Introduction: In this end of the year project we explored the different kinds of energy such as, nuclear, solar, wind, fossil fuels and more. Before understanding how all this works we went back and reviewed what atoms were, the history of the atom, the pros and cons of various sources of energy and much more. Personally I think the most important thing we learned were fission and fusion since we focused on nuclear energy and depending on the situation it's achieved through fission and fusion. Fission is the splitting on the atom. Many little atoms actually go through fission, usually it's atoms with a high atomic mass which is why elements like uranium, plutonium and thorium are used for this. Fusion is the opposite, it's joining two or more things together to form a single entity creating a mass amount of energy. Fusion is what's used in atomic bombs and fission is used in nuclear power plants. For the first debates we used a round robin method. (Three groups debating) The winner of those three groups would continue into the semi finals and finals. The format was stating your claims, providing reasoning and evidence and then moving onto the crossfire where you ask questions. Below is the list of all the questions I answered.
1. Accidents that happen at nuclear energy pants are acceptable risks. -If an accident occurs do the possible negatives outweigh the positives? -Can nuclear reactors and nuclear waste be protected against human error, natural disasters and acts of terrorism?
2. Nuclear energy is a better alternative to hydro power, solar and wind energy. -Do the benefits of nuclear energy outweigh the benefits of renewable energy sources? -Are the benefits of nuclear energy higher than the renewable if cost is included in the comparison?
3. Nuclear waste can we disposed of efficiently and safely. -Is there a location that is fair and safe to store nuclear waste? Why or why not? -Is there a safe process of transporting and storing nuclear waste? Why or why not?
4. Pro or Con nuclear energy? Provide evidence and reasoning as to why.
My CREW Document Throughout this project we did our research through this, "CREW" format. CREW stands for, C: Claim, R: Reasoning, E: Evidence, and W: Warrant. These are all parts of an effective argument and they helped us deliver good and strong points backed up by facts and research while debating. As for out CREW documents we have pro and con sides answering each question and focus point. Throughout the debate we were able to gather our information from here and share it.
Reflection: During this project I learned to make sure my claims were backed up by strong evidence. I also was able to improve on the way I debate by finding the weak points in there claims and during the crossfire asking more question targeting that spot. I am most proud of making it to the final which leads to what most upset me which was unfortunately not winning. Making it there was an achievement and we were still given nothing so that was what I really didn't like. Something challenging was definitely doing the research, it sometimes took a lot of time to find something specific that answered your question. If I did this project again I would just be more aggressive with the facts I was certain of. I think overall that's what the audience liked to see.