Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Physics → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: Describe how radioactive materials are moved, used and stored in a safe way
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the three key principles of radiation protection (time, distance, shielding).
  • Explain safe procedures for moving, using, and storing radioactive materials.
  • Apply appropriate PPE, shielding, and monitoring techniques during laboratory work.
  • Evaluate storage requirements and maintain accurate inventory records.
  • Demonstrate emergency response steps for radioactive spills.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed handouts (safety checklist, shielding table)
  • Lead‑lined containers or shielded trolley (or images)
  • Geiger‑Müller counter or scintillation detector
  • Dosimeter badges for each student
  • PPE: lab coats, gloves, safety glasses
  • Remote handling tools (tongs, forceps)
  • Radioactive spill kit
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of a radiation warning sign and ask students what they think keeps them safe in a nuclear lab. Recall prior learning about the three principles of radiation protection and emphasize that today they will see how these principles guide the movement, use, and storage of radioactive sources. By the end of the lesson they will be able to describe safe handling procedures and justify each safety measure.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): Students list known safety measures for radiation on sticky notes.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Review time, distance, and shielding principles with real‑world examples.
  3. Demonstration (10'): Show proper movement of a sealed source using a lead‑lined trolley and remote tongs; discuss PPE and route planning.
  4. Group activity (15'): Teams create a step‑by‑step checklist for using a source in an experiment, incorporating monitoring and emergency procedures.
  5. Practice simulation (10'): Students use a mock Geiger counter to perform pre‑ and post‑use surveys around a dummy source and record readings.
  6. Whole‑class debrief (5'): Review checklists, address misconceptions, and complete an exit ticket.
Conclusion:
Summarise how time, distance, and shielding combine to minimise exposure during movement, use, and storage. Ask students to write one key takeaway on an exit ticket and collect their safety checklists. Assign homework to research a real‑world incident involving radiation safety failures and prepare a brief report.