The Why? Files, a web site of the National Institute for Science Education, specializes in giving the science behind the news. If you have questions about Chernobyl, you can find answers, as well as information that will raise many more questions. Check out their story on Chernobyl, Radiation Reassessed. What happened back in 1986? Review the photos on the web and read through the scenario. News about the survivors' exposure to low-level radiation is still coming in today. What are the latest reports?

The number of nuclear reactors both in the United States and worldwide keeps changing: some reactors are operating, others are under construction and still others are being decommissioned. Check the map furnished by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that shows all reactors now licensed to operate in the United States. How many are there? Identify the three reactors closest to where you live.

a. What do you need to know to be an informed citizen about nuclear power plants, that is, ones using a nuclear fission reactor? Make a list of questions (at least five) that would be important to ask about a specific reactor.

b. Now check out the specifications of a reactor using the data provided by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Choose any reactor in the country you wish. Does the information provided answer the questions you posed? Comment on what you would like to know that you were unable to find. If others in your class selected different reactors, you may wish to compare notes. How are the reactors alike? How are they different?