A Debate on the Pros and Cons of Generating Nuclear Power
This is the question that we want you to answer.
In this unit, you have started to build an understanding of radiation and nuclear energy. We have seen how humans have utilized (and have failed to utilize) this energy, and how the discovery of radioactive substances has made an impact on the human race. The control of this energy is one of the most influential and controversial topics that exist in society today.
You will be doing research on Nuclear Energy, specifically about the pros and cons of using nuclear energy. You will be responsible for researching information that could support EITHER SIDE of this argument. Thus, you will need to be an expert on both sides of this issue!
We will hold a class discussion/debate where you will be graded on three aspects:
1.
Your research on both sides of the nuclear energy debate.
2.
Your participation and presentation of this information in a structured debate format.
3.
A written response that reflects your own personal opinion on the use of nuclear energy.
Important dates to remember:
 May 13B/14A – Learning how to find credible sources. Find sources for 18B/19A!
 May 18B/19A – Using NoodleBib to cite sources.
 May 20B/21A – In class research day. Use your time wisely!
Included in this debate packet:
 Research Outline o This is where you will prepare your debate. You are responsible for BOTH sides of the issue.
 Debate Outline o You will give your own personal position on nuclear energy. This will be turned in on the day of the debate.
Brainstorm!
In the space below, brainstorm and write down ANY ideas that you have about Nuclear Energy. You will then share your ideas with the class and your teacher. Here are some things for you to think about:
 What is nuclear energy?
 Where is nuclear energy processed?
 What would nuclear energy be used for?
 What are the risks or rewards to using nuclear energy?

Using the spaces below, find evidence that both supports (PRO) and opposes (CON) the use of nuclear energy, based on the following aspects.
PROS
ASPECTS to consider
CONS
Human Health and Safety
Monetary Cost
Environmental
Impacts
Storage of
Waste
Other

Thesis statement: Nuclear power (should/should not) be used as a primary energy source in the United States.
2 pts
2 pts
2 pts
Name_____________________________ Hr______
Outline for Nuclear Power Debate
Supporting opinion #1______________________________________________________________
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Supporting opinion #2______________________________________________________________
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Supporting opinion #3______________________________________________________________
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Topic Sentence for supporting Opinion #1: ________________________________________________________
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3 pts
3 pts
Detailed proof for opinion #1: _______________________________________________
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Detailed proof for opinion #1: _______________________________________________
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Source:
(# corresponds to NoodleBib)
2 pts
Source:
(# corresponds to NoodleBib)
2 pts
Source:
(# corresponds to NoodleBib)
3 pts
Detailed proof for opinion #1: _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________
2 pts
Topic Sentence for supporting Opinion #2: ________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Source:
(# corresponds to NoodleBib)
3 pts
Detailed proof for opinion #2: _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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3 pts
Detailed proof for opinion #2: _______________________________________________
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Detailed proof for opinion #2: _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________
2 pts
Source:
(# corresponds to NoodleBib)
2 pts
Source:
(# corresponds to NoodleBib)

3 pts _______________________________________________________________________ 2 pts
Topic Sentence for supporting Opinion #3: ________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
3 pts
Detailed proof for opinion #3: _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________
Source:
(# corresponds to NoodleBib)
3 pts
3 pts
Detailed proof for opinion #3: _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________
Detailed proof for opinion #3: _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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2 pts
Source:
(# corresponds to NoodleBib)
2 pts
Source:
(# corresponds to NoodleBib)
2 pts
Total points for outline= 51

Quality of
Comments
5
Timely and appropriate comments, thoughtful and reflective, responds respectfully to other student's remarks, provokes questions and comments from the group
4
Volunteers comments, most are appropriate and reflect some thoughtfulness, leads to other questions or remarks from student and/or others
3
Volunteers comments but lacks depth, may or may not lead to other questions from students
2 1
Struggles but participates, occasionally offers a comment when directly questioned, may simply restate questions or points previously raised, may add nothing new to the discussion or provoke no responses or question
Does not participate and/or only makes negative or disruptive remarks, comments are inappropriate or off topic
Has not read the entire text and cannot sustain any reference to it in the course of discussion
Unable to refer to text for evidence or support of remarks
Resource/Document
Reference
Clear reference to text being discussed and connects to it to other text or reference points from previous readings and discussions
Active Listening
Posture, demeanor and behavior clearly demonstrate respect and attentiveness to others
Has done the reading with some thoroughness, may lack some detail or critical insight
Listens to others most of the time, does not stay focused on other's comments (too busy formulating own) or loses continuity of discussion. Shows consistency in responding to the comments of others
Has done the reading; lacks thoroughness of understanding or insight
Listens to others some of the time, does not stay focused on other's comments (too busy formulating own) or loses continuity of discussion. Shows some consistency in responding to the comments of others
Drifts in and out of discussion, listening to some remarks while clearly missing or ignoring others
Disrespectful of others when they are speaking; behavior indicates total noninvolvement with group or discussion