Yale University
Yale Environment 360: Examining the Missteps in Japan's Nuclear Crisis
An expert on nuclear energy, Michael W. Golay, provides information on the failures that led to the Fukushima nuclear power plant crisis after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. (Published March 18, 2011)
![Need: Exploring Nuclear Energy [Pdf] Handout](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Need: Exploring Nuclear Energy [Pdf] Handout")
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Need: Exploring Nuclear Energy [Pdf]
This downloadable article addresses all aspects of nuclear energy. Visual charts make understanding of cycles and concepts easier. Most useful for older students and educators. PDF (requires Adobe Reader).
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Nuclear Energy Institute
The Nuclear Energy Institute is an extensive resource for information on nuclear technology, public policy issues, careers in nuclear energy, nuclear power plants, nuclear facts, radiation in agriculture, definitions, and much more.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How Do Nuclear Power Plants Work?
M.V. Ramana and Sajan Saini detail the challenges of nuclear power.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
The National Academies: Our Energy Sources: Nuclear Energy
Nuclear fission energy accounts for a large portion of energy production worldwide. New plants will use improved technologies. There is also research underway to explore how to harness the energy produced from nuclear fusion, but this...
Other
World Nuclear Association: Three Mile Island Accident
Read about causes and effects of the meltdown that occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in 1979. Learn about the layout of the plant and the changes that have been made so another meltdown will not occur.
The Washington Post
Washington Post: Going Nuclear
Greenpeace founder Patrick Moore makes a case for nuclear power by listing the attributes as well as the considerations and dangers. April 16, 2006
National Academy of Engineering
Greatest Engineering Achievements of the Twentieth Century: Nuclear Technologies
Students learn about nuclear technologies in the 20th century. Some topics explored are splitting the atom, the Manhattan Project, and power plants. The resource includes historical information, a timeline, and a personal essay by a key...
Simon Fraser University
Chem1 Virtual Textbook: What Is a Heat Engine and Why Should You Care?
With an overview of topics related to chemical equilibrium, this site provides a foundation to a study of thermodynamics and heat engines. Other topics covered include the fall of heat, nuclear plants, and more.
Other
Teaching Social Responsibility: Teachable Moment: Japan's Nuclear Power Debate
Readings and news articles provide information on the debate over nuclear energy. In particular, the questions being raised due to the crisis in Japan after the earthquake and tsunami in March, 2011.
The Guardian
Guardian: Fukushima Nuclear Reactor Radiation at Highest Level Since Meltdown
The Japanese nuclear plant has to begin a lengthy decommissioning project. Concerns are growing over the radiation levels that have been rising since the plant's meltdown after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Physics for Kids: Nuclear Energy and Fission
Kids learn about nuclear energy and fission in the science of physics including E=mc2, power plants, uses of nuclear power, and fusion.
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Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory: Fusion Basics
A wealth of background information on nuclear fusion and its potential use as a commercial energy resource. The advantages of nuclear fusion over other resources, the conditions required for its successful implementation and the future...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Fission and Fusion
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students will investigate fission and fusion, and discover how they play a part in nuclear chain reactions in fission bombs, nuclear power plants, and radiation in...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Rolling Blackouts & Environmental Impact
The goal is for the students to understand the environmental design considerations required when generating electricity. The electric power that we use every day at home and work is generated by a variety of power plants. Power plants...
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
Seco: Environmental Pollutants From Electricity Production [Pdf]
Facts about some major environmental pollutants produced by power plants, and what consumers can do to lower the carbon footprint from their energy use.
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Time for Nukes?
The Why? Files article features the alternative energy source nuclear power and discusses the benefits and hazards of nuclear power plants. Also contains additional links for further study.
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Chernobyl Children's Project International
The heart-breaking addendum to the Chernobyl accident is that thousands of children were and are still affected by the fallout. Here are the results of an international organization that strives to help these children.