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arXiv · 1610.02296

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
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Abstract

We present a new teaching and outreach activity based around the construction of a three-dimensional chart of isotopes using LEGO$^{\circledR}$ 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$^{\circledR}$ 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.

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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. 2016-10-18. Binding Blocks: building the Universe one nucleus at the time. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552%2Faa550c

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