Provided by: Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell |Published on: April 27, 2021
Videos
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Synopsis
This video shows the benefits and disadvantages of using nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels. Nuclear power plants produce low emission electricity and can help eliminate the reliance on fossil fuels until better renewable energy solutions are in place.
Students will learn that many nuclear power plants in the Western world are old and have fallen into disrepair. Countries that invest in new nuclear technology build better nuclear power plants for a lower cost.
The colorful animation and easy-to-understand narration will keep students engaged.
The video shows how different countries use nuclear power.
Additional Prerequisites
The video content ends at 9:03. The rest of the video is an advertisement.
The latter part of the video opines that using nuclear energy is a good thing to do.
Differentiation
Social studies or civics classes could discuss policies, public service campaigns, incentives, or other methods for investing in clean energy.
Science and engineering classes could identify a nuclear power plant in the United States using this energy infrastructure map and research when the plant was built, how it is being maintained, and how much energy the plant produces. Students could then research newer nuclear plants and compare the statistics.
Other resources on this topic include this interactive data tool that shows which countries use nuclear energy, this video on how nuclear energy works, and this Vox video on why nuclear power plants are shutting down.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.