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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