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Classroom Challenge Revisiting the Nuclear Power Option By Harry T. Roman When citizens do not understand what a technology is or what it can do, there is sometimes a deep-seated fear about it. Technologies can be “hot buttons” for controversy, especially if it has anything to do with nuclear energy. Undoubtedly, nuclear power plants generate a significant portion of our nation’s electricity, and to shut them down would impose severe shocks to the economy and our electricity bills. Such plants do have some very important benefits such as no greenhouse gas emissions, no use of petroleum fuels, and no dependence on foreign sources for fuel supply. But in the heat of philosophical battle, opposing sides don’t always hear each other or listen without bias. If there is anything that will impact how technology is accepted, it is likely to be the public’s preconceived notions and how the popular press in all its forms (print, TV, radio) influences their opinions. It is often many times more powerful than any technological fix that scientists or engineers can apply. The challenge for your class here is to revisit this controversial power-generation option and develop ideas for reinvigorating this technology. Getting Started The first order of business is to understand how nuclear power plants operate as well as what leads to the everpresent controversy surrounding them. How old is this technology? Where are the plants located? What has been their performance record? What are the concerns about these plants today, and how is that different from other types of power-generation technologies? 30 • The Technology Teacher • April 2009
• How much people really understand about how nuclear plants work. • What sources of information they have read to arrive at their conclusions. • What things trouble them the most about nuclear plants. • If they are willing to listen to new nuclear power ideas. Here students can talk to their parents, other teachers, extended family, and friends to develop an appreciation about how people view this technology. France obtains close to 70% of its electricity from nuclear power plants. Germany, Japan, England, Spain, and Canada also use nuclear power. What are their opinions of the technology? Why is France so comfortable with the technology? Are some other countries moving away from it and why? We have had nuclear-powered ships for over 50 years, so what’s all the fuss about nuclear power on land? If there is anything that will impact how technology is accepted, it is likely to be the public’s preconceived notions and how the popular press…influences their opinions. Information abounds about this topic, so finding references should not be a problem; but it is important that students read both the pro and con side of the arguments. Balance of perspective is essential if students are to make meaningful suggestions about how to “rebirth” the technology. You will find there are major points of contention about: • Plant safety • Radioactive leaks • Cost of the plants • Storage and transportation of spent fuel • Possible attack by terrorists • Useful lifetime of the plants • Aging plants • Fuel recycling There are also new ideas being talked about for radically different nuclear power plants, inherently safer and less prone to leaks. This is food for new ideas about transitioning the existing technology to something perhaps more acceptable. When citizens do not understand what a technology is or what it can do, there is sometimes a deep-seated fear about it. Nuclear power is no exception. Have the students ask around about what people know and fear about nuclear power and why. Try to have the students be very specific about how they ask questions and dig deeply to determine: You will find there are major points of contention about plant safety. 31 • The Technology Teacher • April 2009
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