Nuclear Mice Demonstration: The Principles of Chain Reactions

The Materials Science and Technology Teacher's Workshop (MAST) provides this activity to illustrate the principles of chain reactions. The demonstration uses ping pong balls and mouse traps to show the chain reaction process involved in fission. Each mouse trap is placed into a large container and given a ping pong ball placed on the trigger. Another ping pong ball is introduced into the system, demonstrating the activation energy. The lesson includes step by step directions for the experiment. Discussion questions, teacher notes and a video clip are also included.