Mr. Farley
The
Introduction
The
Nuclear Fusion, the combining of light elements such as hydrogen, has the capability of producing vast amounts of energy. The raw materials for the production of this energy could be obtained from ocean water, and the byproducts would be primarily harmless helium.
Many experts believe that if fusion energy research were adequately funded, most of the world’s energy needs could be met within decades.
Task
You are the member of a special Senate committee which will study the fusion issue. Your committee will write a report and make a presentation to explain to other members without a strong science background the basics of nuclear fusion, how it could be used to meet world energy demands as well as the current hurdles that need to be overcome to make this a reality. In addition you need to explain what kind of funding it will take to make fusion energy a practical source for energy production.
Process
Your committee will consist of three students. Your presentation and report will follow the
format of the Science
Public Policy Analyst developed at
For each step, you may want to use the worksheets to help you outline your report and presentation. Both should contain six sections corresponding to the Science Public Policy Analyst above.
Resources
Princeton Plasma
Physics Lab Fusion Site
General Atomics
Fusion Education Site
Evaluation
|
Excellent 3 |
Good 2 |
Fair 1 |
Unacceptable 0 |
Score |
Research |
Your group did extensive
research from the recommended and other sites. |
Your group did research
primarily from the recommended sites. |
Your group did a minimal amount
of research from sites. |
No or very little research was
done. |
|
Citations |
At least five citations were
made from your researched sources including ones you found. |
At least three citations were
made from your researched sources including ones you found. |
At least two citations were made
from your researched sources including ones you found. |
No citations were made from your
researched sources including ones you found. |
|
Arguments |
Your group made very convincing
arguments for the policies that you have recommended |
Your group made convincing
arguments for the policies that you have recommended |
Your group made few convincing
arguments for the policies that you have recommended |
Your group made unconvincing
arguments for the policies that you have recommended |
|
Grammar/Style |
There were no significant
grammar or style errors. |
There were few significant
grammar or style errors. |
There were many significant
grammar or style errors. |
There were very many significant
grammar or style errors. |
|
Teamwork |
It was evident that all members
of the group contributed to the product |
It was evident that most members
of the group contributed to the product. |
It was evident that only one
member of the group contributed to the product. |
It was evident that the members
of the group did not contribute to the product |
|
Standards:
This Web quest meets the following NY State English and Science Standards
English:
v
E1c:
Read and comprehend informational materials.
v E2a: Produce a report of information.
v
E4b:
Analyze and subsequently revise work to improve its clarity and
effectiveness.
Science
v
S8a: Demonstrates scientific competence
by completing secondary research.
v
S7b: Argues from evidence.
v
S7e: Communications in a form suited to
the purpose and the audience.
v
S5c: Uses evidence from reliable sources
to develop descriptions, explanations, and models; and makes appropriate
adjustments and improvements.
v
S5d: Proposes, recognizes, analyzes,
considers, and critiques alternative explanations; and distinguishes between
fact and opinion.
v
S5f:
Works individually and in teams to collect and share information and
ideas.
Applied Learning
v A2b: Prepare a formal written proposal or report to an organization beyond the school.
Conclusion:
By
completing this web quest project, you will have learned the following:
1. The current problems associated with
meeting the growing need for energy in the world
2. How these problems are not only technical
but also geopolitical.
3. The basics of nuclear fusion and how it has
the potential to meet these energy needs.
4. Hurdles that have been encountered in using
nuclear fusion to make usable energy.
5. Issues involving the funding of fusion
research. Has funding prevented usable
fusion energy from becoming a reality?
Furthermore, by completing this project you
will have attained or developed the following skills:
1. Produce a report of information in a logical
sequence to improve its clarity and effectiveness.
2.
Demonstrate scientific competence by arguing from evidences gathered
through research and by effectively communicating the results in a written
report.
3. Capacity to
analyze opposing views and explanations through research and collected data in
the form of surveys; distinguish between facts and opinions to arrive at an
ultimate resolve.
4. To present your
information orally with audio visual media.
5. How to formulate
effective public policies by means of a public policy analyst.