Rocks and Minerals by UTH Rocks and Minerals by UTH    

Lesson 33: Radioactive Rocks and Minerals

Directions

Study the lesson for one week.

Over the week:

• Read the lesson.
• Review the synopsis.
• Recite aloud the vocabulary words and their definitions.
• Study the rock and mineral of the week.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

When a substance is radioactive, its atoms may eject protons, neutrons, or electrons. Humans cannot see this nuclear radiation, but can detect it using instruments such as Geiger counters. Nuclear radiation can be harmful to humans, causing them to become ill or even die. Naturally occurring radioactive rocks include uranium ore and thorium ore.

Vocabulary

Radioactive: Exhibiting spontaneous emission of ionizing radiation as a consequence of a nuclear reaction, or directly from the breakdown of an unstable nucleus.
Radiation: The process of radiating waves or particles.
Geiger Counter: A device designed to detect radioactivity and measure its intensity.

Rock or Mineral of the Week

Overview

• Uraninite (UO2) is a uranium ore mined to extract the element uranium.
• Uraninite is so radioactive, it is a hazard to human health.
• Uranium is a metal found on the periodic table.
• Uranium is actually quite common in the Earth's environment, found in often small quantities in water, rocks, and the soil.
• Uranium is far more common than silver or gold.

Physical Characteristics of Uraninite

• Color: Commonly Gray to Black
• Hardness: 5-6
• Luster: Submetallic, greasy, or dull
• Cleavage: Indistinct
• Streak: Black, gray, or greenish
• Tenacity: Brittle

Locations

• Germany, Canada, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Enrichment

Activity 1: Narrate the Lesson

• After reading or listening to the lesson, narrate the lesson aloud using your own words.

Activity 2: Can You Find It?

Find the following elements on the periodic table:

• Uranium (U)
• Oxygen (O)
• In which group is uranium (U)?
• Is uranium (U) an actinide or a lanthanide?

Activity 3: Map the Lesson

• Uraninite is found in Germany, Canada, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Zoom in to find these countries on the map of the world.

Activity 4: Take a Nature Walk

• Embark on a nature walk.
• Collect one rock or mineral specimen.
• Use the gathered specimen to create the field book entry.

Activity 5: Complete a Field Book Entry   

After your nature walk, complete page 6 in 'Fifth Grade Science Rocks and Minerals Notebook Pages.'

Review

Question 1

How many different elements does uraninite (UO2) contain?

1 / 4

Answer 1

Uraninite (UO2) contains two elements - uranium (U) and oxygen (O).

1 / 4

Question 2

Is uraninite (UO2) a compound?

2 / 4

Answer 2

Yes, uraninite (UO2) is a compound as it is made of two elements.

2 / 4

Question 3

Describe something about uraninite (UO2).

3 / 4

Answer 3

Uraninite (UO2) is a radioactive ore of uranium that can be hazardous to human health.

3 / 4

Question 4

What do Geiger counters detect?

4 / 4

Answer 4

Geiger counters detect radioactivity.

4 / 4

❮ ❯

1. How many different elements does uraninite (UO2) contain? Uraninite (UO2) contains two elements - uranium (U) and oxygen (O).
2. Is uraninite (UO2) a compound? Yes, uraninite (UO2) is a compound as it is made of two elements.
3. Describe something about uraninite (UO2). Uraninite (UO2) is a radioactive ore of uranium that can be hazardous to human health.
4. What do Geiger counters detect? Geiger counters detect radioactivity.

References

'Uranium.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranium. n.p.

'Uraninite.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uraninite. n.p.

Cited Physical Properties. Geology.com. geology.com/rocks. n.p.