Nuclear Energy

June 1, 2013

Gr 6-10-These titles examine the application of modern technology to problems of energy and food supply. Nuclear Energy looks at both the benefits and problems associated with the generation of power through nuclear technology from a global perspective. It includes short history of the progress of nuclear energy from the discovery of uranium in the late 19th century through the current need to move away from fossil fuels. The problems associated with radiation, waste disposal, public opinion, and the accidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima are addressed before concluding that the importance of nuclear energy is so great that all such difficulties will need to be surmounted to ensure a cleaner and more sustainable energy source of the future. Wind Energy also addresses the potentials and problems with this source of energy. The drawbacks involving aesthetics, noise, health issues, and the slaughter of birds and bats are discussed and generally dismissed as problems that will be overcome with newer and better technologies. Innovations in solar technology give hope for a power source that has few drawbacks and many benefits. Sustainable Agriculture tackles the growing needs of developing nations and the effect on climate, depletion of forests and rain forests, and the pollution of water sources due to increased large-scale agriculture. Genetic engineering of food materials as a real and current concern is given a lengthy analysis. Local and sustainable growing methods are discussed with the hope that they might take root as a means of feeding an ever-growing world population. Some sidebar information is not completely explored and some concerns not fully reviewed, but these titles will be useful as basic source materials for research and discussion.-Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

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