CBC Archives

Explain to students that Canada has created and built a nuclear reactor called Candu, and that it can be used around the world to create nuclear power.

Ask students: If you were selling Candu to another country, what would you tell the buyers about the science of nuclear power? What would you tell them about construction, financing, technical support, follow-up support, and warranty? Record their ideas.

Divide the class into groups. Each group is to create a display that they will present at an energy convention. Their display will extol the virtues of nuclear energy and the Candu design.

Have students view Clips #1 to #4 on the topic Candu: The Canadian Nuclear Reactor on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site to gather technical information for their display. They can view the other clips, although negative, to gather information to help them put a positive spin on the reactor. Along with their display, students will create brochures to summarize the sales pitch.

Have each group present its sales pitch to the class. Remind students that their composure, body language, and enthusiasm are important elements of their pitch.

Students should be prepared to ask and answer questions of one another, and to revise their displays based on comments.

Invite students from another class to play the role of buyers and to come to your classroom to hear your students’ pitches. Following the pitches, these visiting students can explain whether they would or would not purchase the product.