Should There be a Nuclear Power

Plant in Our City?

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction

City Councilman Adam Icbaum is faced with the issue of whether to vote for or against the building of a nuclear power plant in our city. Councilman Icbaum wants to make an educated decision on this matter. To this end, he is putting together a team to research all of the issues. You have been chosen to be a member of this team.

Nuclear power is a very controversial issue. Councilman Icbaum will face opposition no matter which way he votes. He feels that if he has all the facts, he will be able to defend his decision when the next election comes around. But, more importantly, this is the town where your family and friends live. You don’t want to make a recommendation that would cause them to glow in the dark.

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Task

As a member of this team you will take on one of these four roles: Environmentalist, Nuclear Engineer, Economist, or Waste Management Specialist. With each role comes a set of questions that must be answered. As you use the Internet to research the answers to these questions you will become an expert in your area. You will then be able to take everything you have learned and share it with the rest of the group. Finally, as a team, you will make one recommendation to Councilman Adam Icbaum.

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Process

First you will be assigned to a group of four. This will be your team.
In your teams you will divide up the four jobs. You can do this on your own. If any difficulty arises, I will assign your job.
Read the description of each job in the table below. Once you have chosen your role you can click on that job title. This will bring you to your assignment.

ENVIRONMENTALIST	NUCLEAR ENGINEER
The task of the environmentalist will be to study the effect the power plant will have on the animals, plants and humans in the area and on a global scale.	The task of the engineer will be to determine the design of the plant. Understand all of the main parts and how they work. Decide between the different types of cooling systems.
ECONOMIST	RESOURCE MANAGER
You will study all monetary aspects of this venture. This includes cost to build and effect on local economy. You will compare this to the other energy alternatives.	You will study the chemical reaction that takes place in the reactor. You will evaluate the availability of the raw materials and how to handle the waste products produced.

Familiarize yourself with your job as well as the questions that you need to answer. Then begin your research. If, during your research, you run across questions that relate to another group member’s topic you should ask them for clarification before coming to me.
You have one week to complete this work and write a three page summary of your findings. You will need five copies of this summary. One for each group member (including yourself) and one to be turned in to me. This will be graded according to the "individual report" rubric. See evaluation.
On Friday you will meet with your group to pass out your summaries. Over the weekend you will read the other three summaries given to you by your group.
On Monday you will meet with your group again. This time will be spent listing the pros and cons of the power plant. You will then prioritize these lists in order to develop the groups one, unanimous recommendation to Councilman Icbaum.
Your final recommendation should be completed by Wednesday. Your groups five page written decision should be substantiated by the facts that you researched. All four topics should be addressed. You should site all of the facts that support your decision and tell how and why these things out-weigh the facts that go against your decision. This will be graded according to the "group recommendation" rubric. See evaluation.

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Evaluation

The individual report rubric can be accessed by clicking HERE.

The group recommendation rubric can be accessed by clicking HERE.

The final aspect of your evaluation will be a test of the basic facts that were uncovered by the groups research. You are responsible for all perspectives covered in this project. We will have one day of review before this exam. Make sure you understand the summaries provided by you teammates. This is your best source of information on the areas that you didn’t research yourself. If all group members answer the questions posed by the assignment, you will have no problem with the exam.

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Conclusion

Upon completion of this project your group will have examined a controversial issue from many different perspectives. This will make you the resident "expert" in your topic, but as you work with you group in order to make the final recommendation , you will also begin to see this issue from the other perspectives as well. If you have all done your jobs well, Councilman Icbaum will make an informed decision based on everything you present to him. Any informed decision is more likely to be the right one for your town and your family.

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Created By: Linda A. Head School: Lakeland High School

Subject: Chemistry Grade: 11 Date: 9/28/99

N.Y.S Math, Science & Technology Standard #1

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and enginering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

E-mail: lindah@bestweb.net

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