Nuclear Power Safety

Introduction

The Problem

For Students

Resources

For Teachers

Nuclear power plants can be found in 29 countries throughout the world. The United States has 104 plants that provide 20% of the nation's electricity. Nuclear power as an energy resource was thought to be the best solution to declining fossil fuels in the 1960's and early 70's but environmental issues halted the production of new plants and closed many others.

The debate over environmental and safety issues that started in the late 1970's continues today. As long as nuclear reactors produce energy, there will be safety concerns. Today the problem of declining fuel resources still exists and there is renewed interest in nuclear power as an energy source. Several companies that provide electrical power are in the process of seeking permission to build new reactors.

This website is designed for students of Environmental Science to explore the issue of safety and nuclear power. This is a problem based learning environment where students will work in small groups to seek solutions to the presented problem. Students should start by reading the problem and then explore the students page to get tips and guidelines for working in an problem solving group and requirements for this course. The teachers page offers tips and guidelines for teachers in this environment.