Our project objective was to choose three boxes in the "Cosmic Chem Tic-Tac-Toe" table. In my three person group, I chose to display a mathematical representation of Cosmic Chemistry. The main problem I had to answer was "How can I support my understanding of nuclear transmutation equations while educating my peers on it?" I chose to make an interactive Flipgrid (a video-based presentation). I first researched on nuclear transmutation and how to solve chemical equations. I then finished the worksheet using my previously gained knowledge. Finally, I made a Flipgrid, going through the problems and teaching the viewers.

My Flipgrid is approximately 3 minutes long and it goes through specific instances that come up when solving nuclear transmutation problems.

Alpha Decay

A type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (helium nucleus) and thereby transforms or 'decays' into a different atomic nucleus, with a mass number that is reduced by four and an atomic number that is reduced by two. I used alpha decay to help me visualize the helium atom being taken out of elements. I used skills I learned from math to do this.

Beta Decay

A type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle is emitted from an atomic nucleus, transforming the original nucleus to an isobar. I used beta decay to help me visualize an electron being taken out of elements. I used skills I learned from math to do this.

Gamma Decay

A type of radioactive decay that no particles are ejected from the nucleus. Instead, a high energy form of electromagnetic radiation - a gamma ray photon - is released. I used gamma decay to help me visualize nothing being taken out of elements. I used skills I learned from math to do this.

Isotope

Variants of a particular chemical element which differ in neutron number, and consequently in nucleon number. All isotopes of a given element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in each atom. I used isotopes to look at the same elements with different weights and how it was possible. I used skills I learned in math to do this.

Fission

A nuclear reaction or a radioactive decay process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller, lighter nuclei. Through fission, I saw how one element turned into two elements that still add up to the original element. I used skills I learned from math class to do this.

Fusion

A reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei are combined to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles. The difference in mass between the reactants and products is manifested as either the release or absorption of energy. Through fusion, I saw how multiple elements turned into one element that the original elements are equal to. I used skills I learned from math class to do this.

Atomic Mass

The mass of an atom.

I feel that our work as a group was very good. I did not feel confident in speaking about this topic previously, but being conscientious learner, I figured out how to solve these problems through the help of outside research and my teacher during tutorial. What went poorly was the fact that we had to do a group project over zoom. We had trouble with our collaboration. Speaking over a zoom is problematic in that it's awkward and there are a lot of technical issues. However our team had perseverance and stuck through these tasks.

One thing I learned about myself is that I should work on my time management. This is something I have always had a problem with. I mostly finish projects on time with a great end product. Yet, I could utilize the time in class to work instead of staying up late at home. One new skill I gained was

I will continue to improve on time management. As said above, I should not let myself be distracted by outside forces so I can finish my school work in a timely manner, and not late. Another thing I could have done better is utilized better planning and better speaking for my Flipgrid. I mostly did it on the fly and I felt I wasn't clear and concise with my words.