In the footsteps of Marie Curie

Students do simple fluorescence experiments and learn about the discoveries of the Polish Nobel Prize winner.

Steps

1. A short biography of Marie Skłodowska-Curie and her two Nobel Prizes.
2. In a darkened room, shine a UV torch on tonic water, a highlighter and a banknote.
3. Students note what glows and why, and how fluorescence differs from radioactivity.
4. Discussion: what obstacles did women in science face 100 years ago?

Tip: Make it clear that glowing under UV light is something different from the radiation Marie studied.

Materials needed

• UV torch (1 piece)
• Highlighters (1 set)