Lesson 5.01 Nuclear Energy

• Introduction
• Learn
• Try It
• Task

Introduction

Coal, oil, and natural gas are all efficient forms of energy that we use to generate power for our everyday lives. However, these energy sources can create major environmental problems — such as water and air pollution. These sources of energy are also limited — nonrenewable — which means that they will not last forever. In this unit, you will be examining alternative sources of energy and how they compare with fossil fuels in terms of efficiency and how they impact the environment. In this lesson, you will examine nuclear energy as an alternative source of energy for producing electricity.

 

Browns Ferry nuclear power plant near Athens, Alabama.

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to... Distinguish between nuclear fission and fusion. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy compared to fossil fuels. Explain why nuclear energy is a nonrenewable resource. Enduring Understanding: Though nuclear energy is a cleaner, more efficient source of energy than fossil fuels, it can be just as detrimental to the environment and human health. The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Environmental Science 1 This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standards: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R10, W1, W2, W3, W4, W8, W9, and W10