Study pack: Life after Fukushima
Real-life stories teach third-grade secondary pupils about life after a nuclear disaster
Ten years have passed since the earthquake and tsunami that destroyed large parts of Japan's east coast and caused a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. These teaching materials look back at those 10 years through the eyes of a girl named Masako. Masako is 17 years old and was evacuated with her parents from Ōkuma, the town in which the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is located. Although Masako is a fictional character, the stories and photographs are based on personal experiences.
About the author of the study pack
As part of her doctoral research in relation to citizen science, Joke Kenens (KU Leuven) travelled to Japan several times in 2018 and 2020 to visit civic organisations that measure radioactivity. With the help of colleagues at SCK CEN, she compiled these experiences into a study pack that is accessible to young people in the fifth and sixth year of secondary school (general secondary education, technical secondary education and vocational secondary education). The purpose is to help them to learn about radioactivity and about the impact of a nuclear accident on everyday life.
This project was conducted in the framework of the SCK CEN programme for the integration of social and ethical aspects linked to nuclear research. The teaching package was produced in cooperation with the Crisis Management and Decision Support Unit, scientists of SCK CEN and SCK CEN Academy.
Teaching in 3 steps
The study pack 10 years since Fukushima consists of three study aids that you can start using right away.
- Start with the teacher's guide
- Use this comprehensive Prezi presentation to support your teaching
- Then begin the interactive element with the accompanying pupil's workbook
What is included in the study pack?
The study pack consists of four parts: 11 March 2011, My life in Fukushima, Measuring radiation in a citizens' lab, and Belgium and Fukushima. The parts can be used together or separately.
You can use this website or the Prezi presentation to navigate through the different themes. Exercises for pupils are provided in a workbook and online. You can download the exercises all at once or by theme.
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Chapter 1: 11 March 2011
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Chapter 2: My life after Fukushima
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Chapter 3: Measuring radiation in a citizens' lab
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Chapter 4: Fukushima and Belgium
If you have any questions about the 10 Years of Fukushima teaching pack?
Please contact Joke Kenens, creator and author of this project.