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Nuclear Energy and Climate — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging science passage for Grades 6-8 explores the role of nuclear energy in fighting climate change. Students will learn about key concepts such as nuclear fission, greenhouse gases, and clean energy. The passage explains how nuclear power plants generate electricity without producing carbon dioxide, making them important in reducing global warming. It also covers real-world examples and provides a glossary of important terms. Aligned with NGSS standards, this resource includes a reading comprehension quiz and writing activities to build scientific understanding and literacy. The passage and activities are designed for easy use in the classroom and include audio integration for accessibility. Keywords: nuclear energy, climate change, greenhouse gases, clean energy, NGSS, Grade 6-8.

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Nuclear Power Plant Cattenom.jpg
Source: Wikimedia Commons - Stefan Kühn

Nuclear energy is a powerful source of electricity that comes from splitting the tiny parts inside atoms. This process is called nuclear fission. When an atom is split, it releases a lot of heat. This heat is used to turn water into steam, which spins turbines that generate electricity in a nuclear power plant.

One of the biggest problems facing our planet is climate change. Climate change happens when human activities, like burning coal, oil, and gas, release greenhouse gases into the air. These gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap heat in our atmosphere and make the Earth warmer. This leads to problems like rising sea levels, stronger storms, and changes in weather patterns.

Nuclear energy can help fight climate change because it does not release carbon dioxide while making electricity. Unlike power plants that burn fossil fuels, nuclear power plants only release harmless steam into the air. This makes them a type of clean energy.

Some countries, like France, get about 70% of their electricity from nuclear energy. This helps them reduce pollution and keep their air cleaner. In the United States, nuclear power provides about 20% of the nation’s electricity. Scientists and engineers are working to make nuclear energy even safer and more efficient in the future.

However, nuclear energy does have some challenges. It produces radioactive waste that must be stored safely for thousands of years. There is also concern about accidents, like the ones that happened at Chernobyl and Fukushima. That’s why safety is extremely important in nuclear power plants. Modern plants use strong safety systems to prevent accidents and protect people and the environment.

Besides nuclear energy, other renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower are also needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Working together, these energy sources can help slow down climate change and create a healthier planet.

Interesting Fact: The amount of energy in one small pellet of nuclear fuel is equal to burning about one ton of coal!

What is nuclear fission?

Splitting atoms for energyBurning coal for heatMixing chemicals togetherCooling water to make ice

Which gas traps heat in the atmosphere?

Carbon dioxideOxygenNitrogenHelium

What do nuclear plants release into air?

Harmless steamThick smokeToxic dustCarbon monoxide

How does nuclear energy help climate?

Produces no carbon dioxideBurns more fossil fuelsMakes more greenhouse gasesCauses more pollution

Why is safety important in nuclear plants?

To prevent accidentsTo save waterTo lower costsTo make more steam

What is one challenge of nuclear energy?