7.2 Consider This:  Nuclear Power State by State

Is a nuclear power plant operating in your state? If so, what percent of your state’s electrical energy needs is furnished by nuclear power? Check the interactive map at the Nuclear Energy Institute. In addition, identify a state where more than half of the energy is produced by nuclear power.

7.10 Consider This:  Nuclear Neighbors

The Chernobyl reactor site and the land near it continue to be among the most highly radioactive places on Earth. Ukranian President Kuchma is reported to have said, "We shall continue to bear this. This is our fate." Use the Web to find out what kinds of humanitarian aid continue to be offered to the victims of Chernobyl. What cleanup tasks are required? What are the medical needs? Are there any avenues to give assistance that you personally or as a class would like to pursue?

7.11 Consider This:  Chernobyl’s Legacy

The Why? Files, a web site of the National Institute for Science Education, specializes in giving the science behind the news. Check out The Why? Files and find the news story about Chernobyl entitled "Radiation Reassessed". What happened at Chernobyl in 1986? Review the photos and read through the scenario. What are the latest reports about the survivor’s exposure to low-level radiation?

7.12 Consider This:  Nuclear Power in Russia

As this book goes to press, fewer than 30 reactors are operating in Russia, accounting for roughly 10% of the electricity produced. What is the current status of nuclear power in Russia? Use the resources of the Web to research this question. If possible, comment on any controversies over whether some reactors are now viewed as too dangerous to continue to operate.

7.14 Consider This:  Depleted Uranium

After fissionable U-235 is separated from uranium ore, "depleted uranium" is left behind. Over 700,000 metric tons of depleted UF₆ are estimated to be in storage at the Paducah site in Kentucky.

1. How is depleted UF₆ stored? Use the resources of the Web to research the issues and points of controversy. Your answer should clearly distinguish between the chemical and the nuclear properties of depleted UF₆.
2. Depleted uranium was used to construct anti-tank shells that have been used recently in several armed conflicts around the world. Explain why depleted uranium was used. Create a list of bullet points about the issues and points of controversy.

7.25 Consider This:  Yucca Mountain

Use the resources of the Web to determine the current status of Yucca Mountain as a HLW long-term repository. Are the plans stalled or moving ahead to construct a long-term repository at this site? What other options are being considered? Be sure to cite your sources.

7.30 Consider This:  Informed Citizens

1. What should you know to be an informed citizen about nuclear power plants? Make a list of questions (at least five) that would be important to ask about a specific nuclear reactor.
2. Check out the specifications of a particular reactor at the web site provided by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). Choose any reactor in the country you wish. Does the information provided answer the questions you posed? Comment on what you would like to know that you were unable to find. If others in your class selected different reactors, you may wish to compare notes.