2. active
dormant
extinct
evidence
nuclear waste
risk
trade-offs

3. Where does the electricity that runs these lights come from?
Record your ideas in your notebook.

4. Read the introduction and look for key ideas
Yucca Mountain is 6.5 to10 km wide (4
to 6 miles) and 40 km long (25 mi). At its
highest point, it is 457 m (1,500 ft) high.
The entire Yucca Mountain area is about
384 km2 (260 mi2).

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of storing nuclear waste in Yucca Mountain?
Yucca Mountain is 6.5 to10 km wide (4
to 6 miles) and 40 km long (25 mi). At its
highest point, it is 457 m (1,500 ft) high.
The entire Yucca Mountain area is about
384 km2 (260 mi2).

6. Imagine that you planned to store nuclear waste somewhere in the United States. What do you think you would look for in a site?
Share your thoughts with the class.

7. Complete the procedure and record your data

8. Discussion web

9. In what ways did Yucca Mountain meet or not meet your original criteria for a nuclear waste storage site?
Share your ideas with the class.

10. How did you sort the statements on Student Sheet 36. 2
How did you sort the statements on Student Sheet 36.2? Why did you sort them this way?
Share your ideas with the class.

11. Imagine that you live in Las Vegas, Nevada
Imagine that you live in Las Vegas, Nevada. Would you consider Yucca Mountain a good site for storing nuclear waste? Why or why not?
Share your thoughts with the class.

12. Analysis question 1
What other information would you like to have before you make a decision about a proposed long-term nuclear waste site, such as Yucca Mountain? Be sure to explain how this information would be helpful.

13. Analysis question 2
Do you think that one or two sites deep in the ground would be better than the current situation? Explain by
stating your decision.
supporting your decision with as many pieces of evidence as you can.
discussing the trade-offs of your decision. A trade-off is an exchange of one outcome for another – giving up something that is a benefit or advantage in exchange for something that may be more desirable.

14. SCORING GUIDE: Evidence and Trade-offs

15. Analysis question 3
What role do you think each of the following should play in the selection of a long-term nuclear waste site?
Scientific evidence
Social or political concerns

16. Analysis question 4
Reflection: Would you agree to have nuclear waste stored near where you live? Why or why not?

17. What are the advantages and disadvantages of storing nuclear waste in Yucca Mountain?

18. Key vocabulary definitions
Active (volcano) - A volcano that is currently erupting, showing signs that it is likely to erupt in the near future, or has erupted in recorded history. Dormant (volcano) - A volcano that has not erupted for at least 10,000 years, but that scientists think may erupt again.

19. Key vocabulary definitions
Extinct (volcano) - A volcano that scientists do not expect to erupt ever again. Evidence - Observations or data to support a statement, hypothesis, or point of view.

20. Key vocabulary definitions
Nuclear waste - Radioactive material that must be disposed because it is not useful. Risk - The chance that a particular action or event could result in something unfavorable, such as injury or death.

21. Key vocabulary definitions
Trade-off - An exchange of one thing in return for another. Giving up something that is a benefit or an advantage, in exchange for something that may be more desirable. Trade-offs always involve balancing benefits against risks.

22. Long-term storage of nuclear waste
Visit the Issues and Earth Science page of the SEPUP website for links to more information about the long-term storage of nuclear waste. How do these sites help answer your questions?