⚛️ The elements that changed history
Did you know that Marie Curie not only studied radioactivity, but discovered two entirely new elements? Polonium and radium revolutionized science, medicine and our understanding of the atom. Today you’ll learn about their properties, uses and the impact they had on society.
☢️ What are radioactive elements?
- Radioactive elements are those whose atoms naturally release radiation.
- There are three types of radiation: alpha, beta and gamma.
- Radioactivity can be useful, but also dangerous if not handled correctly.
🤯 Did you know…? The word radioactivity was coined by Marie Curie in her research.
⚠️ Risks and formation of radioactivity
- Radiation can cause damage to cells and lead to disease.
- Radioactive elements are generated naturally (such as uranium) or artificially in laboratories.
🔬 Polonium (Po)
- Discovered in 1898 by the Curies.
- Named after Poland.
- Emits alpha radiation.
- Uses: antistatic devices and industrial research.
🌟 Radium (Ra)
- Also discovered in 1898.
- Emits alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
- Uses: cancer treatment (radiotherapy), luminescent clocks and measuring instruments.
📊 Comparison of Polonium and Radium
| Characteristic | Polonium (Po) | Radium (Ra) |
|---|---|---|
| Atomic number | 84 | 88 |
| Radiation type | Alpha | Alpha, beta and gamma |
| Semi-disintegration | 138 days | 1600 years |
| Abundance | Extremely rare | Rare |
| Main uses | Industry | Medicine and industry |
🚀 Impact on science and society
- They paved the way for modern radiotherapy.
- They boosted the study of nuclear physics.
- They enabled the creation of tools such as the Geiger counter.
📖 Knowledge must be used responsibly. “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient” (1 Corinthians 6:12). Radioactivity can save lives, but it also requires wisdom to avoid harm.
🎬 Watch this video to learn more
🔗 How Madam Marie Curie and Pierre Curie discovered radioactivity?
💭 Your mind in action
💬 Reflect:
- Why do you think the discovery of radioactive elements was so revolutionary?
- How would you balance the use of radioactivity between its benefits and risks?
- What other responsible uses of radioactivity do you know of today?
- How do you think Marie Curie felt about naming an element after her country?
- How important are ethics in scientific advancement?
🧪 Challenge: Write 3 characteristics of polonium and 3 characteristics of radium.
🔍 Want to know more?
Other topics you may want to research:
- How does a Geiger counter work?
- History of radiotherapy and its current advances.
- Other natural and artificial radioactive elements.
- Famous cases about misuse of radioactivity in history.
🎯 Show what you know
Choose one or more activities to embody your learning:
- 📝 Write an imaginary letter from Marie Curie explaining to a young scientist why responsible research is important.
- 🎤 Record a podcast about the current benefits of radioactivity in medicine.
- 🧑💻 Create a short animated video explaining what radioactivity is and how different types of radiation affect it.
- 📸 Document examples of how personnel working with radioactive elements today are protected.
- 🧪 Create: Design a scientific comic book where you explain, in a creative way, the discovery of polonium and radium, their properties and how they are used today. Include Marie Curie as the main character.
You can include this lesson in the school portfolio if the student completes activities from "Your mind in action", "Want to know more?", or "Show what you know", and keeps evidence of the work done.