Title: Laser Experiment Makes Step Toward Fusion Power
Date: 8 Oct. 2013
Grade: 11 - 12
Subject: Science
URL: http://www.newsy.com/videos/laser-experiment-makes-step-toward-fusion-power/
Teacher Information: This Newsy.com video can
serve as the starting point to discussions on
nuclear fusion and fission, and the potential that
fusion holds for solving our energy needs.
Discussion can also be generated around fusion
reactions as the sources of energy for stars such
as our Sun.
Laser Experiment Makes Step Toward Fusion
Power
October 8, 2013
This lesson can be completed in one 50-minute
class period and it also includes extended
activities and several links to sources on the
Web, as well as links to two eThemes resources.
by Steven Sparkman
Phase
Preparation
Watch
Re-watch
and answer
Group Work
Discussion
Task(s)
Time
Write the following terms on the board before students enter the classroom and
brainstorm to review: “Nuclear Fission,” “Fusion Reaction,” and “Igniition.”
As a class, watch the Newsy.com video Laser Experiment Makes Step Toward Fusion
Power at: http://www.newsy.com/videos/laser-experiment-makes-step-toward-fusionpower/
Re-watch the video in pairs and complete the worksheet located at the end of this
lesson plan.
Form into groups of four or five students and use the following questions to discuss
nuclear fusion:
 How does nuclear fusion differ from fission and radioactive decay?
 What are the advantages to power through nuclear fusion?
 What promises do nuclear fusion reactors hold for humankind?
 Are there any potential negative effects associated with power by nuclear
fusion? Explain your answer.
 How is nuclear fusion related to the hydrogen bomb and other thermonuclear
weaponry?
 Do you think that nuclear fusion reactors are within our grasp? Why or why
not?
Full class discussion on the topic and share ideas with the rest of the class.
Laser Experiment Makes Step Toward Fusion Power
5 min
2:08 min
12 min
20 min
10 min
Title: Laser Experiment Makes Step Toward Fusion Power
Extended Learning Activities – Optional
Parent Involvement
Research
Presentation
Report
Students can share the ideas discussed in class with their
parents. What are their parents’ thoughts on the topic?
Students can then share their parents’ opinions with the
rest of the class.
Students can research the histories of nuclear energy
from fission and fusion, noting the major landmark
events in each area.
Students can build models of how nuclear fission, fusion,
and radioactive decay work and incorporate them in a
presentation to the class.
Using reliable sources from the Web, students can
gather information on the workings of fission and fusion
reactions and/or reactors and report their findings to the
rest of the class.
varies
varies
varies
varies
Looking for related resources? Check out…
World Nuclear Association
This site includes information on the basics of nuclear fusion and fusion reactor projects from around the world.
http://world-nuclear.org/info/Current-and-Future-Generation/Nuclear-Fusion-Power/#.UlWPulCThnQ
How Stuff Works
Learn about how nuclear fusion reactors work and about the different types of fusion reactors on this site. Includes
diagrams of fusion reactions.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/fusion-reactor.htm
BBC News
This is the original news story about the unprecedented fusion reaction at the National Ignition Facility at
Livermore Laboratory.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24429621
National Ignition Facility
This is the official website of the National Ignition Facility.
https://lasers.llnl.gov/
FusEdWeb: Fusion Energy Education
This U.S. Government website includes information on how fusion powers stars and galaxies, and how the power
of the stars can be used here on earth.
http://fusedweb.pppl.gov/
Laser Experiment Makes Step Toward Fusion Power
Energy: Renewable and Non-Renewable | eThemes | eMINTS (grades 7 – 12)
These websites are about energy resources, but renewable and non-renewable. You can find information on fossil
fuels, solar power, wind power, geothermal energy, hydroelectricity, biomass energy, fuel cells, and nuclear
power. There are statistics, experiments, videos, interviews with scientists, and lesson plans.
http://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/1405
Energy: Renewable and Non-Renewable: Graphic Approach (grades 4 – 12)
These sites deal with energy in many forms, both renewable and non-renewable. Learn about hydroelectric power,
fossil fuels, nuclear power, wave power, fuel cells, solar power, geothermal, wind power, and biomass. Students
can view many photographs on energy. NOTE: Many of the sites require that Shockwave Flash be installed on . . .
http://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/1269
Laser Experiment Makes Step Toward Fusion Power