Superheroes of the Electromagnetic Spectrum: A Non-Traditional Way of Teaching Ionising Radiation
Thomas Plotz 1 * , Barry W. Fitzgerald 2
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1 University College of Teacher Education of Christian Churches Vienna/Krems, Vienna, AUSTRIA2 Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 512, Eindhoven 5600 MB, NETHERLANDS* Corresponding Author

Abstract

Radiation is ever-present around us, yet there is still a lack of knowledge about radiation among the general population, especially when it comes to students. For this study, we measured the effectiveness of a lesson plan on radiation concepts that focused on ionising radiation and was supported by references and examples from the superhero genre. The lesson was delivered to student groups in Vienna-based high schools in Austria where all students (n=141) were in Grade 9 to 11. Prior to the lesson, students completed a pre-test to collect data on their knowledge base in relation to radiation and superheroes. During the lesson students were required to complete ID cards on both the electromagnetic spectrum and superhero characters. They were also invited to create and draw their own radiation-based superhero. After the lesson, students completed a post-test. We note that student knowledge on radiation concepts improved after the lesson. For example, students more accurately ordered radiation types according to energy and provided more correct answers to open-ended questions with correct explanation on the interaction of radiation with different medium. Most students welcomed the inclusion of superheroes in the classroom and were not distracted by their use in the classroom.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, 2021, Volume 17, Issue 6, Article No: em1975

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/10901

Publication date: 15 May 2021

Article Views: 2253

Article Downloads: 1321

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