Nuclear Fission

Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Physics

Provided by Cognito

What it is

This video from Cognito explains the basics of nuclear fission and presents the pros and cons of producing energy with nuclear reactors.
Students will learn about chain reactions and how they can be controlled within a nuclear reactor.

Positives

The slow pacing of this video will help students to grasp the material without feeling rushed.
Simple illustrations make the video very easy to follow.

Prerequisites

This video begins with an advertisement.
The video refers to "a nuclei" (0:10), which ought to be "a nucleus" since nuclei is the plural form of nucleus.
Students should be familiar with the terms nuclei, neutron, and turbine.

Differentiation & Implementation

Physics classes can learn more about nuclear energy by listening to this podcast episode and watching this video.
Social studies, economics, or science classes can use this resource from Our World in Data to see how nuclear energy usage compares to fossil fuels and renewable energy. As an extension, students could compare the three types of energy based on cost, ease of production, and impact on the environment.
History classes can use this video to discuss the discovery of and subsequent uses for nuclear fission.
Other resources on this topic include this video on nuclear fission and this interactive map that shows where in the world nuclear energy is being produced.

This resource introduces nuclear fission, its chain reaction, and its impact on the environment and public health. This is recommended for teaching.

Hosted on youtube.com

Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.

Standards alignment · CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.2 + 3 more

Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.2Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

HS-PS1-8.Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
HS-ETS1-1.Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
HS-ETS1-3.Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.