What is the difference between fusion and fission, and what does this have to do with nuclear energy? In this lesson, suitable for grades 6-8, students will define fusion and fission and what happens when each occurs.
3. Divide students into groups and assign each of them an element. As a group, they will draw a picture of what happens to each element during either fission or fusion. (Note: if demonstrating fission, students will be assigned one larger element; if fusion, they will be assigned two)
A. Element name: Uranium-233, Uranium-235, Plutonium-239, , Plutonium, Hydrogen, Helium, Carbon, Oxygen, Silicon, Sulfur, Argon.
B. Label nucleus and atom BEFORE fusion or fission.
C. Label nucleus and atom AFTER fusion or fission.
4. In groups of three, students will create a diagram that represents the changes in composition of the nucleus during during fusion or fission.