Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,
I would like to do this project:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ml#summary

I want to use both of the radioactive sources, and I understand the material. However, I cannot think of a specific goal for my experiment. According to the rules of my science fair, it has to have a specific goal, as in something I want to find out.

Thank you!

Hello,

In the project description, it mentions testing to see if a plastic kid can shield on from the radioactive particles, so that's something you definitely want to find out. If one material is too little for you, you could add different plastics or metals and test if they block the radiation too.

I hope this helps!
Meg

I was actually hoping for a better idea than testing what can block radioactive particles. Nothing has come to me thusfar, and this idea seems a bit too simple.

I'm not a scientist, but a student, so pardon my intrusion, but it seems that you're observing the decay of particles, right? So, couldn't you not identify other types of radioactive materials (other than the two sources) and try to observe them? Might take a little bit of research, and maybe so buying more and/or alteration of your equipment, but it would give a clear objective to the experiment, like, how different types of particles decay, and if there are any similarities/differences/patterns/etc. to them.
I haven't done chemistry yet, so this may not be the best idea, but it seems to be the only other way to purpose the experiment, rather than tinkering with the design, such as material cover or the cloud chamber. Usually, I'd just try to find a way to direct this into use for society then try to re-purpose the study. But the project design seems just for pure science.