The power plant creates a large amount of energy, which is incredibly important and useful. However, what is more ‘powerful’ is the harm this process creates for the environment and our people. The way our group sees it, is that with so many other safer, and cleaner potential sources of energy these plants are not worth the risk. Therefore, when we think about teaching about the topic, we keep in mind the critical attributes and pairing informational knowledge with procedural knowledge to provide students with an accurate concept that will help them form an opinion and act in society accordingly…
Critical Attributes:
1. Nuclear power puts carbon emissions in the air
-"Fossil fuel-based electricity is projected to account for more than 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2020," said Deutch. "In the U.S. 90% of the carbon emissions from electricity generation come from coal-fired generation, even though this accounts for only 52% of the electricity produced. Taking nuclear power off the table as a viable alternative will prevent the global community from achieving long-term gains in the control of carbon dioxide emissions." (Massachusetts Institute of Technology study).
2. Nuclear Power is extremely expensive
-Starting a new nuclear facility can cost billions of dollars and have pricey repairs and can make for dangerous situations for employees.
3. Nuclear power contaminates water supplies
-Reports of radioactive substances being released to nearby bodies of water is frequent in our country. Even mining the materials used in nuclear plants can run risk of water contamination. Substances such as titanium and uranium used in nuclear plants are mined everyday. This causes a hazard to our drinking water and the environment as a whole.
4. Nuclear power does not reduce our dependency on foreign oil in the Middle East
-A common misconception is that nuclear power plants will lower the need for oil in the United States, because of the large quantities of electricity power plants produce. This simply is not true considering power plants produce only electricity and not fossil fuel. Gas consumption continues to rise because many Americans use gasoline for their automobiles.
5. Viable sources for "clean energy" already exist
-We already hold the technology necessary to make a collaborative effort to change the way we receive our energy. Our country as a whole remains too dependent on foreign oil. Unfortunately this change is happening slowly because it takes people a long time to change their ways.
Informational knowledge:
-Nuclear power contributes only 20-22% of our electricity; yet studies have shown that in the U.S. we waste or inefficiently use between 25% - 44% of all electricity generated!
-Three separate studies done by government and private firms since 1982 have shown that the U.S. has the potential to conserve the electrical equivalent of between 145 to 210 nuclear power plants! Only 108 are currently in operation.
-The nuclear industry claims that nuclear-generated electricity costs 11õ/kilowatt-hour (kwh); electricity from the newest nuclear plants costs 15-25õ/kwh.
-It takes from 7 to 12 years to build a nuclear power plant. Yet, conservation and efficiency programs cost between 0.5-4.0õ/kwh, and can be implemented in between 6 months to 2 years.
-A 1990 report done by the internationally respected Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), indicated that, "Use of energy-saving technologies would result in a saving [by the year 2000]...of 24 to 44% of electric consumption." Using less energy does not mean "hardship;" it represents "wisdom." The Japanese, Germans, and Swedes enjoy the same standard of living as we do in the United States -- yet use 40% to 60% less energy than we use!
Procedural Knowledge:
This issue is more important than just the simple facts. Sure, energy is made from power plants. What we need to keep in mind is the procedure – the bigger picture – and how all of these components fit together to form one significant process. In this case the process is pollution. The valuable knowledge is knowing how the simple facts of energy gained by power plants and then causing pollution creates a negative cycle for society that effects the health of current and future generations. Understanding the magnitude of this issue is most important; which can only be achieved by knowing procedural knowledge with informational.
When we teach this content to students, it is important to keep in mind both these critical attributes; the procedural knowledge necessary to give students an accurate, holistic picture of what power plants are and what they do. This method of teaching provides them with more of the skills necessary in helping them mature into affective citizens.
1. Nuclear power is not an efficient energy source and is harmful to our environment.
2. Recognize that we as a country are too dependent on this source of electricity and there are more efficient (cleaner) ways to accomplish this task.
3. Join an organization to help:
We are currently thinking how we can help at a local level. We expect to make contact with organizations such as HealthLink to better educate ourselves about the plan for local power plants and jump on board with those advocating for healthier environments while power plants still remain open. We would also like to join forces with any of the following to be a small part of the bigger movement…
-Greenpeace International:
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/nuclear/
-Friends of Earth:
http://www.foe.org/energy/dont-buy-nuclear-lie
-Nuclear Information & Resource Service:
http://www.nirs.org/climate/background/cdmnukesnirsbackground.htm
What we're doing...
Brad- I signed a letter that was sent to the senate against nuclear energy. You can see the petition here: https://secure2.convio.net/sierra/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=5917&s_src=611CSCHP01. It was rather interesting signing and sending this. It create a deep sense of ownership over this issue. However small, I feel as though I have become a part of a movement for a safer, cleaner, and an overall better world to live in. This was a powerful experience in a small way. I am excited to do more, to make change for the better.
Kyle - I signed the same petition as Brad as a way to take part in what we believe is a serious, important issue. At this point, anyone who is aware of the negative effects of power plants should be doing anything, if not everything, they can to motivate politicians to make changes that will better our society. I do not want to raise my kids in such a polluted environment. If my signature helps make changes for the better, I'm more than willing to sign.
Ashley - I also signed the petition that Brad and Kyle posted. When signing something like a petition of that nature, it is difficult to not feel sort of pointless and ineffective. However, I think of my interview with the Salem mother who admitted to being fortunate of those who were more active in the cause. Where would we be if everyone felt like their signature could not make the difference necessary? My name may not cause change, but combined with the efforts of others, perhaps we can. I'm looking forward to jumping into our service project and getting more active. It is always fulfilling to know you're a part of your own cause and the cause of others to help better the society we live in ...and the air we're breathing.
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