Teaching Stage 5 Science: Isotopes, radioactivity and nuclear medicines

This free online course aims to build teacher understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with the production of nuclear medicines. During three after-school webinars over three weeks, the course models new ways to teach Year 9 and 10 students about isotopes and radioactivity using ICT, real data and science inquiry skills.

Part 1: Understanding nuclear medicines (Wednesday 4th May, 4:00-5:30 pm*)

Teachers will hear from experts and scientists about: 

• Current nuclear medicines: Properties and uses

• Emerging technologies in nuclear medicine

• Managing nuclear waste safely

• Ideas for teaching nuclear medicines in the classroom

Part 2: Virtual tour of ANSTO (Wednesday 11th May, 4:00-6:00 pm or 7:00-9:00 pm*)

Teachers will participate in a virtual tour of ANSTO's scientific facilities and learn how they are used to make nuclear medicines and manage waste from this process. A guest speaker will discuss the relationship between new science and technologies in nuclear chemistry and career opportunities. 

Part 3: Teaching about isotopes and radioactivity (Wednesday 18th May, 4:00-5:30 pm or 7:00-8:30 pm*)

ANSTO education officers will model teaching activities from the "Investigating Isotopes" data set that help students understand the chemical concepts of isotopes, atomic number, atomic mass, radioactivity and half-life. Participants will collaborate online to discuss and reflect on how they can use or adapt these teaching activities with their students. 

This course is a registered PD with the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI).

Teachers from other states and territories will receive a certificate of completion for their own PD portfolios.

For enquiries, please call the ANSTO Discovery Centre on (02) 9717 3090 or email education@ansto.gov.au

*Please note that the times listed for the sessions are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). Don't forget to join the webinar at the correct time for your local zone.

** Webinar links will be sent closer to the date of the event.