Chernobyl, Fukushima, and more. Join this modern history course to learn about the most fascinating and disastrous accidents in the history of nuclear and atomic energy.
Nuclear and atomic power has long been known as a potent source of energy with interesting properties. However, over the course of learning about these properties and harnessing this energy, a host of fascinating mistakes and accidents have occurred. This course traces a brief history of mankind’s relationship with nuclear and atomic power, giving special attention to the accidents which have occurred, including Three-Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima.
Day 1: Introduction and overview of syllabus and assignments
Day 2: “We Discover Fire”
Day 3: “Danger Beyond Comprehension”
Day 4: Fascinating Goof-Ups
Day 5: Windscale and Kyshtym
Day 6: The Military, and Three-Mile Island
Day 7: Chernobyl
Day 8: Fukushima
Course materials: None required.
Homework: Daily, optional review quizzes based on classroom lectures and discussions, worth bonus points. Students will compose a 2-3 page exercise in analyzing a historical event in nuclear history. NOTE: Middle school students will instead write a 1-2 page critical analysis of the select reading.