Project Four - Planning

Given the complexity of the chosen subject, it could be beneficial to have certain teams focusing on different parts of the discussion. One of these teams could be focusing on explaining and finding videos and diagrams explaining in a comprehensive, yet concise manner how a nuclear power plant works and how the fission occurs. Providing a good background to the subject helps the presenters, the class, to better understand the topic. It also helps the audience forming a more knowledgeable view of what nuclear power is. Without fully grasping the methodology of nuclear power, one cannot form good arguments for or against this energy form. By studying how nuclear power works one can examine both the benefits, seeing the enormous amount of energy released by the fission, and the negative consequences of maintaining the reaction and treating the fission products.

Other teams that would be beneficial to discussing the topic of nuclear power is to have one group researching arguments for and another team researching arguments against nuclear power. The team investigating benefits could examine in greater detail how much energy potential there is and the improvements in security standards for the reaction facility and the storage space for the radioactive material. The team could also be addressing the renewability and recyclability of nuclear power in comparison to other energy sources such as oil. Furthermore, the reliability is another aspect to consider in contrast to wind- or solar power.

The team examining the hazardous consequences of nuclear power could be focusing on the danger in treating and storing the radioactive fission products following the reaction. There is much risk involved in working with nuclear power, arguably a too great risk. One must consider both internal and external threats concerning this type of energy. The internal risks are for instance safety issues and machinery malfunctions. An example of this is the case of Chernobyl. The external risks associated with nuclear power regard the environment, where hurricanes and earthquakes might impact the safety of the facility. An example of this is the recent occurrence in Japan. Other arguments against nuclear power could be human safety and how the location of nuclear power plants may affect surrounding cities and biological habitats.

With teams focusing on these areas, the class can form good arguments, being aware of the counterarguments, and showing ethos by having substantial knowledge of the subject. This could also help the professor distinguish the participation of the students on the project.

By Emilia Gyoerk