Social Studies Lesson: Nuclear Energy
Lesson Plan
2 hoursGrades9, 10, 11, 12Civics
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Written by Denise Linder
About this lesson
In this lesson, students will research nuclear energy facts and advocate for its expansion or contraction in order to meet 21st-century energy goals and slow global warming.
Inquire: Students reflect on the data in graphs showing rising global temperatures.
Investigate: Students research the benefits and risks of using nuclear fission as an energy resource and develop arguments to support or oppose the use of nuclear energy.
Inspire: Hybrid groups discuss differing views of nuclear energy and work together to collaboratively design a future nuclear energy policy.
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Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Suggestions
- This lesson is designed to be taught over 90 minutes and provides a grading rubric.
- Students have the opportunity to discuss opposing arguments in a civil and productive way.
- Students must listen to one another to compromise on an energy policy.
- A group maximum of 6 students is recommended: 3 students represent each point of view.
- Teachers can invite an energy engineer or nuclear physicist as a guest speaker.
- Here are suggestions for cross-curricular connections:
- Physics and Chemistry: Students can explore the mechanics of nuclear fission like atomic structure, chain reactions and energy transfer and connect within a unit on thermodynamics.
- Mathematics: Students can use the NASA temperature graphs to analyze rates of change, calculate trend lines, compare energy costs, or engage in proportional reasoning.
- English Language Arts: Student individual reflections can easily expand into a formal argumentative essay or a formal op-ed piece.
- Economics: Students can use cost-benefit analysis frameworks to analyze the real-world costs of nuclear plant construction and maintenance, comparing the long-term costs of nuclear versus renewable energy.
- Government and Civics: Students can connect the policy design activity to units on how legislation is made and how regulatory agencies operate. The activity can be extended into a simulated congressional hearing.
Prerequisites
- Students can design local, national, or global policy proposals.
- Allow students to discuss freely and independently; offer guidance only when students appear off track or stuck.
- Make sure everyone has an opportunity to contribute to each group conversation.
- It may be necessary to coach your students on how to be a respectful listener. This includes making eye contact and refraining from looking at screens.
- This lesson can be split into multiple sessions or days. Parts of this lesson can also be assigned to be completed outside of regular class time.
- It may be necessary to coach your students on how to be a respectful listener. This includes making eye contact and using only written notes during discussion.
Differentiation
- The extent of student research and detail in policy planning can be adjusted to student's skill level.
- Students can either pick their preferred side of the nuclear energy debate or the teacher can assign sides. One way to assign sides is for students to select a labeled ticket from a basket, assigning one point of view. This process can ensure that the number of students representing each point of view is balanced.
- If students choose their own debate side, it may be necessary to ask some students to switch viewpoints in order to have a balance in the group discussion. It may be helpful to emphasize the fact that people with strong debating skills can argue both sides of any argument.
- As an extension, students can research real-world events like Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, or Fukushima to assess whether modern reactor designs address those historical failures.
- Students can go on an immersive virtual tour of the Prairie Island plant via the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) website.
- Students can research the problem of nuclear waste storage using case studies such as Yucca Mountain or Finland’s Onkalo repository.
- Students can present their policy recommendation as a short podcast or documentary.
From the scientist review
This lesson enables students to understand the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy, particularly the fission process. They would also analyze the best energy plans and develop policy proposals that would achieve the Paris goal and address climate change. All activities and materials have been fact-checked, and this lesson is recommended for teaching.
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About the teacher writer
Denise Linder
9-12 Chemistry Teacher
I have been teaching HS Chemistry in MA for the past 14 years, along with courses in Biology and Environmental Science. As an advocate for Climate Change education, for both teachers and students, I am always looking for content and opportunities to add climate change information to my professional practice and academic courses. I am also registered as a Climate Interactive En-ROADS Ambassador.
Reviews
Breck Foster
In my 9th grade World History class, I adapted this lesson in several ways based on what my students had already learned and where we were headed next. I used it as a launch for our Model United Nations unit, in which students investigate global problems and propose solutions.
Students had already formally investigated climate change, including both its causes and effects. We had also explored the development of nuclear technology through the lens of World War II. I thought students would be interested in considering nuclear technology through a different lens—as a potential climate solution.
Students conducted research, developed policy proposals, and participated in a structured academic controversy. Using active listening strategies, they considered both sides of the issue before working toward what they believed was the best solution. The lesson particularly engaged students who were drawn to scientific inquiry, perhaps because it gave them an opportunity to apply scientific thinking to a historical and current-events issue.
One student, for example, identified nuclear fission as the best solution very early in the lesson, before we had watched the video or engaged in deeper learning. It was interesting to see that initial position develop as the student encountered new information and considered the complexities of the issue.
2 months ago
