Project Introduction
In this project, the team were separated into groups of three or four. With these groups, we had to research on five different questions relating on energy. The team were given one week to complete the research; and with this research, we would have to debate against other groups.
What I learned in this project are how to identify atoms and the periodic table. The nuclear disasters that has happened such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. I also learned the pros and cons of different energy sources.
The day we had our debate, I debated against three teams. Each team had to decide whether they would be arguing for the pro or con side. Once it was decided, we would state our reasoning to why our side is better. After that, we would have backfire questions we would ask to the other team. We would then be judged on by peers and teachers.
The five different questions were:
What I learned in this project are how to identify atoms and the periodic table. The nuclear disasters that has happened such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. I also learned the pros and cons of different energy sources.
The day we had our debate, I debated against three teams. Each team had to decide whether they would be arguing for the pro or con side. Once it was decided, we would state our reasoning to why our side is better. After that, we would have backfire questions we would ask to the other team. We would then be judged on by peers and teachers.
The five different questions were:
- Nuclear energy is a better alternative to fossil fuels.
- Does nuclear energy help solve the problem of global warming? Why or why not?
- What should be done about the current infrastructure of fossil fuel usage in our society?
- Nuclear waste can be disposed of efficiently and safely.
- Focus Point #1: Is there a location that is fair and safe to store nuclear waste? Why or why not?
- Focus Point #2: Is there a safe process of transporting and storing nuclear waste? Why or why not?
- Nuclear energy is a better alternative to hydropower, solar & wind energy.
- Focus Point #1:Do the benefits of nuclear outweigh the benefits of renewable energy?
- Focus Point #2: Are the benefits of nuclear energy higher than renewables if cost is included in the comparison?
- Nuclear energy is truly capable of powering our world indefinitely.
- Focus Point #1: What are the limitations of nuclear fission?
- Focus Point #2: Are our energy needs going to continue to be the same?
- Accidents that can happen at nuclear energy plants are acceptable risks.
- Focus Point #1: If an accident occurs, do the possible negative outcomes outweigh the benefits of nuclear energy?
- Focus Point #2: Can nuclear reactors be protected against human error, natural disasters and acts of terrorism?
CREWs
Click here to see my CREW document my group and I created.
CREW stands for, Claim Reasons Evidence and Warrant. We use the format of CREW to create an effective argument because you need to explain your side of the argument, then you need evidence to back up your statement. After that, you need to tie your evidence and claim together to create a warrant.
We used the CREW format to construct our arguments in the debate.
CREW stands for, Claim Reasons Evidence and Warrant. We use the format of CREW to create an effective argument because you need to explain your side of the argument, then you need evidence to back up your statement. After that, you need to tie your evidence and claim together to create a warrant.
We used the CREW format to construct our arguments in the debate.
Reflection
Before this project, I had no understanding of atoms, radiation, and barely any knowledge of the periodic table. Now I know that an atoms is a basic unit of a chemical element. There are three different types of radiation: Alpha, Beta, Gamma. I can identify an element on the periodic table, explain how many protons, neutrons, electrons is in an element.
What I am most proud of in this project is the research I conducted. I have a good understanding of energy sources because of the research I did.
Something that was challenging to me in this project is collaboration with my group mates. We weren't as efficient as I wanted us to be, we weren't prepared for the debates.
If I were given the chance to restart this project would be to tell my group mates to do their work and collaborate better with them.
What I am most proud of in this project is the research I conducted. I have a good understanding of energy sources because of the research I did.
Something that was challenging to me in this project is collaboration with my group mates. We weren't as efficient as I wanted us to be, we weren't prepared for the debates.
If I were given the chance to restart this project would be to tell my group mates to do their work and collaborate better with them.