NUCLEAR ENERGY

Teacher Guidelines ▶ pages 1 – 2

4-6
Instructional Pages ▶ pages 3 – 6
Activity Page ▶ page 7
Practice Page ▶ page 8
GRADE Homework Page
Answer Key
▶
▶
page 9
pages 10 – 11
 Classroom Procedure: Approximate Grade Level: 4 – 6
Objectives: The students will be able to define
1. Display the image of a Nuclear Power plant cooling tower. nuclear energy, identify its advantages and
Ask students where or when they may have seen a structure disadvantages, and explain the process in
as shown in the image. its use.

2. Allow for responses and discussion. Ask students if they State Educational Standards*
know what it is or what it is used for. LB.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.3
LB.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.3
3. Allow for responses and discussion. Introduce Nuclear LB.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.3
Energy to the students. Class Sessions (45 minutes):
4. Distribute Nuclear Energy content pages. Read and review At least 2 class sessions.
the information with the students. Save the final question Teaching Materials/Worksheets:
for the lesson closing. Use the additional resources to Nuclear Energy content pages (3), Activity
enhance understanding. pages, Practice page, Homework page

5. Distribute Activity page. Read and review the instructions. Student Supplies:
Colored pencils, markers, construction or
Pair students. Distribute supplies and allow students access poster paper, scratch paper, Internet access,
to the Internet. Encourage creativity and cooperation. handouts
Circulate through the room to approve poster drafts before
Prepare Ahead of Time:
students complete the final copies.
Pair students, supplies for activity.
6. Once completed, students will share their posters with the Copy handouts.
class. Posters should include facts from the content pages, Options for Lesson: Students may work alone
especially the pros and cons of nuclear energy. or in groups for the activity. Students vote on
best, most creative posters, etc. Depending
7. Distribute Practice page. Check and review the students’ on the location of the school, invite a power
responses. plant worker to speak to the class about nuclear
energy, or other energy sources. Students
8. Distribute the Homework page. The next day, check and research the locations of nuclear power plants
review the students’ responses. throughout the U.S., and the local newspapers
for stories about the plants. Students research
9. In closing, ask students: What is your opinion? Would you disasters at coal mines, compare to nuclear
want to live near a nuclear power plant? Why or why not? accidents. Students research the accident at
Chernobyl, its impact and aftermath in the area.
10. Allow for responses and discussion. Plan a debate following
the lesson. Allow students to do further research, and *Lessons are aligned to meet the education objectives and goals of
most states. For more information on your state objectives, contact
debate nuclear energy one-on-one or hold a class debate. your local Board of Education or Department of Education in your state.

1
 Teacher Notes
The lesson introduces students to nuclear energy, also referred to as nuclear power, which is an often-
misunderstood source of electricity. Most students are familiar with the terminology, such as splitting atoms,
uranium, and fission, but are not clear as to their relationship with nuclear energy and power. The advantages
and disadvantages are discussed and a debate may ensue following the lesson. The nuclear energy lesson
may be used in conjunction with lessons related to other sources of energy or atoms.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________

2
Nuclear Energy
Energy Sources
Each day you turn on a light, switch on the television,
or use a cell phone. The one thing all three have in
common is the need for a source of power or energy.
Without power or energy, the light, television or cell
phone would not function, nor would many other products people throughout the world rely on every day.
Anything with a power cord or battery needs energy, and the energy may be delivered to your home or product
in several different ways. Of course, the batteries in a phone, flashlight, or cordless drill are a source of power,
but they also need to be recharged with energy as they are used. Most of the energy, though, coming into
your home or school comes from a power plant.
Most power plants provide electricity either by using fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal), solar power (Sun),
hydroelectric power (moving water), geothermal power (underground heat) or wind power (windmills),
or a few other sources. However, one of the most controversial and forgotten sources of energy is nuclear
power, which provides about 11% of the world’s energy needs, and nearly 20% in the U.S.
Nuclear power is used throughout North America; parts of South America, Asia, and Europe; and a very small
amount is generated in Africa. As of 2016, about 31 countries generate at least some amount of their electricity
needs via nuclear power. Nuclear energy is an often-misunderstood source of electricity. Sometimes when
people hear the word “nuclear”, they immediately think about nuclear bombs, atom bombs, and radiation,
which of course, can result in harmful consequences.
Nuclear energy, though, has a long history of providing power for homes, military ships, and submarines. The
first large-scale nuclear power station opened in 1956 in Cumbria, England. One of the greatest advantages
of nuclear power is that it can produce huge amounts of energy from small amounts of fuel. It also does not
result in the pollution often associated with the burning of fossil fuels, such as oil or coal.

How Nuclear Power Works

A nuclear power plant works much the same way as other power
plants except its energy comes from a different source: uranium.
Uranium is a metal mined in various parts of the world, and enriched
uranium is used by modern nuclear power plants.
As you know, the center of an atom is the nucleus and is composed
of particles called protons and neutrons. Nuclear energy holds
the tiny particles together, and in a process called nuclear fission,
the splitting of the atom’s nucleus takes place. As a result, the
reaction drives the release of nuclear energy in power plants.

3
Each time an atom is split, the process releases more energy and more neutrons. A chain reaction occurs
and the amount of energy increases. It is a controlled reaction, but if it is not controlled, a huge explosion
can occur. The explosion of a nuclear bomb is the result of uncontrolled fission chain reaction.
In short: Controlled nuclear fission equals energy and electricity. Uncontrolled nuclear fission equals major
problems. When it is controlled, the nuclei of large, unstable atoms, such as the uranium are bombarded.
And instead of using coal or oil to produce electricity, the splitting of the uranium atoms and the chain reaction
leads to the production of the electricity.

Generating the Electricity

Instead of other types of power plants that use fossil fuels, a nuclear power plant is used to generate electricity.
The plant contains a nuclear reactor, which generates the electricity by controlled fission reactions. The
specific enriched metal, called Uranium-235, is used as fuel, and because the uranium availability is limited,
nuclear power is a non-renewable (takes millions of years to replace) energy resource.
You will recognize a nuclear power plant as it always includes a large cooling tower. Follow the steps in the production
of nuclear power as shown in the image below.[Image: http://www.freeinfosociety.com/site.php?postnum=3115]

NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

2 3

STEP 1 Nuclear fission takes place in the reactor vessel, fission reactions take place in the uranium
fuel rods, the heat is generated then transferred to the water surrounding the rods
STEP 2 The heat changes the water into steam as it passes through a pipe (primary loop) into the
steam generator. The steam flows through a secondary-loop pipe to the turbine.
STEP 3 The turbine rotates as the steam enters, and the rotation makes the generator move, and
electricity is produced.
STEP 4 The steam flows into the condenser cooling water provided by water from the cooling tower.
The steam is changed to water, and the water is sent back to the reactor to be used again.
If the reactions in step one produce too much heat, control rods are inserted to absorb neutrons and slow
the chain reaction.

4
Advantages and Disadvantages
As with all energy sources, there are advantages and disadvantages in their use, whether related to the cost
and safety, or the environmental impact. Nuclear energy has its advantages and disadvantages as well, and
they are often debated among scientists and others.
Pros
• The nuclear power plants generate electricity
without producing air pollution, no smoke or
carbon dioxide or other chemicals are released,
and does not contribute to the greenhouse effect
• It is inexpensive to produce, costs about the same
as coal
• Produces large amounts of energy from very
small amounts of fuel
• Very little waste is produced and nuclear power
is reliable
Cons
• The waste is radioactive, meaning medium or
high levels of radiation damages the cells of
the body and can lead to short and long-term
illnesses, and eventually death
• Although there is little waste, it is extremely
dangerous and must be sealed and buried for
thousands of years for the radioactivity to die away
• Though it is reliable, costs are high for keeping the
process safe, and if something does go wrong, a
nuclear accident can be a major disaster.

During the 1990s, nuclear power was the fastest-

growing energy source in most of the world, but by 2005, it became the second slowest growing. The change
may have been the result of accidents at nuclear power plants. In 1986, an accident at the Chernobyl plant
in the Ukraine, part of the then Soviet Union, led to a disaster. Due to worker error, too much heat was
produced and the fuel rods melted, a condition known as a nuclear meltdown. Part of the plant exploded
and radioactive dust was released into the air.
The explosion itself killed 31 people, but thousands of other people in the area developed cancer and other
illnesses caused by the radiation. Since then there have been no other accidents like Chernobyl, and most
nuclear power plants are now much safer. However, smaller accidents at a few plants since Chernobyl has
concerned many people.

5
One use of nuclear power that has been beneficial is nuclear submarines, which also receives its energy
from a nuclear reactor. Battery-powered subs can only be submerged for a few days at a slow speed. On
the other hand, a nuclear sub never needs to be refueled throughout their 25-year lifespans. They could
stay underwater indefinitely, though only emerging for supplies, food, and for other reasons.
The future of nuclear energy is uncertain, but with new technology, strict safety procedures, and disaster
prevention, nuclear energy can be safe and economical, with costs continuing to decrease. However, others
believe the disadvantages of nuclear energy far outweigh the advantages.

What is your opinion? Would you want to live

near a nuclear power plant? Why or why not?

6
 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Instructions: “FOR” and “AGAINST” Nuclear Energy Posters

1. Supplies: Colored pencils, markers, construction or poster paper, scratch paper, Internet access
2. Work cooperatively with your partner to create TWO posters.
a. Poster 1: Encouraging the use of Nuclear Energy to produce electricity
b. Poster 2: Discouraging the use of Nuclear Energy to produce electricity
3. The poster may include words, images (drawn or from the Internet), logos, slogans, etc. show why Nuclear
Energy is safe or unsafe.
4. You and your partner will work on BOTH posters together.
5. Use scratch paper or the space below to create a rough sketch of each poster.
6. Prior to beginning the final copy of the poster, the rough drafts must be approved by the teacher.
7. Once you complete each poster, your will share them with the class.

7
 Practice Name __________________________ Date _________

Fill in the blanks related to the different power plants providing electricity.
1. A geothermal power plant uses _______________ heat to produce electricity.
2. A solar power plant uses the _______________ to produce electricity.
3. A power plant uses fossils fuels such as _______________ to produce electricity.
4. A power that uses the wind to produce electricity relies on _______________.
5. Moving water is used by _______________ power plants to produce electricity.
6. Fission is used by a _______________ power plant to produce electricity.
7. A cell phone, some toys, and flashlights often use _______________ for energy.
8. Anything with a power cord or battery needs _______________ to effectively operate.
Match the definition with the correct term related to nuclear energy.
9 Process of splitting the nucleus of an atom for energy. A Control rods
10 May damage the cells of the human body and lead to illnesses. B Non-renewable
11 Center of an atom containing protons and neutrons. C Nuclear fission
12 The enriched metal used to generate nuclear energy. D Nuclear meltdown
13 Generates the electricity by controlled fission reactions. E Nuclear reactor
14 Pipe used for steam as it passes into a steam generator. F Nuclear submarines
15 Energy resource which takes millions of years to replace. G Nucleus
16 They never need to be refueled during their 25-year lifespans. H Primary loop
17 Used to absorb neutrons and slow a chain reaction. I Radiation
18 Takes place when too much heat is produced in a reactor. J Uranium-235
Tell about each place as it relates to nuclear energy:
Chernobyl, Ukraine ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Cumbria, England _____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

8
 Homework Name __________________________ Date _________

Place the following nuclear power production steps in correct order. Use 1 – 4.
A Steam is changed to water in the cooling tower, water is sent back to use again.
B The heat changes the water into steam, passes into the steam generator, to the turbine.
C Nuclear fission takes place in the reactor vessel, heat is generated and transferred.
D Turbine rotates, generator moves, electricity is produced.
Tell whether each statement refers to a Pro (P) or Con (C) as it relates to nuclear energy.
1 Nuclear power plants produce generate electricity without producing pollution.
2 Waste is radioactive.
3 No smoke or carbon dioxide or other chemicals are released during the process.
4 Produces large amounts of energy from small amounts of fuel.
5 Costs are high for keeping the process of nuclear energy safe.
6 An accident may cause a major disaster and lead to illness or death.
7 It is inexpensive to produce and costs about the same as coal.
8 It does not contribute to the greenhouse effect.
9 Waste is dangerous and must be sealed for thousands of years.
10 Very little waste is produced and nuclear power is reliable.
Tell the significance of each number as it relates to nuclear energy.
11. 31________________________________________________________________________________
12. 11%______________________________________________________________________________
13. 20%______________________________________________________________________________
14. 1986_____________________________________________________________________________
15. 1956_____________________________________________________________________________

9
 Practice Answer Key Date _________
Name __________________________

Fill in the blanks related to the different power plants providing electricity.
1. A geothermal power plant uses underground heat to produce electricity.
2. A solar power plant uses the sun to produce electricity.
3. A power plant uses fossils fuels such as coal, gas, oil to produce electricity.
4. A power that uses the wind to produce electricity relies on windmills
5. Moving water is used by hydroelectric power plants to produce electricity.
6. Fission is used by a nuclear power plant to produce electricity.
7. A cell phone, some toys, and flashlights often use batteries for energy.
8. Anything with a power cord or battery needs energy to effectively operate.
Match the definition with the correct term related to nuclear energy.
9 C Process of splitting the nucleus of an atom for energy. A Control rods
10 I May damage the cells of the human body and lead to illnesses. B Non-renewable
11 G Center of an atom containing protons and neutrons. C Nuclear fission
12 J The enriched metal used to generate nuclear energy. D Nuclear meltdown
13 E Generates the electricity by controlled fission reactions. E Nuclear reactor
14 H Pipe used for steam as it passes into a steam generator. F Nuclear submarines
15 B Energy resource which takes millions of years to replace. G Nucleus
16 F They never need to be refueled during their 25-year lifespans. H Primary loop
17 A Used to absorb neutrons and slow a chain reaction. I Radiation
18 D Takes place when too much heat is produced in a reactor. J Uranium-235
Tell about each place as it relates to nuclear energy:
Chernobyl Located in the Ukraine, in 1986 it was the site of a nuclear accident which led to a disaster when
too much heat was produced and fuel rods melted causing a nuclear meltdown.
Cumbria, England The first large-scale nuclear power station opened here in 1956.

10
 Homework Answer Key Date _________
Name __________________________

Place the following nuclear power production steps in correct order. Use 1 – 4.
A 4 Steam is changed to water in the cooling tower, water is sent back to use again.
B 2 The heat changes the water into steam, passes into the steam generator, to the turbine.
C 1 Nuclear fission takes place in the reactor vessel, heat is generated and transferred.
D 3 Turbine rotates, generator moves, electricity is produced.
Tell whether each statement refers to a Pro (P) or Con (C) as it relates to nuclear energy.
1 P Nuclear power plants produce generate electricity without producing pollution.
2 C Waste is radioactive.
3 P No smoke or carbon dioxide or other chemicals are released during the process.
4 P Produces large amounts of energy from small amounts of fuel.
5 C Costs are high for keeping the process of nuclear energy safe.
6 C An accident may cause a major disaster and lead to illness or death.
7 P It is inexpensive to produce and costs about the same as coal.
8 P It does not contribute to the greenhouse effect.
9 C Waste is dangerous and must be sealed for thousands of years.
10 P Very little waste is produced and nuclear power is reliable.
Tell the significance of each number as it relates to nuclear energy.
11. 31 No. of countries generating some amount of electricity using nuclear power (killed at Chernobyl)
12. 11% Percent of the world’s electricity produced using nuclear energy
13. 20% Percent of U.S. electricity produced using nuclear energy
14. 1986 Year of the Chernobyl accident killing 31 and causing thousands more to develop cancer
15. 1956 Year the first large-scale nuclear power station opened in Cumbria, England.

11