arXiv:1610.02296·v2·physics.ed-ph
Binding Blocks: building the Universe one nucleus at the time
C. Aa. Diget · A. Pastore · K. Leech · T. Haylett · S. Lock · T. Sanders · M. Shelley · H. V. Willett · J. Keegans · L. Sinclair · E. C. Simpson
Abstract
We present a new teaching and outreach activity based around the construction of a three-dimensional chart of isotopes using LEGO bricks. The activity, \emph{Binding Blocks}, demonstrates nuclear and astrophysical processes through a seven-meter chart of all nuclear isotopes, built from over 26,000 LEGO bricks. It integrates A-level and GCSE curricula across areas of nuclear physics, astrophysics, and chemistry, including: nuclear decays (through the colours in the chart); nuclear binding energy (through tower heights); production of chemical elements in the cosmos; fusion processes in stars and fusion energy on Earth; as well as links to medical physics, particularly diagnostics and radiotherapy.
Comments: Minor changes