English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Define what is meant by background radiation.
Describe where background radiation comes from.
Explain why levels of background radiation are different in different parts of Britain.
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Words and meanings to learn
Sieverts
The unit of measurement for radiation exposure, indicating the biological effect of ionising radiation on human health.
sources
Refers to the origins of background radiation, including natural and man-made sources.
exposure
The amount of radiation that an individual comes into contact with, which can vary based on factors such as location and occupation.
ionising
Refers to radiation that has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, leading to the formation of ions, and can cause harm to biological tissue.
radiation
The general term for energy emitted in the form of waves or particles, which includes both natural and man-made sources.
Samantha is an accomplished science educator with over 15 years of leadership experience and a strong background in scientific analysis. She has a proven record of leading departments effectively, improving practice, and working collaboratively with stakeholders.
In her current work, Samantha embeds evidence-informed pedagogical principles such as retrieval practice, clear modelling, and effective sequencing to support high-quality curriculum design and professional development. She draws on assessment insight and common misconceptions to help teachers secure strong student understanding.
She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor at Ilkley Grammar School, with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and exam requirements.
In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket.
Handout - Comprehension task on background radiation.
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