During this project we researched everything we could about nuclear energy to answer 5 questions about nuclear energy, and the pros and cons of it. During the research I learned various things about the subject, such as the benefits of nuclear fusion and fission and how they can help us, but also the dangers that they entail for humans and the environment. I myself wasn't that much in favor of nuclear energy, and I'm still a little hesitant about the subject, but after the research I done, I can now see how nuclear energy can help us and could help us, but the dangers that comes with it makes me nervous about it.
The tournament was a little stressful, but I have had experiences before in debates so I was a little prepared, but since my team didn't know if we were going to be pro or con, it was a little hard to be completely ready for the debate and we had to come up with our answers from the information we had.
The debate questions were:
CREW stands for Claim, Reason, Evidence, and Warrant, and this helped us to have everything in order for the debate. We would start with our claim, explain or reasoning and back it up with our evidence, and then end with our warrant. Like this we were able to be ready for the debate, speak clearly, and finish on time.
REFLECTION
For a debate you have to be ready, with both con and pro information so you can counterattack each fact thrown at you and be able to respond and turn the tables in your favor. I'm really proud of all the information I found for the debate and how I was able to come up with facts on the spot, remembering the information I read during my research; with that info we reached the semi-finals.
The only challenge I had was summarizing the information, because to me everything was relevant, but I could not write a whole page, so I looked for the most important facts.
If I were to do this project again, I would like to have more time to research the information needed to answer the questions.
The tournament was a little stressful, but I have had experiences before in debates so I was a little prepared, but since my team didn't know if we were going to be pro or con, it was a little hard to be completely ready for the debate and we had to come up with our answers from the information we had.
The debate questions were:
- Nuclear energy is a better alternative to fossil fuels.
Focus Point #1: Does nuclear energy help solve the problem of global warming? Why or why not?
Focus Point #2: What should be done about the current infrastructure of fossil fuel usage in our society? - Nuclear waste can be disposed of efficiently and safely.
Focus Point #1: Is there a location that is fair and safe to store nuclear waste? Why or why not?
Focus Point #2: Is there a safe process of transporting and storing nuclear waste? Why or why not? - Nuclear energy is a better alternative to hydro power, solar & wind energy.
Focus Point #1:Do the benefits of nuclear outweigh the benefits of renewable energy?
Focus Point #2: Are the benefits of nuclear energy higher than renewable if cost is included in the comparison? - Nuclear energy is truly capable of powering our world indefinitely.
Focus Point #1: What are the limitations of nuclear fission?
Focus Point #2: Are our energy needs going to continue to be the same? - Accidents that can happen at nuclear energy plants are acceptable risks.
Focus Point #1: If an accident occurs, do the possible negative outcomes outweigh the benefits of nuclear energy?
Focus Point #2: Can nuclear reactors be protected against human error, natural disasters and acts of terrorism?
CREW stands for Claim, Reason, Evidence, and Warrant, and this helped us to have everything in order for the debate. We would start with our claim, explain or reasoning and back it up with our evidence, and then end with our warrant. Like this we were able to be ready for the debate, speak clearly, and finish on time.
REFLECTION
For a debate you have to be ready, with both con and pro information so you can counterattack each fact thrown at you and be able to respond and turn the tables in your favor. I'm really proud of all the information I found for the debate and how I was able to come up with facts on the spot, remembering the information I read during my research; with that info we reached the semi-finals.
The only challenge I had was summarizing the information, because to me everything was relevant, but I could not write a whole page, so I looked for the most important facts.
If I were to do this project again, I would like to have more time to research the information needed to answer the questions.