For detailed instructions on how to build this, check out my website post:
http://sciencewithscreens.blogspot.co...

This alpha particle spark detector shows radiation with a small spark, thus allowing users to visualize radiation. The effect is really quite neat- it shows how radioactivity is distributed around source material. I have tested this detector with americium from smoke detectors and uranium ore from nature, and both work. The uranium ore is less active, though, since its radioactivity is less concentrated.

DISCLAIMER: Radioactivity can be dangerous. Although the radioactivity shown in this video is not harmful outside of the body, the creator of this video will not be held responsible for any injury, loss of liberty, or loss of life resulting from improper use of this video's information.