Nuclear Energy Curriculum

Summary:

Students learn how the power of the atom’s nucleus can be harnessed—by either splitting it apart (fission) or joining it together (fusion)—to generate electricity and power the world.

Learning Objectives:

Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:

1. Compare and contrast nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.

2. Explain the role of deuterium and tritium in the nuclear fusion reaction.

3. Describe the general process of electricity production using nuclear fission.

4. Explain what makes the isotopes of uranium different from one another.

Standards:

NGSS Performance Expectations:

PS1.C

CEWD ENR Content Standards (Secondary):

CE.01.01.01.a

EF.01.05.01.c

Indiana NLPS Competency Domains:

5229.D1.10

5229.D7.1

5229.D7.5

Summary:

Students explore how nuclear energy production compares to traditional fossil fuels like coal, and what scientific, environmental, and safety factors that must be considered when evaluating its use as a power source.

Learning Objectives:

Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives:

1. Compare the energy output and efficiency of nuclear fission with that of coal combustion.

2. Describe potential environmental impacts associated with uranium mining.

3. Identify and describe types of radiation associated with nuclear energy.

4. Explain the concept of half-life and its role in radioactive decay.