Radiation studies in high school biology

Abstract

Scope of Report: The tremendous number of articles in popular magazines and newspapers concerning the impact of atomic energy and radiation research on our present day society are evidence, of the importance attached to these relatively new fields of scientific endeavor. It is important therefore, that some information concerning the biological effects of radiation, the use of radioisotopes in biological research and the utilization of radioisotopes by medical scientists be, included in the high school biology curriculum. This report presents some experiments and demonstrations involving the use of radioisotopes or involving other types of radiation studies which would be suitable for use, in the high school. Also included in the report are, sources of materials and equipment as well as additional sources of information. Some, general considerations, such as certain do's and dont's and other precautions, are presented and the value of radioisotopes as research tools is discussed.

Demonstrations Described in the Report: A demonstration involving the use of seed irradiated at different levels of radiation with x-rays and with neutrons is presented in detail. Information concerning the availability of irradiated seed for high school use is presented.

The procedure, and materials involved in the demonstration of the preparation of a gross autoradiograph of a plant are described in detail. An autoradiograph of a bean plant is included in order to illustrate, the kind of results to be expected from such a demonstration.| A demonstration involving the use of a radioisotope in determining the blood volume of an animal is discussed. The principle involved in the demonstration is presented and the problems of materials and problems involved in procedure are discussed.