Nuclear energy debate: pros and cons
Role play about the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy
Every day we rely on the use of mains electricity, from lighting our homes, to charging up our mobile smartphones, to powering the latest games console. All the electrical energy that we use must be generated and nuclear fuel is increasingly being used as a means of achieving this. It can however be a controversial choice.
As we rely so heavily on electrical energy in our lives, it's crucial for students to understand the processes and implications of its generation. Our role play activity will engage the whole classroom through debate, where participants will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of generating electrical energy using nuclear fuel.
This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within engineering and design and technology (DT).
Activity: Role play about the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy
In this activity, learners learn about nuclear energy and then assume various roles to discuss and debate a proposal to construct a new nuclear power station in their local area.
Learners will review how nuclear power is generated and then weigh its pros and cons. By executing a group role play, students will gain a deeper understanding of the topic. The activity concludes with class feedback, where learners justify their decisions, promoting reflective thinking.
Download our activity overview and presentation for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students about nuclear energy.
The engineering context
Engineering is all about problem-solving and making informed decisions. By debating the construction of a new nuclear power station, students will get a glimpse into the challenges engineers face daily. This activity will inspire them to think like engineers, weighing the pros and cons before making decisions that impact society.
Suggested learning outcomes
This activity is designed to help students grasp how electrical energy is generated from nuclear fuel and comprehend both the benefits and drawbacks of this method.
Furthermore, it encourages learners to apply their knowledge to real-world situations, enhancing their understanding of the issues surrounding electrical energy generation.
Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
You can download our classroom lesson plan and our PowerPoint presentation.
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