need. But wait - how does it work? How does nuclear science work? In this episode we visit ANSTO to learn about nuclear science and build our own cloud chamber (a basic particle detector) to see it in action for ourselves.

This episode is curriculum linked from Year 5 to Year 10:

Year 5 

Science involves testing predictions by gathering data and using evidence to develop explanations of events and phenomena and reflects historical and cultural contributions (ACSHE081)

Scientific knowledge is used to solve problems and inform personal and community decisions (ACSHE083)

With guidance, pose clarifying questions and make predictions about scientific investigations (ACSIS231)

Identify, plan and apply the elements of scientific investigations to answer questions and solve problems using equipment and materials safely and identifying potential risks (ACSIS086)

Reflect on and suggest improvements to scientific investigations (ACSIS091) 

Year 6 

Science involves testing predictions by gathering data and using evidence to develop explanations of events and phenomena and reflects historical and cultural contributions (ACSHE098)

Scientific knowledge is used to solve problems and inform personal and community decisions (ACSHE100)

With guidance, pose clarifying questions and make predictions about scientific investigations (ACSIS232) 

Identify, plan and apply the elements of scientific investigations to answer questions and solve problems using equipment and materials safely and identifying potential risks (ACSIS103)

Reflect on and suggest improvements to scientific investigations (ACSIS108)

Year 7 

Collaboratively and individually plan and conduct a range of investigation types, including fieldwork and experiments, ensuring safety and ethical guidelines are followed (ACSIS125) 

Measure and control variables, select equipment appropriate to the task and collect data with accuracy (ACSIS126) 

Reflect on scientific investigations including evaluating the quality of the data collected, and identifying improvements (ACSIS131)

Use scientific knowledge and findings from investigations to evaluate claims based on evidence (ACSIS132)

Year 8 

Scientific knowledge has changed peoples’ understanding of the world and is refined as new evidence becomes available (ACSHE134)

Science knowledge can develop through collaboration across the disciplines of science and the contributions of people from a range of cultures (ACSHE226)

Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge (ACSIS139)

Collaboratively and individually plan and conduct a range of investigation types, including fieldwork and experiments, ensuring safety and ethical guidelines are followed (ACSIS140)

Measure and control variables, select equipment appropriate to the task and collect data with accuracy (ACSIS141)

Reflect on scientific investigations including evaluating the quality of the data collected, and identifying improvements (ACSIS146)

Year 9 

All matter is made of atoms that are composed of protons, neutrons and electrons; natural radioactivity arises from the decay of nuclei in atoms (ACSSU177)

Scientific understanding, including models and theories, is contestable and is refined over time through a process of review by the scientific community (ACSHE157)

Advances in scientific understanding often rely on technological advances and are often linked to scientific discoveries (ACSHE158)

Formulate questions or hypotheses that can be investigated scientifically (ACSIS164)

Evaluate conclusions, including identifying sources of uncertainty and possible alternative explanations, and describe specific ways to improve the quality of the data (ACSIS171)

Year 10 

Scientific understanding, including models and theories, is contestable and is refined over time through a process of review by the scientific community (ACSHE191)

Advances in scientific understanding often rely on technological advances and are often linked to scientific discoveries (ACSHE192)

Formulate questions or hypotheses that can be investigated scientifically (ACSIS198)

Evaluate conclusions, including identifying sources of uncertainty and possible alternative explanations, and describe specific ways to improve the quality of the data (ACSIS205)

About Fizzics TWIST

This Week In Science & Technology, brought to you by the team at Fizzics Education! Fizzics Education is one of Australia's leading science outreach providers of interactive science workshops and shows. Each week we take a look back at the hottest yet coolest science stories. From the supersonic to the glacial, from down to earth to out of this world, and from the ancient world to the distant future, Fizzics TWIST has it covered. Hosted by Duncan Bell, Quill Darby, and the entire Fizzics team.

http://fizzics.com.au/