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...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Nuclear Power
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How energy can be generated through nuclear reactions.
Other
Dickinson College: Three Mile Island Emergency
Here you can learn general information about the nuclear accident that occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in March of 1979 while also viewing an extensive collection of primary source documents, audio recordings,...
Other
Nuclear Control Institute: The Plutonium Threat
This article focuses on the potential hazards associated with the element plutonium.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
The Forties: War and Peace
Describes the design of the first nuclear reactor by Enrico Fermi and his successful development of a self-ustaining nuclear chain reaction. Describes the evolution of the Manhattan Project and their race to develop the first atomic...
Society for Science and the Public
Science News for Students: Quake Leaves Destruction, Fear
Discusses the triple disaster that hit Japan on March 11, 2011, with first an earthquake, then a tsunami, followed by the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Explains some of the basic science behind nuclear fission.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Berkeley Lab: Nuclear Fission Energy
Resource explains and illustrates nuclear fission energy.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Berkeley Lab: Nuclear Fusion Power
Provides a brief explanation of nuclear fusion power which offers the promise of an almost inexhaustible source of energy for future generations if the reactors can be made to work.
Simon Fraser University
Chem1 Virtual Textbook: Effective Nuclear Charge
Acting as a subtopic of the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook's section on Atoms and the Periodic Table, this site discusses the core charge of the atom, otherwise termed the nuclear charge.
Other
The Chernobyl Nuclear Accident and It's Ramifications
An excellent series of reference papers on the worst nuclear accident we have had. Maps and a photo gallery are also provided.
State University of New York
State University of New York: Effective Nuclear Charge, Z*
The following simulation provides an explanation of effective nulcear charge, Z*.
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Plutonium
Information about the element, Plutonium, atomic number 94. Covers physical properties, atomic properties, how abundant it is on the Earth, and details about health-related regulations. Discusses reactor- and weapons-grade plutonium, and...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Melt Down at Three Mile Island
Learn about what happened at Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Facility in March of 1979 with this PBS site. A teacher's guide is available.
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Thorium
Information about the element, Thorium, atomic number 90. Covers physical properties, atomic properties, how abundant it is on the Earth, where it is found, and details about health-related regulations. Discusses thorium's potential use...
Other
U.s. Nrc: Backgrounder on the Three Mile Island Accident
plant diagram, summary of events, glossary, health effects, impact of accident, current status, background information
PBS
Pbs American Experience: Race for the Superbomb
This site explores the Cold War race to develop the hydrogen bomb, a weapon that would change the world. Content details all the people who were involved in the race for the H-Bomb, as well as notable events during this time period....
Other
Nrc: Unit 5 Transportation of Radioactive Materials
A lesson plan to demonstrate the process of transporting radioactive materials and wastes. Includes a Q&A section.
Other
Nrc: Unit 4 Radioactive Waste
A lesson plan and activity to demonstrate the production, handling, and disposal of radioactive wastes.
Other
Us Department of Energy: The Manhattan Project
In a short two paragraph entry, the general history of the Manhattan Project is described. There are two links to picture of nuclear reactor and nuclear fuel.
Physics4kids
Physics4 Kids: Modern Physics: Creating Usable Energy
Explains basic information about creating nuclear power. This site includes a video which gives a tour of an advanced reactor.
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.
BBC
Bbc: Un Approves North Korean Mission
A July 9, 2007 news report detailing the United Nations approval for the return of UN nuclear inspectors to North Korea to observe the closing of a controversial North Korean reactor.
Curated OER
Wikipedia: Natl Historic Landmarks in Idaho: Experimental Breeder Reactor No.1
This pioneering nuclear reactor was the site of several milestones in the development of nuclear technology, including the first usable electricity (1951), the first self-sustaining chain reaction using plutonium rather than uranium...
PBS
Pbs Nova: Dirty Bomb: Sources of Radiation
In this interactive, learn about sources of both beneficial and harmful radiation which exist in many forms all around us.