Lesson summary
Students look at the arguments for and against nuclear power, particularly in the context of climate change. Students begin by conducting a ‘5 Whys’ investigation into their own impressions of nuclear power. They then undertake a SWOT analysis on a range of statements around nuclear power. Using this information students are then asked to imagine they have been commissioned by either a nuclear power company or by an anti nuclear lobby group to sell the message to the public that nuclear power should either be used or avoided.
These activities “… are an invaluable tool for teachers to address climate change in an educationally relevant, scientifically sound, and action-based way.” – Tim Flannery (Read more)
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- recognise the arguments for and against nuclear power
- understand that although nuclear power offers a green energy alternative it comes with significant costs
- be able to synthesise information and opinion into an advertising campaign.
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian Curriculum content descriptions:
Year 7 Science:
- Some of Earth’s resources are renewable, but others are non-renewable (ACSSU116)
Year 8 Science:
- Science and technology contribute to finding solutions to a range of contemporary issues; these solutions may impact on other areas of society and involve ethical considerations (ACSHE135)
Year 7 & 8 Design and Technologies
- Examine and prioritise competing factors including social, ethical and sustainability considerations in the development of technologies and designed solutions to meet community needs for preferred futures (ACTDEK029)
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Ethical understanding.
Cross-curriculum priorities: Sustainability OI.6, OI.7, OI.8.
Syllabus Outcomes: SC4-11PW, SC4-12ES, T4.1.2, T4.1.3, T4.4.1, T4.6.2.
Time required: 60 mins
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – oversee activity and facilitate discussion.
Resources required
- Internet access
- Student worksheet
- Nuclear power statements.
- Mindmeister or bubbl.us online brainstorming programs
- Prezi presentation tool
- Digital sharing capabilities.
- Key reading from We Are the Weather Makers: Chapter 28 – Nuclear
- Further reading from the book: Chapter 27 – Bright as Sunlight, Light as Wind, Chapter 29 – Hybrids, Minicats and Contrails
Additional info
Cool Australia would like to acknowledge:
- Tim Flannery
- David Harding, Rose Iser, Sally Stevens
- Text Publishing and Purves Environmental Fund
- Climate Council
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