georgiapower.com/learningpower

Teacher’s Guide

1402051

Hello, Teachers!

Georgia Power is extremely excited to further our partnership with your school by providing energy education initiatives created to enhance students’ learn-ing experience in your classroom. We look forward to working with you and your students.

In the Learning Power program – featuring Dr. E – we will deliver energy efficiency messages through “in-class field trips,” using hands-on activities and Web-based learning. We hope to extend the partnership with your school through educational and career awareness events such as science nights and career fairs.

We worked with the State Board of Education, educators and stakeholders to develop a curriculum aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards, or Common Core Georgia Performance Standards. Activities will expose students to the concept and importance of energy efficiency.

Our Energy Efficiency Education Coordinators will focus on:• Teaching science, technology, engineering, and

math (STEM) subjects in Georgia schools.• Encouraging students to teach and model energy

efficiency and conservation practices at home.• Building awareness around careers in the electric

utility industry.• Creating well-informed future energy purchasers.

We look forward to building a partnership with you. Thank you for sharing your time!

Sincerely,Georgia Power Energy Efficiency Education Team

Fission/FusionNuclear – A practical energy source

Dr. ETM

Dr. ETM

georgiapower.com/learningpower

Teacher’s Guide

1402051

Hello, Teachers!

Georgia Power is extremely excited to further our partnership with your school by providing energy education initiatives created to enhance students’ learn-ing experience in your classroom. We look forward to working with you and your students.

In the Learning Power program – featuring Dr. E – we will deliver energy efficiency messages through “in-class field trips,” using hands-on activities and Web-based learning. We hope to extend the partnership with your school through educational and career awareness events such as science nights and career fairs.

We worked with the State Board of Education, educators and stakeholders to develop a curriculum aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards, or Common Core Georgia Performance Standards. Activities will expose students to the concept and importance of energy efficiency.

Our Energy Efficiency Education Coordinators will focus on:• Teaching science, technology, engineering, and

math (STEM) subjects in Georgia schools.• Encouraging students to teach and model energy

efficiency and conservation practices at home.• Building awareness around careers in the electric

utility industry.• Creating well-informed future energy purchasers.

We look forward to building a partnership with you. Thank you for sharing your time!

Sincerely,Georgia Power Energy Efficiency Education Team

Fission/FusionNuclear – A practical energy source

Dr. ETM

Dr. ETM

Georgia Performance Standards

Physical Science:SPS3b Differentiate between fission and fusion.SPS3d Describe nuclear energy, its practical application as

an alternative energy source, and its potential problems.

Source: Georgia Department of Education. Visit GeorgiaStandards.org.

Atom – Basic component of matter. An atom is the smallest part of an element having all the chemical properties of that element. An atom consists of a nucleus (that contains protons and neutrons) and surrounding electrons.

Chain Reaction – Continuing series of nuclear fission events that take place within the fuel of a nuclear reactor. Neutrons produced by a split nucleus collide with and split other nuclei, causing a chain of fission events.

Control Rods – Devices that can be raised and lowered in the reactor core to absorb neutrons and regulate the speed of a chain reaction.

Cooling Tower – Structure in some power plants to remove heat from water in the condenser. The cooling tower prevents thermal pollution of lakes and rivers.

Efficient – Something done or produced with the least amount of wasted energy.

Electricity – Energy in the form of moving electrons.

Energy – Ability to do work or cause change. Energy is found in forms such as chemical, electrical, nuclear, and thermal.

Fission – Process of splitting the nucleus of an atom into two or more atoms when the heavy atom absorbs a neutron. Fission also releases a large amount of energy and one or more neutrons.

Fusion – Combining (fusing) the nuclei of two light atoms into a heavier nucleus (a process that releases an enormous amount of energy – more energy than from fission). This requires a very high temperature, as in our sun.

Millirem – Unit of radiation dosage equal to one thousandth of a rem. The average American receives about 360 per year from all sources.

Neutron – One of three basic particles in all atoms except hydrogen. Neutrons are located in the atom’s nucleus, are electrically neutral, and each has mass about equal to a proton.

Non-Renewable – An energy resource that is used up much faster than it can be replaced.

Nuclear Energy – Energy released from an atom during the fission or fusion process. The heat from a fission reaction can be utilized to produce steam to drive a turbine to generate electricity.

Proton – One of the three basic particles in an atom. Protons are located in the atom’s nucleus, have a positive electrical charge, and each has mass about equal to a neutron.

Renewable – An energy resource that is replenished continually.

Spent (Used) Fuel – Nuclear fuel elements removed from a nuclear reactor after they have been used to produce power. Spent fuel has great potential for use as a fuel after reprocess-ing; thus “used fuel” is a more accurate term.

Time, Distance, Shielding – The three most important fac-tors for limiting exposure to radiation.

Turbine – Wheel with many blades that are spun when steam pushes the blades.

Uranium – The heaviest element normally found in nature. The fissile isotope uranium-235 is the principal nuclear fuel used in today’s nuclear reactors.

Students will be able to:• Differentiate between fission and fusion.• Discuss the process of energy generation in nuclear

power plants.• Describe the benefits of nuclear energy, its practical application

as an alternative energy source, and its potential problems.• Describe the benefits of energy efficiency.• Describe the potential careers in the nuclear energy field.

PART 1:VIDEO: Plant Vogtle: Leading the New Nuclear Revolution

ACTIVITY SHEET: Nuclear Power Plants Convert Matter Into Energy

PART 2:ACTIVITY SHEET: Nuclear Equations (Fission/Fusion)

ACTIVITY SHEET: Predict the Missing Word

MAGNETIC ATOM MODEL (Hands-on group activity)

PART 3:ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND GROUP DISCUSSION

PART 4:CAREERS

PART 5:PLANT VOGTLE

LEARNING

OBJECTIVES

ENERGY

DISCUSSION

Purpose of Activity:• Learn how to make smart energy choices.• Watch “Why nuclear energy?” video.

• Define nuclear energy is.• Compare nuclear fission and fusion.

Nuclear Lesson PlanEssential Questions1: Howdothefissionandfusion

processescomparetoand/ordifferfromeachother?2: Whatarethebenefitsofusing

nuclearenergytoproduceelectricity?

Purpose of Activity: • Learn about nuclear facility operations and see

how energy transforms and flows within a system.

• Reinforce lesson language, transformations, and flow of energy within a system.

Purpose of Activity:• Mathematically compare the numbers of protons

and neutrons after the fission/fusion reaction with the numbers before the fission/fusion reaction.

• Mathematical visual demonstration of a nuclear reaction.

Purpose of Activity:• Discuss careers in the nuclear

energy field.

Purpose of Activity:• Review Fun Facts.

Lesson Language

Dr. ETM

Energy Efficiency Tips

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs.

• Close blinds or curtains in summer to keep

rooms cooler.

• Check SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency

Ratio) ratings on heat pumps.

• Buy EnERGy StaR® appliances.

• Use programmable thermostats.

• thoroughly insulate attic.

• Use caulk to reduce air drafts.

• Install energy-efficient windows.

• Request a home energy audit

from Georgia Power.

• Replace thresholds.

• add storm doors to house.

Conservation Tips

• turn off electronics when not in use.

• Use daylight when possible.

• turn lights off when you leave a room.

• Be wise – not wasteful – users of energy.

• Dry clothes outdoors.

• take shorter showers.

• Keep your refrigerator closed.

• In winter, put on a sweater or jacket

instead of turning up the heat.

INSTRUCTION

Georgia Performance Standards

Physical Science:SPS3b Differentiate between fission and fusion.SPS3d Describe nuclear energy, its practical application as

an alternative energy source, and its potential problems.

Source: Georgia Department of Education. Visit GeorgiaStandards.org.

Atom – Basic component of matter. An atom is the smallest part of an element having all the chemical properties of that element. An atom consists of a nucleus (that contains protons and neutrons) and surrounding electrons.

Chain Reaction – Continuing series of nuclear fission events that take place within the fuel of a nuclear reactor. Neutrons produced by a split nucleus collide with and split other nuclei, causing a chain of fission events.

Control Rods – Devices that can be raised and lowered in the reactor core to absorb neutrons and regulate the speed of a chain reaction.

Cooling Tower – Structure in some power plants to remove heat from water in the condenser. The cooling tower prevents thermal pollution of lakes and rivers.

Efficient – Something done or produced with the least amount of wasted energy.

Electricity – Energy in the form of moving electrons.

Energy – Ability to do work or cause change. Energy is found in forms such as chemical, electrical, nuclear, and thermal.

Fission – Process of splitting the nucleus of an atom into two or more atoms when the heavy atom absorbs a neutron. Fission also releases a large amount of energy and one or more neutrons.

Fusion – Combining (fusing) the nuclei of two light atoms into a heavier nucleus (a process that releases an enormous amount of energy – more energy than from fission). This requires a very high temperature, as in our sun.

Millirem – Unit of radiation dosage equal to one thousandth of a rem. The average American receives about 360 per year from all sources.

Neutron – One of three basic particles in all atoms except hydrogen. Neutrons are located in the atom’s nucleus, are electrically neutral, and each has mass about equal to a proton.

Non-Renewable – An energy resource that is used up much faster than it can be replaced.

Nuclear Energy – Energy released from an atom during the fission or fusion process. The heat from a fission reaction can be utilized to produce steam to drive a turbine to generate electricity.

Proton – One of the three basic particles in an atom. Protons are located in the atom’s nucleus, have a positive electrical charge, and each has mass about equal to a neutron.

Renewable – An energy resource that is replenished continually.

Spent (Used) Fuel – Nuclear fuel elements removed from a nuclear reactor after they have been used to produce power. Spent fuel has great potential for use as a fuel after reprocess-ing; thus “used fuel” is a more accurate term.

Time, Distance, Shielding – The three most important fac-tors for limiting exposure to radiation.

Turbine – Wheel with many blades that are spun when steam pushes the blades.

Uranium – The heaviest element normally found in nature. The fissile isotope uranium-235 is the principal nuclear fuel used in today’s nuclear reactors.

Students will be able to:• Differentiate between fission and fusion.• Discuss the process of energy generation in nuclear

power plants.• Describe the benefits of nuclear energy, its practical application

as an alternative energy source, and its potential problems.• Describe the benefits of energy efficiency.• Describe the potential careers in the nuclear energy field.

PART 1:VIDEO: Plant Vogtle: Leading the New Nuclear Revolution

ACTIVITY SHEET: Nuclear Power Plants Convert Matter Into Energy

PART 2:ACTIVITY SHEET: Nuclear Equations (Fission/Fusion)

ACTIVITY SHEET: Predict the Missing Word

MAGNETIC ATOM MODEL (Hands-on group activity)

PART 3:ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND GROUP DISCUSSION

PART 4:CAREERS

PART 5:PLANT VOGTLE

LEARNING

OBJECTIVES

ENERGY

DISCUSSION

Purpose of Activity:• Learn how to make smart energy choices.• Watch “Why nuclear energy?” video.

• Define nuclear energy is.• Compare nuclear fission and fusion.

Nuclear Lesson PlanEssential Questions1: Howdothefissionandfusion

processescomparetoand/ordifferfromeachother?2: Whatarethebenefitsofusing

nuclearenergytoproduceelectricity?

Purpose of Activity: • Learn about nuclear facility operations and see

how energy transforms and flows within a system.

• Reinforce lesson language, transformations, and flow of energy within a system.

Purpose of Activity:• Mathematically compare the numbers of protons

and neutrons after the fission/fusion reaction with the numbers before the fission/fusion reaction.

• Mathematical visual demonstration of a nuclear reaction.

Purpose of Activity:• Discuss careers in the nuclear

energy field.

Purpose of Activity:• Review Fun Facts.

Lesson Language

Dr. E

Energy Efficiency Tips

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs.

• Close blinds or curtains in summer to keep

rooms cooler.

• Check SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency

Ratio) ratings on heat pumps.

• Buy EnERGy StaR® appliances.

• Use programmable thermostats.

• thoroughly insulate attic.

• Use caulk to reduce air drafts.

• Install energy-efficient windows.

• Request a home energy audit

from Georgia Power.

• Replace thresholds.

• add storm doors to house.

Conservation Tips

• turn off electronics when not in use.

• Use daylight when possible.

• turn lights off when you leave a room.

• Be wise – not wasteful – users of energy.

• Dry clothes outdoors.

• take shorter showers.

• Keep your refrigerator closed.

• In winter, put on a sweater or jacket

instead of turning up the heat.

INSTRUCTION

Georgia Performance Standards

Physical Science:SPS3b Differentiate between fission and fusion.SPS3d Describe nuclear energy, its practical application as

an alternative energy source, and its potential problems.

Source: Georgia Department of Education. Visit GeorgiaStandards.org.

Atom – Basic component of matter. An atom is the smallest part of an element having all the chemical properties of that element. An atom consists of a nucleus (that contains protons and neutrons) and surrounding electrons.

Chain Reaction – Continuing series of nuclear fission events that take place within the fuel of a nuclear reactor. Neutrons produced by a split nucleus collide with and split other nuclei, causing a chain of fission events.

Control Rods – Devices that can be raised and lowered in the reactor core to absorb neutrons and regulate the speed of a chain reaction.

Cooling Tower – Structure in some power plants to remove heat from water in the condenser. The cooling tower prevents thermal pollution of lakes and rivers.

Efficient – Something done or produced with the least amount of wasted energy.

Electricity – Energy in the form of moving electrons.

Energy – Ability to do work or cause change. Energy is found in forms such as chemical, electrical, nuclear, and thermal.

Fission – Process of splitting the nucleus of an atom into two or more atoms when the heavy atom absorbs a neutron. Fission also releases a large amount of energy and one or more neutrons.

Fusion – Combining (fusing) the nuclei of two light atoms into a heavier nucleus (a process that releases an enormous amount of energy – more energy than from fission). This requires a very high temperature, as in our sun.

Millirem – Unit of radiation dosage equal to one thousandth of a rem. The average American receives about 360 per year from all sources.

Neutron – One of three basic particles in all atoms except hydrogen. Neutrons are located in the atom’s nucleus, are electrically neutral, and each has mass about equal to a proton.

Non-Renewable – An energy resource that is used up much faster than it can be replaced.

Nuclear Energy – Energy released from an atom during the fission or fusion process. The heat from a fission reaction can be utilized to produce steam to drive a turbine to generate electricity.

Proton – One of the three basic particles in an atom. Protons are located in the atom’s nucleus, have a positive electrical charge, and each has mass about equal to a neutron.

Renewable – An energy resource that is replenished continually.

Spent (Used) Fuel – Nuclear fuel elements removed from a nuclear reactor after they have been used to produce power. Spent fuel has great potential for use as a fuel after reprocess-ing; thus “used fuel” is a more accurate term.

Time, Distance, Shielding – The three most important fac-tors for limiting exposure to radiation.

Turbine – Wheel with many blades that are spun when steam pushes the blades.

Uranium – The heaviest element normally found in nature. The fissile isotope uranium-235 is the principal nuclear fuel used in today’s nuclear reactors.

Students will be able to:• Differentiate between fission and fusion.• Discuss the process of energy generation in nuclear

power plants.• Describe the benefits of nuclear energy, its practical application

as an alternative energy source, and its potential problems.• Describe the benefits of energy efficiency.• Describe the potential careers in the nuclear energy field.

PART 1:VIDEO: Plant Vogtle: Leading the New Nuclear Revolution

ACTIVITY SHEET: Nuclear Power Plants Convert Matter Into Energy

PART 2:ACTIVITY SHEET: Nuclear Equations (Fission/Fusion)

ACTIVITY SHEET: Predict the Missing Word

MAGNETIC ATOM MODEL (Hands-on group activity)

PART 3:ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND GROUP DISCUSSION

PART 4:CAREERS

PART 5:PLANT VOGTLE

LEARNING

OBJECTIVES

ENERGY

DISCUSSION

Purpose of Activity:• Learn how to make smart energy choices.• Watch “Why nuclear energy?” video.

• Define nuclear energy is.• Compare nuclear fission and fusion.

Nuclear Lesson PlanEssential Questions1: Howdothefissionandfusion

processescomparetoand/ordifferfromeachother?2: Whatarethebenefitsofusing

nuclearenergytoproduceelectricity?

Purpose of Activity: • Learn about nuclear facility operations and see

how energy transforms and flows within a system.

• Reinforce lesson language, transformations, and flow of energy within a system.

Purpose of Activity:• Mathematically compare the numbers of protons

and neutrons after the fission/fusion reaction with the numbers before the fission/fusion reaction.

• Mathematical visual demonstration of a nuclear reaction.

Purpose of Activity:• Discuss careers in the nuclear

energy field.

Purpose of Activity:• Review Fun Facts.

Lesson Language

Dr. E

Energy Efficiency Tips

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs.

• Close blinds or curtains in summer to keep

rooms cooler.

• Check SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency

Ratio) ratings on heat pumps.

• Buy EnERGy StaR® appliances.

• Use programmable thermostats.

• thoroughly insulate attic.

• Use caulk to reduce air drafts.

• Install energy-efficient windows.

• Request a home energy audit

from Georgia Power.

• Replace thresholds.

• add storm doors to house.

Conservation Tips

• turn off electronics when not in use.

• Use daylight when possible.

• turn lights off when you leave a room.

• Be wise – not wasteful – users of energy.

• Dry clothes outdoors.

• take shorter showers.

• Keep your refrigerator closed.

• In winter, put on a sweater or jacket

instead of turning up the heat.

INSTRUCTION

georgiapower.com/learningpower

Teacher’s Guide

1402051

Hello, Teachers!

Georgia Power is extremely excited to further our partnership with your school by providing energy education initiatives created to enhance students’ learn-ing experience in your classroom. We look forward to working with you and your students.

In the Learning Power program – featuring Dr. E – we will deliver energy efficiency messages through “in-class field trips,” using hands-on activities and Web-based learning. We hope to extend the partnership with your school through educational and career awareness events such as science nights and career fairs.

We worked with the State Board of Education, educators and stakeholders to develop a curriculum aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards, or Common Core Georgia Performance Standards. Activities will expose students to the concept and importance of energy efficiency.

Our Energy Efficiency Education Coordinators will focus on:• Teaching science, technology, engineering, and

math (STEM) subjects in Georgia schools.• Encouraging students to teach and model energy

efficiency and conservation practices at home.• Building awareness around careers in the electric

utility industry.• Creating well-informed future energy purchasers.

We look forward to building a partnership with you. Thank you for sharing your time!

Sincerely,Georgia Power Energy Efficiency Education Team

Fission/FusionNuclear – A practical energy source

Dr. ETM

Dr. ETM