Benchmark Three
(2004-2005)

Your task is to investigate and comprehend methods of securing radioactive materials, methods, treaties, laws, and procedures that help prevent the use of "dirty" weapons, and, finally, the responses that would take place in the event of an accident or terrorist incident involving radioactive materials. In your investigations you will examine the objectives from the point of view of the scientific & environmental; social & cultural; economic; political & geopolitical domains to gain a comprehensive understanding of security, prevention, and response.

Objective 1: Research and describe the efforts made nationally and internationally to protect radioactive materials intended for peaceful uses.

Suggested activities:
1) Research and briefly describe treaties and conventions that control a) radioactive materials for peaceful nuclear power and b) radioactive materials for medical, industrial, and other uses.
2) Define an “orphan source” of radioactive materials and explain why it is of concern.
3) Research and list methods used to secure radioactive materials from unauthorized use.

Objective 2: Determine the efforts made nationally and internationally to prevent terrorists or terrorist organizations from acquiring or using radioactive materials in an offensive manner.

Suggested activities:
1) Research, list and briefly describe any obstacles to prevention efforts.
2) Research and list the nations that have agreed to these conventions or which have not agreed to them. List those nations that the media consider to be targets for enforcement.
3) Invite an expert to speak to your class on the subject of national and international efforts to protect radioactive materials.
4) Develop an ideal international treaty that would effectively address securing all radioactive materials.

Objective 3: Determine who would be involved in a response to an event involving radioactive materials and what these responders would do.

Suggested activities:
1) Research, list and make a visually informative organization chart of who at the local, state and federal levels would be involved in a response to an incident involving radioactive materials in your area.
2) Research, list, and make a diagram of the agencies or offices that would be involved in a response to an incident involving radioactive materials in your community. Identify what actions each agency would be responsible for, such as safety of persons and property, decontamination, traffic control, etc.
3) Interview responsible members of your school community to determine how they would respond to protect students and staff members in the event of an incident involving radioactive materials near your school.
4) Identify and display in a visual manner specific ways you as a student could assist in preparing for and responding to an incident involving nuclear materials in your area. Identify popularly discussed preparations and responses that are unlikely to be effective and describe why.
5) Considering the uses and possible misuses (both accidental and/or intentional) conduct a debate between student team members to evaluate whether using radioactive materials in medicine, industry, and other uses is worth the risks.
6) Debate whether nuclear power plants and other sources of radioactive materials are adequately protected.
7) Discuss alternatives to radioactive materials in power, medicine and other industries.

http://www.criticalissuesforum.org/bmk05_3.html
updated 06 February 2005