Introduction to Thermonuclear Reactions in the Sun and as a Source of Unlimited Energy for Mankind
— Using Film Clips from Spiderman 2
Subject:Science & Technology — Astronomy; Solar Eclipse;
Ages: 12+: Midlle and High School Levels;
Length: Film Clips: Approximately eight and 1/4 minutes in two segments; Lesson Plan: Approximately 30 minutes;
Excerpts of the Complete Snippet Lesson Plan
Learner Outcomes/Objectives: Students will be introduced to the thermonuclear reactions that take place in the nucleus of the sun. They will come to know why it would be a major breakthrough in science to be able to reproduce them in a controlled environment on Earth and the difficulties that have made this endeavor impossible to date. Students will be introduced to the magnetic fields of the Sun and see films showing sunspots and solar prominences.
Rationale: The film Spiderman 2 provides a cinematic representation of an attempt to control a nuclear fusion reaction with strong magnetic fields to produce a limitless amount of energy. Showing these short segments will provide interest and variety to enhance classes on the Sun, thermonuclear reactions, and the Environment.
Description of the Film Clips: A scientist is being funded by Peter Parker's former school mate, Harry Osborn, now turned wealthy corporation manager. The scientist, Dr. Otto Octavius, is doing research on a clean and limitless energy source that could provide cheap electricity to the whole world. He is trying to devise a way to hold nuclear fusion in a controlled environment. During a conversation with Peter Parker, Dr. Octavius describes his research and invites Peter to a demonstration in his lab. . . . But, then disaster strikes.
USING THE FILM CLIPS IN THE CLASSROOM
Preparation
1. Review the two film clips suggested for this lesson plan and make sure that they are suitable for the class.
2. Review the links referenced below; pick those that are appropriate for the class and the lesson. Decide when to present them to the class.
3. Become familiar with the location of the two segments and cue the DVD to the beginning of the first segment. Assemble all other matierials necessary for the class.
Step by Step
1. Introduce the first clip by providing the following information through a lecture or a student handout. The handout can be created by copying and pasting the text into a file in a word processing program, deleting any instructions, and adapting it to the needs of the class.
- This lesson is an introduction to thermonuclear energy. The search for a clean and limitless source of energy would be over if we were able to reproduce the thermonuclear reactions that take place in the interior of the Sun. Our current main source of energy, fossil fuels, contaminates the air and drives global warming. In the not too distant future, we'll run out of oil and gas. Eventually, we'll run out of coal. The current technology for creating nuclear power employs fission reactions which produce tons of radioactive waste. This material will be dangerous for hundreds of thousands of years and no one knows how to safely store or dispose of it. Non-polluting alternatives such as solar panels that create electricity from sunlight and wind power have not yet shown that they can fulfill the power needs of modern society.
[The complete Snippet Lesson Plan provides additional suggestions for comments to interest students in the study of thermonuclear energy.]
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