Skin Cancer Trial

Ammonium Nitrate – Is it worth the risk? Written for PULSE by Christopher Martin Editor: Stephanie Nardei

Time: 1 class period Preparation none Time: Materials:

Abstract During this exercise, students will learn that ammonium nitrate is used as a fertilizer and an explosive. They will study the chemistry of ammonium nitrate and consider the advantages and disadvantages of this compound. The dual nature of Ammonium Nitrate was illustrated by the Grandcamp disaster in 1947.

Objectives Students will be able to: 1. Compare the benefits of using ammonium nitrate and the risks. The ammonium nitrate explosion of Texas City.

National Science Education Standards: Content Standard B: The nature of technology Design and Systems Risk analysis is used to minimize the likelihood of unwanted side effects of a new technology.

Strand 3: Science in Personal and SocialPerspectives Concept 2: Science and Technology in SocietyDevelop viable solutions to a need or problem. PO.2 Recognize the importance of basing arguments on a thorough understanding of the core concepts and principles of science and technology. PO 3. Support a position on a science or technology issue.

Teacher Background On April 16th 1947, a French freighter named the SS Grandcamp attempted to dock in Texas City, Texas on the Galveston Bay. The ship was making a delivery of ammonium nitrate fertilizer when the deck of the ship caught fire. Oblivious to the dangers of ammonium nitrate, the crew continued to dock. Later that morning, the freighter exploded creating a tidal wave that enveloped the shore and an explosion at kiloton scale. Many refineries that were located on the waterfront also caught on fire and continued to burn for 6 days after the explosion. It was estimated that a total of 567 people were killed, but it is believed that this number underestimates the total amount of casualties from this incident.

Related and Resource Websites Texas City Disaster The Texas City Disaster http://www.local1259iaff.org/disaster.html The explosion: 50 years later http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/txcity/main.html The Texas City Disaster on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_City_Disaster Powerpoint of the Texas City Disaster http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~claym/coll_writing/tcd.ppt Texas City Disaster on Answers.com http://www.answers.com/topic/texas-city-disaster No. 1138: Texas City Disaster http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi1138.htm

Ammonium Nitrate Ammonium Nitrate on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonium_nitrate Ammonium Nitrate on MSDS: http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/a6048.htm Ammonium Nitrate on Answers.com http://www.answers.com/topic/ammonium-nitrate

Activity Students prepare presentations about the benefits and hazards of ammonium nitrate. Additional articles are available.

Embedded Assessment

The power point on global warming and the presentation to the class will provide opportunities for assessment of the students’ understanding of the risks involved with energy production.