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RESEARCH PAPER
Superheroes of the Electromagnetic Spectrum: A Non-Traditional Way of Teaching Ionising Radiation
1
University College of Teacher Education of Christian Churches Vienna/Krems, Vienna, AUSTRIA
2
Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 512, Eindhoven 5600 MB, NETHERLANDS
Publication date: 2021-05-15
EURASIA J. Math., Sci Tech. Ed 2021;17(6):em1975
KEYWORDS
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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