This lesson presents a comparison of the outlook for energy independence between the United States and France. Topics include the average per capita energy usage between the two countries, differences in types of energy usage, and the strong reliance by the French on nuclear generation of electricity. There is also a discussion of the future of nuclear power in France, as environmental and economic considerations preclude the construction of any new nuclear power plants. The lesson includes an activity in which students monitor the electrical usage of key appliances in their homes, and compare how their actions affect the amount of emissions released. They will record the power ratings and weekly usages of each appliance, and use an online calculator to compute the amounts of CO2, NO2, and NOx emitted.

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This resource requires 'Emissions Comparison Calculator'

Publisher: Kennesaw State University
Environmental Science Activities for the 21st Century (ESA21)
http://esa21.kennesaw.edu/

Author: John Pratte
Arkansas State University