HIS 100 Module One Activity Template: Project Topic Exploration
You must pick a topic from the Research Topics Lists in the Library Research Guide. While it is a good idea to choose your topic early, you may change it until the next module. Replace the bracketed text below with your responses. Support your responses with specific details and examples.
Identify the topic you chose to explore:
The topic I chose to explore is the Chernobyl power plant explosion from 1986. Radioactive material was released into the atmosphere, killing people and wildlife. Explain what you already know about the chosen topic based on your personal history or experiences.
I have learned about the Chernobyl incident from documentaries, movies, and video games. Most of the time it’s the same story, there once was a town full of life and prosperity until the disaster wiped everyone and everything out. Today there still lingers a radioactive danger to those who visit certain areas. Describe the beliefs, assumptions, and values you have related to the topic you chose.
The accident of Chernobyl highlighted the values of transparency and accountability. The assumption was that a human error was the main cause of the accident rather than admitting the reactor had a fault. The government kept denying the disaster, and their reactors were perfect and cannot break on their own. Explain why this topic is relevant to current events or to modern society.
The Chernobyl disaster exposed us to the limited technological solutions to complex problems, and reminded us the importance of accountability and transparency. 1
