Chernobyl - A breakdown of communication between scientists and the public: Case study designed for grades 9 - 12
Nuclear energy has not always been viewed with the caution that this useful but potentially disastrous power source deserves. In the early 1980s, especially in the U.S.S.R., citizens were led to believe that nuclear power offered the ultimate in safety, cleanliness, and reliability. As this text excerpted from Richard Rhodes' book, Nuclear Renewal and reprinted on the FRONTLINE Web site explains, such beliefs led to the complacency responsible for the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster, the worst accident of its kind in history. Grades 6-12
By tracing the movement of radiation released during an accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, students see how air pollution, like particulate matter, can become a global issue.
This film examines exposures to beta particles that are emitted from the nuclei of some heavy, unstable atoms. Major topics include health effects, exposures, and protective measures. Other educational concepts include internal radiation hazard, external radiation hazard, and shielding. This instructional film is from Kansas State University's web-based course, GENAG 711, Occupational and Agricultural Health. Copyright 2011, Mitch Ricketts.
This lesson provides an overview of the sources and potential effects of radiation exposure. Topics include the history of the United States' domestic nuclear power program, the concept of ionizing radiation, and how radiation dosage is measured.
