This is a Clilstore unit. You can .
ELECTRICAL AND NUCLEAR ENERGY
Timing
Taking into account that that clilstore we are going to develop in 2 hours. By this time, students already know concepts such as electrical energy, nuclear energy , biomass, solar energy geothermal energy, and others that will be reinforced in this topic. This is important because they will learn different ways of energy and different aspects of the Power energy. Having as a basis my planning, this unit will be developed in in two sesions of 50 minutes each one.
What is energy? What are its forms ?
We use energy to power our buildings, electronics, transportation systems, and even our own bodies. Energy is the ability to do work, which happens when things are moving. Every time we feel heat, see light, hear sound, or make something change or move, energy is responsible. Energy makes possible everything that happens.
Energy can take on many different forms that scientists group into categories:
form of energy |
examples of form |
mechanical |
water rushing through a dam |
radiant |
sunlight |
sound |
your voice, which causes air molecules to vibrate |
chemical |
stored in batteries, fossil fuels, and food we eat |
thermal or heat |
hot steam that escapes from a boiling pot |
electrical |
static that makes your hair stand on end on a dry day |
nuclear |
used in some power plants and weapons |
be transformed into radiant energy in a light bulb, some of whose energy is lost as heat, or thermal, energy. Although it cannot be created or estroyed, energy can be stored for later, moved somewhere else, or changed into a different form.
All forms of energy can be either potential (stored) energy, or kinetic (moving) energy. Potential energy is ready to do work, whereas kinetic energy is actually doing work. Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy during the process of work being done. This conversion from potential energy to kinetic energy can occur in a variety of ways, depending on the form of energy we are using. For example, it could happen as an object falls from a height, bonds between atoms are broken, or a compressed spring expands.
WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF ENERGY?
Energy comes from many places. Commonly used energy resources include:
source of energy |
description of source |
fossil fuels |
coal, oil (petroleum), natural gas, and propane |
biomass |
plant material that is burned for its energy |
geothermal energy |
comes from the heat within the earth |
hydropower |
generated by moving water |
wind |
wind turns rotating machines, called turbines, to change the wind’s kinetic energy into electrical energy |
nuclear energy |
produced when the nuclei (center) of atoms split apart (fission) or fuse together (fusion) |
solar energy |
radiant energy of the Sun, often turned into electrical energy with the help of solar cells |
Brainstorming activity: The teacher asks the students what they know about electrical energy and how they can use it in their homes. Then the teacher explanis to children what electrical and nuclear energy are and the way they can use both of them in their daily lives. (15’)
The children will have to investigate NUCLEAR ENERGY on the following videos and answer the questions: (40’)
videos are located at the end of the page.
Activities
1.- What things use electrical energy? Make a circle.
an aeroplane a computer a fireplace a car a gas stove
a refrigerator a radio a T.V. a bike.
2.- Write true or false:
__ Nuclear energy is used in nuclear power stations to generate coal.
__ One of the laws of universe is that matter can be created and destroyed.
__ Matter can be changed into energy
__ For the ancient Greeks the smallest part of nature is an atom.
__ Atoms are made of a nucleus of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.
__ Albert Einstein explained that matter could be changed into energy.
3.-Brainstorm with students some of the opportunities and challenges they see for using nuclear energy as an energy source. After
the class has come up with a list, then read the Advantages and Challenges of Nuclear Energy section of the informational text.
Discuss both lists. Are there some items that are more important or meaningful than others? Why? What would you need to take into
consideration if you were to decide whether or not a new nuclear plant should be built?
3.- Assign pairs or small groups of students different roles to take. Explain to students that a Combined Construction Permit and Operating
License is one of the first steps to building a new nuclear power plant. In this stage, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is open to hearing
information on three issues: environmental protection, plant safety, and emergency procedures. In this mock hearing, economic issues will
also be discussed.
Short url: https://multidict.net/cs/3792