Nuclear Power Plant Virtual Field Trip LabSite 1: Let’s Learn the Basics at https://www.learnwithrichie.com/ks3/about-

nuclear-energy1. List the steps of creating electricity using a steam turbine.

1)______________________________________________________________________________

2)______________________________________________________________________________

3) _____________________________________________________________________________

4) _____________________________________________________________________________

2. Read the “What is nuclear fission?” section to find the answer: What is a chain reaction?

3. Why is uranium good in making electricity? (2 reasons)

1)______________________________________________________________________________

2)______________________________________________________________________________

Did you know: A uranium pellet the size of a _________________________ provides as much

energy as a ______________________ of coalSite 2: Let’s Tour a Plant at http://www.energytrendsinsider.com/2010/07/01/a-

tour-inside-vermont-yankee-nuclear-power-plant/ (Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant)

4. List three examples of security measures that exists in nuclear power plants?

Nuclear Energy through a Virtual Field Trip Lesson—Virtual Field Trip Handout 1

a)______________________________________________________________________________

b)______________________________________________________________________________

c)______________________________________________________________________________

5. List three examples of safety measures for visitors to a nuclear power plant.

a)______________________________________________________________________________

b)______________________________________________________________________________

c)______________________________________________________________________________

6. What is a scheduled outage period?

7. Define: spent fuel pool

8. How long will the materials in dry storage be radioactive?

Nuclear Energy through a Virtual Field Trip Lesson—Virtual Field Trip Handout 2

9. How many gallons of water does the plant use every minute? _____________________________

10. What is the average temperature in the reactor building? ________________________________

Site 3: Let’s Identify Some Major Concepts at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power_plant and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power

11. Define: containment

12. Identify some debate issues surrounding nuclear power: pros and cons. List three for each

PRO CON

Site 4: Use Chrome: http://www.dalton.manchester.ac.uk/connect/learn/nrs/

Click on Take a Tour. Fill in the blanks with the parts of the nuclear plant

13. Instead of using fossil fuels to heat water, the PWR uses _____________________________________

Nuclear Energy through a Virtual Field Trip Lesson—Virtual Field Trip Handout 3

14. Unlike burning fossil fuels, nuclear fission releases absolutely no ________________ or any other

__________________________________ gases.15. This is where the fission reaction happens: _______________________________________________

16. These control the chain reaction by absorbing neutrons: _____________________________________

17. This is water that is pumped to the reactor core and around the nuclear reactor:

_____________________________________

18. This is a large, steel cylinder that holds the reactor core: ______________________________________

19. These move the coolant around the primary circuit: _________________________________________

20. This keeps the coolant at very high pressure so it won’t boil: __________________________________

21. This is the tallest part of the reactor where the hot coolant runs through tubes surrounded by another circuit of water:

____________________________________________________________22. The steam flows through this part making them turn. ________________________________________

23. The spinning turbines turn mechanical energy into electrical energy in this part:

_____________________________________

24. It is here where the steam is cooled so it turns into water: _____________________________________

25. Play the game for one day. Record your score: _____________________

Nuclear Energy through a Virtual Field Trip Lesson—Virtual Field Trip Handout 4

Site 5: Label the parts of the nuclear power plant: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-power2.htm

Nuclear Energy through a Virtual Field Trip Lesson—Virtual Field Trip Handout 5

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