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C.6A: Atomic Theory Atomic Structure and Nuclear Chemistry

The Problem

On April 16, 1986, at 1:23 a.m., Chernobyl’s reactor # 4 exploded, resulting in the worst nuclear disaster the world has ever known. The explosion spewed a cloud of radiation over much of the Northern Hemisphere, forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes in heavily hit areas of Ukraine, Belarus, and Western Russia.

Initially, the Soviet government failed to tell the public what had happened, and it ignored the urgent need to evacuate nearby residents. The government also failed to teach residents and cleanup workers how to protect themselves against radiation, which increased the risks of injuries and illnesses significantly. In response to the disaster, the government quickly built a shelter, named the Sarcophagus, to cover the damaged rector. The Sarcophagus has been crumbling and leaking radiation in recent years.

During a ceremony to commemorate the 26th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, the Ukrainian President, Viktor Yanukovych, announced plans for the assembly of a gigantic arch-shaped steel containment building that will cover the remnants of the exploded rector. The structure, weighing 20,000 tons and large enough to house New York’s Statue of Liberty, is due to be completed in 2015. Meanwhile, despite the Chernobyl disaster, Russia is continuing with its plans to build the former Soviet Republic’s first nuclear power station in the town of Ostrovets, near the Lithuanian border. The town’s citizens strongly oppose these plans.

Mission Deliverable

Your mission is to develop a speech that convinces the citizens of Ostrovets that the former Soviet Republic’s first nuclear station will be safe. Many of these citizens remember the Chernobyl disaster and are very concerned that this incident could happen again. Your speech should reflect a balanced view of both the citizens’ and the government’s needs and concerns.

Guiding Questions

1.  Are nuclear technologies really safe?

2.  What role should the government play in protecting citizens from nuclear disasters?

Key Concepts Addressed

The concepts of the atom and the nature of matter originated with Greek philosophers more than 2,000 years ago. These ideas, though not scientifically tested, formed the basis for later scientists to build upon and develop modern atomic theory.

Remembering Chernobyl

Performance Goals: College and Career Readiness

Cross-Disciplinary Standards

I. Key Cognitive Skills A.  Intellectual Curiosity

1.  Engage in scholarly inquiry and dialogue. a.  Identify what is known, not known,

and what one wants to know in a problem.

b.  Cite examples or illustrations in which a clear-cut answer cannot be reached.

B. Problem Solving 1.  Analyze a situation to identify a problem

to be solved. a. Apply previously learned knowledge

to new situations.

II. Foundation Skills A. Research Across The Curriculum

1. Synthesize and Organize Information Effectively. a. Use well-organized strategies to

collect and organize information gathered.

2. Design and present an effective product. a.  Design the best order for presenting

major and minor points.

Getting Started Videos

Awesome Stories.Com: “Chernobyl Nuclear Accident”

http://www.awesomestories.com/assets/chernobyl-nuclear-accident-people-of-chernobyl1

Internet Resources

World Nuclear Association: “Chernobyl Accident 1986”

http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/chernobyl/inf07.html

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission: “Backgrounder on Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident”

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/chernobyl-bg.html

Frontline: “Chernobyl”

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/reaction/readings/chernobyl.html

International Atomic Energy Association: “Chernobyl: 25 Years, 25 Stories”

http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/focus/chernobyl/

Remembering Chernobyl

C.6A: Atomic Theory Atomic Structure and Nuclear Chemistry

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Remembering Chernobyl Student Checklist

Task Resources Due Date Status

1.  Build your background knowledge of the problem by viewing the “Getting Started Video” and “Internet Resources” on page 2.

1.  PC or Mac Computer 2.  Internet

☐ Complete ☐ Not Complete

2.  Conduct Internet research to learn about the following topics: a.  Nuclear power plants around the

world b.  How nuclear power plants work c.  The advantages and disadvantages of

nuclear energy d.  The cause(s) of nuclear accidents e.  How to prepare for a nuclear accident f.  Alternatives to nuclear energy

1.  PC or Mac Computer 2.  Internet

☐ Complete ☐ Not Complete

3.  Produce the first draft of your “Nuclear Safety” speech. Your speech should the reflect the following elements: a.  Content: Addresses all of the research

that you collected in Tasks #1 and #2 b.  Balanced View: Should reflect a

balanced view of both the citizens’ and the government’s needs and concerns

c.  Action-oriented: Prompts listeners to take immediate, sustainable actions towards the preparation for a “potential” nuclear accident

1.  PC or Mac Computer 2.  Internet 3.  Word Processing

Software Application

☐ Complete ☐ Not Complete

4.  Proof and edit the first draft of your “Nuclear Safety” speech.

1.  PC or Mac Computer 2.  First Draft of the

“Nuclear Safety” Speech

☐ Complete ☐ Not Complete

5.  Deliver your speech to your classmates and teacher. You can also submit a copy of your speech to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

1.  Final draft of the “Nuclear Safety” Speech

2.  Laser Printer

☐ Complete ☐ Not Complete

Final Due Date:

C.6A: Atomic Theory Atomic Structure and Nuclear Chemistry

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Category Exceeds

Expectations 3 points

Meets Expectations

2 points

Below Expectations

1 point SCORE

Teacher Comments

Content Mastery

Included detail on all components and

SCOPE Key Concepts.

Included some detail on most

components and SCOPE Key Concepts.

Included little to no detail on

components and SCOPE Key Concepts.

Application of Content

Student correctly supported all

SCOPE content AND goals.

Student correctly supported most SCOPE content

AND goals.

Student did not support SCOPE content AND

goals.

Research All information is accurate and is

taken from at least four sources.

Most information is accurate and is taken from 2-3

sources.

Little to no information is accurate and is

taken from one to no sources.

Presentation

Final product is attractive, all

components are easily identified,

and the student can clearly dialogue

about the project.

Final product is somewhat

attractive, most components are

easily identifiable, and the student can somewhat dialogue about the project.

Final product is not presented well, components are

difficult to identify, and the student cannot clearly

dialogue about the project.

TOTAL SCORE:

Rubric and Grade Sheet Remembering Chernobyl

C.6A: Atomic Theory Atomic Structure and Nuclear Chemistry

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