Model United Nations - 6th Grade Simulation

Materials and student MUN packet handouts

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TEACHER DOCUMENTS

Student Country Assignment Table

What are Nuclear Weapons for?http://aps.org/units/fps/newsletters/2007/october/foster-payne.html

STUDENT PACKET DOCUMENTS

Student Reference Material

Background Information on Nuclear Weapons and the United Nations
Nuclear Weapons
NPT & IAEA
MiniMUN Research
MUN Glossary
Nuclear Weapon Country Facts
Reasons for Country Positions and Some Possible Solutions
Writing Position Papers -http://www.immuns.org/general/information/writing_position_papers.pdf
Sample MUN Paper
MUN Paragraph Outline

Student Notes/Work
Background Information
Writing a Position paper (your notes)
MUN Reflection

Rubrics & Checklists

Note-taking Rubric
Position Paper Rubric (for English & Socials)
Oral Presentation Rubric (for English)
Teacher Documents

Student Country Assignment Table

Nuclear Weapons Countries

Country 6E 6F 6G
Argentina
Australia
Belarus
Bhutan
Brazil
Canada
China
France
Germany
India
Israel
Iran
Italy
Japan
Netherlands
North Korea
Pakistan
Russia
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
 Student Packet Documents

Student Reference Material

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON NUCLEAR WEAPONS & THE UNITED NATIONS

NUCLEAR WEAPONS – What are they?

A nuclear weapon is a weapon that uses nuclear energy to create an explosion. Modern nuclear weapons
have the strength of about 13,000 million tons of TNT (dynamite).

WORLD WAR II – The incentive (motivation) to develop nuclear weapons

In 1939, Germany began to expand outside of its borders and take over neighbouring countries. As a
result, World War II broke out. Many of the world’s nations were involved, including all of the
superpowers at the time. On one side were the Allies, which included the British Empire, the Soviet
Union (Russia), and the United States. The opposing side: the Axis, included Germany, Italy, and Japan.

The Allies were concerned that Nazi Germany was developing an atomic bomb, so they began to research
and build one of their own. The first atomic bomb in the world was completed and tested by the United
States on July 12, 1945. An atomic bomb is a bomb that uses nuclear energy to explode. They are much
more powerful that other types of bombs, and can equal up to 13,000 million tons of TNT (dynamite).

The only atomic bombs that have been used were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima (August 6, 1946)
and Nagasaki(August 9, 1945) in Japan. The estimate of deaths caused by the explosion itself and by
radiation sickness afterwards is around 180,000. A modern nuclear weapon may be equivalent to 1
million times that of the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima.

THE COLD WAR – Multiplying nuclear weapon supplies

After the end of World War II, only two superpowers were left: the United States and the Soviet Union
(Russia). In their efforts to each become the dominant superpower in the world both began to proliferate
nuclear weapons. The struggle between the US and Russia for supreme influence in the world was called
the Cold War.

In 1968, a nuclear non-proliferation treaty was proposed at the United Nations by Ireland. The goal of the
treaty is to prevent further proliferation of nuclear weapons, disarmament of nuclear weapons, and the
right to peacefully use nuclear technology. By 1995, 189 countries of the world had signed the treaty.
Five of the countries that have signed have nuclear weapons: the United States, the United Kingdom,
France, Russia, and the People’s Republic of China. Only four countries in the world have not yet signed
the treaty; India, Israel, Pakistan and North Korea.

THE UNITED NATIONS – It’s founding and purpose

The United Nations (UN) arose from the devastation caused by World War II. It formally came into
existence on October 24, 1945. 189 countries are members of the UN, they send
representatives/delegates to the UN to speak from their country’s perspective and they represent their
country’s standpoints on different issues.
 The UN has four main purposes:
1. To keep peace throughout the world;
2. To develop friendly relations among nations;
3. To work together to help poor people live better lives, conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy, and
to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms;
4. To be a centre for helping nations achieve these goals.
From: pg. 3 Everything You Always to Know About the United Nations

The United Nations works by having member states discuss and make recommendations on any subject.
Members make proposals, offer solutions and vote on issues. Each member has one vote, regardless of
how large or small their nation is.

Sources:
Nuclear weapon. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_weapon.
World War II. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II. October 14, 2008.
WW 2 People’s War. http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/timeline/factfiles/nonflash/a6652262.shtml?
sectionId=7&articleId=6652262 October 14, 2008
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_Non-Proliferation_Treaty October 14, 2008.
Non-Proliferation Treaty. http://www.un.org/Depts/dda/WMD/treaty/ October 14, 2008.
Disasters: The Day the Earth Shook. http://www.boisestate.edu/history/ncasner/hy210/hirosima.htm October 14,
2008.
Everything You Always to Know About the United Nations. Department of Public Information. New York: United
Nations Reproduction Section. 2001.

Nuclear Weapons
Mini-MUN 2008

Definitions
Nuclear proliferation: the spread of nuclear weapons
IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency): organization within United Nations that promotes safe and
peaceful nuclear technologies
Disarmament: removal of weapons
Nuke: a nuclear weapon
Deterrence: a thing that discourages people from doing something
Nuclear Reactor: Structures were nuclear energy is created

Background Information
· 36 countries have nuclear energy (most don’t use it as nuclear weapons)
· Countries that have nuclear weapons are: United States, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, and
North Korea
· Countries suspected of having nuclear weapon programs: Israel, Syria, Iran

· Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is a treaty signed by 189 countries

Þ Purpose to limit spread of nuclear weapons
Þ Gives permission to US, France, China, Russia, & UK to have nuclear weapons
Þ Other countries agree not to possess them
Þ Allows countries to have nuclear energy only for peaceful means
 Þ Countries that aren’t part of treaty: India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea (had signed it but
withdrew after violating treaty)

· Effects of nuclear weapons after explosion:

Þ Both immediate and delayed effects
Þ Blast creates high wind velocities which create mass destruction for both people and
infrastructure
Þ Radiation released can case skin burns (may be fatal), eye injuries, hair falling out, brain cells
are killed, heart problems
Þ Causes fires
Þ Flash may cause blindness

· Even a small nuclear war could have effects that last over 10 years
· Only situations where nuclear war has been used by US at the end of WWII, which was directed at Japan’s
Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Controversy
· Countries think unfair that not all countries can have nuclear weapons or disarmament should apply to all
countries
· Other countries think that nuclear weapons should exist but their only safe place is in possession of
developed nations

Bibliography
· http://www.pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/cnpp2003/CNPP_Webpage/pages/introduction.htm
· http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Documents/Infcircs/Others/infcirc140.pdf
· http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/
· http://www.atomicarchive.com/Effects/effects3.shtml

Countries
1. North Korea: http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/DPRK/index.html
2. USA: http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Usa/Tests/index.html
3. China: http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/China/ChinaTesting.html
4. Russia: http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Russia/Sovwpnprog.html
5. India: http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/India/IndiaNPower.html
6. UK: http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Uk/UKArsenalDev.html
7. Pakistan: http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Pakistan/PakTests.html
8. France: http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/France/FranceArsenalDev.html
9. SouthAfrica: http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Safrica/SABuildingBombs.html
10. Iraq: http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Iraq/Calutron.html
11. Japan: http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/japan/nuke/
12. Canada: http://www.ploughshares.ca/libraries/Briefings/brf988.html
13. Italy: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf101.html
14. Australia: http://nautilus.rmit.edu.au/forum-reports/0623a-broinowski.html
15. Saudi Arabia: http://www.saudi-us-relations.org/articles/2008/ioi/080209-lippman-nuclear.html

NPT & IAEA

Sixth Grade Socials Department – 2009 – Monterrey

What is the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is an agreement between 189 of the world's countries. It hopes to make
the planet a safer place by setting out rules about how nuclear technology should be used.

Its purpose is to limit the spread of nuclear weapons.

The treaty has three main aims:
1. Stopping any more countries from getting nuclear weapons.
2. Encouraging existing nuclear powers to get rid of their weapons.
3. Giving countries the right to use nuclear technology peacefully - for things like making electricity.

The treaty allows only 5 countries to possess nuclear weapons: the U.S., Russia, China, France and the U.K.

Who has signed it?

Almost every country in the world has signed the treaty. This includes five current nuclear powers: UK,
Russia, USA, China and France.

South Africa is part of the treaty and they are the only country so far who have developed nuclear weapons
and then decided to dismantle all their bombs.

Who hasn't signed it?

Three important countries who haven't signed the treaty are India, Pakistan and Israel. India and Pakistan have
openly tested nuclear weapons and Israel is widely believed to have nuclear weapons.

North Korea did sign the treaty in 1985 but withdrew in 2003. In 2005, it declared that it had nuclear
weapons.

What is the IAEA?

• Stands for the International Atomic Energy Agency.

• Set up in 1957 and has staff from 90 different countries
• An organization of the United Nations and reports to the UN General Assembly.
• When a country is breaking the nuclear material laws, it reports to the UN Security Council
• Headquarters are in Vienna, Austria.
• Is the world’s nuclear inspector.

It has three main jobs:

1. Helps UN member countries plan and use nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes (e.g.
medical use or creating nuclear energy for power).
2. Develops and promotes nuclear standards and safety (e.g. helps countries prepare for nuclear
emergencies like leaks, protects people and the environment from radiation).
3. Inspects member countries to make sure that they are fulfilling their commitments under the Non-
Proliferation Treaty and other agreements to use nuclear material and facilities only for peaceful
purposes.

SOURCES
Guides: Nuclear Weapons – The Non-Proliferation Treaty
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4900000/newsid_4904500/4904504.stm. Oct. 3, 2009.
The IAEA: About us. http://www.iaea.org/About/index.html. Oct. 4, 2009.
The IAEA: Mission Statement. http://www.iaea.org/About/mission.html. Oct. 4, 2009.

MiniMUN Research
IMMUNS Logistics Team - 2009

COMMITTEE: The General Assembly

TOPIC: The Regulation of Nuclear Weapons

ABOUT THE TOPIC

Regulation is a rule or law made to control something specific.

Nuclear Weapons are weapons of mass (huge, complete) destruction. They create large
explosions and they leave dangerous radioactive remains. They can be considered the
most dangerous weapons on Earth. A whole city can be destroyed, killing millions and
poisoning the area, causing long-term problems.

Disarmament (to take away weapons) is the best way to protect people from such
dangers. The UN has tried to get rid of these weapons unsuccessfully, and now looks to
try to control them.

You will debate how to control these nuclear weapons. Your country can either choose to
let all countries have nuclear weapons, allow only a few specific countries have nuclear
weapons, or let no countries have nuclear weapons.

HISTORY OF THE TOPIC

It all began when countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany,
Japan and the USSR (now Russia) started researching nuclear weapons. Soon after World
War II, nuclear weapons became a constant worry and a significant problem.

Around 1936, a scientist names Leo Szilard, proposed the idea of an atomic bomb (which
led to the development of nuclear bombs and nuclear energy). During World War II,
some governments began developing these bombs. On July 16, 1945 scientists working
for the United States tested the first atomic bomb in the desert of New Mexico. The test
proved the awesome power of atomic bombs, and the US then dropped two bombs on
Japan during the war. Thousands of people died in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and due to
nuclear radiation that has lingered since then, the residents are still being affected. After
the bombs were dropped, Japan surrendered and World War II ended.

The following years; the Soviet Union (Russia), the U.S. and the United Kingdom ran
several nuclear tests. In 1958, the Irish Minister of External Affairs launched the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It was opened for signatures in 1968 and was “extended
forever” in 1996.

There have been many separate bans and agreements made throughout the world. Their
aim has been to maintain peace and promote cautiousness with such dangerous weapons.
Nuclear proliferation is an important topic to discuss because, without care, so much
could change.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Make sure that all nations sign and approve the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Design new treaties that will force countries to reduce the amount of nuclear weapons in
their possession
Supervise all nuclear weapons so that they don’t fall into the wrong hands
Allow for the IAEA inspectors to inspect all countries with nuclear power plants to
confirm that they are not creating any nuclear weapons

CONTROVERSY

There are five countries that are legally allowed to have nuclear weapons: the United
States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom.

Countries like India, Pakistan and North Korea claim to have nuclear weapons but will
not sign the NPT as they don’t see it as fair that the other five nuclear countries are
allowed to have nuclear weapons while they are not. These three countries are considered
to be illegally possessing nuclear weapons.

Israel is suspected of having nuclear weapons since the 1970s, however they have not
confirmed it yet. They are treated as a nuclear weapon state by some countries that
believe Israel has the weapons.

MUN GLOSSARY
Note: Some definitions are specific to how they are used in the United Nations. They can have other meanings.

Allies: Countries that fought together on one side of World War II. Included the United States, United
Kingdom, Russia, France, and Poland.

Atom: Smallest part of matter that cannot be broken up into smaller parts through chemical changes. It is split
in nuclear fission and the reaction produces nuclear energy.

Axis: Countries that fought on the other side of World War II. Included Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Depleted Uranium: A by-product from when uranium has been processed to make nuclear fuel for nuclear
reactors or for nuclear weapons. It is used for medical, military and other purposes.

Deployment: To move or put into position for some purpose. In the military, it is putting weapons in a location
where they are ready to be fired from

Disarmament: To reduce the size or strength of the armed forces. In nuclear disarmament, the amount (size) of
nuclear weapons is reduced by taking apart the weapons and disposing of the radioactive material safely.

Geiger counter: An instrument that measures the amount of radiation a material gives off.

High-level waste: Highly radioactive material that remains after nuclear fission (splitting atoms to create
energy). It requires very careful handling, storage, and disposal.

Legal: Something allowed by the law.

Low-level waste: Mildly radioactive material that is usually disposed of by burning and burial of the ashes.

Nuclear age: The time period when multiple countries possess the potential to make nuclear energy or nuclear
weapons. It began in the late 1940s and continues today.

Nuclear weapon: A weapon, such as a bomb or missile, that uses nuclear energy to create a destructive
explosion.

Nuclear capability: The potential of having nuclear energy or weapons.

Nuclear deterrent: The nuclear weapons possessed by a country or an alliance that is thought of as a way to
discouraging enemies from attacking.

Nuclear reactor: A device in which nuclear energy is created. It’s essential parts are fissionable fuel (fuel
whose atoms can be split to make energy), moderator, shielding, control rods, and coolant.

Nucleonic: The science, technology and application of nuclear energy.

Nucleus: The central part of an atom. When the nucleus of an atom is split, it releases energy called nuclear
energy.

Nuclear weapon: Weapon that uses nuclear energy to explode. Nuclear weapons can be bombs or missiles.

Neutral: Not being on either side of a disagreement, argument or war.

Position: A country’s perspective or point of view on an issue.

Proliferate: To increase rapidly. The proliferation of nuclear weapons means that countries began making more
and more and nuclear weapons.

Proposal: Putting forward something for consideration. In the United Nations, countries suggest ideas for
solutions to an issue. Their suggestions are called proposals.

Radiation sickness: Sicknesses caused by exposure to radiation. The body becomes poisoned by physical
exposure to radiation or ingestion (eating) of radioactive material (water or food). In Hiroshima, people
developed severe burns, cancer, necrosis (their bodies rotted), and birth defects from the nuclear bomb dropped
there.

Radioactive waste: Materials that are radioactive and have no further use. They have to be disposed of
carefully to protect the environment and living creatures.

Radioactivity: The giving off of waves of energy by a radioactive material. Radioactive materials are harmful
to humans – they can change your DNA, cause burns and cancer. Exposure to high levels to radioactivity causes
death.

Radiation: Waves of energy given off by a material.

Representative/Delegate: Person who is chosen by their nation to speak for the nation. In the United Nations, a
representative/delegate speak from their country’s perspective and they represent their country’s standpoints on
different issues. They do not offer their personal opinions on issues. They only offer their country’s opinions
and decisions.

Reprocessing: Chemically treating radioactive elements (like uranium and plutonium) to split them into high-
level waste (highly radioactive material). This high-level waste is very radioactive and requires special
shielding for handling and transport. It can be used in nuclear weapons.

Resolution: A formal statement of the decision of a group. In the United Nations, countries put forth ideas for a
solution to an issue. As a group, all the member states decide on a solution and write their decision down
formally. The written, formal decision is called a resolution.
Shielding: A protective barrier that reduces the radiation coming from radioactive materials into the
surrounding environment.

Source: A radioactive material that produces radiation to be use in experiments or industrial processes.

Spill: The accidental release of radioactive materials.

Spent fuel: Used fuel cells or parts that have been removed from a nuclear reactor after a few years or use.
They are treated as a toxic waste product.

Superpower: Extremely powerful nation. After World War II, the US and Russia were the only superpowers
left. The others had been devastated by the war.

Toxic: Poisonous, causes death.

Treaty: An agreement made between two or more nations. Both sides come to an agreement after discussing
the issue, offering their perspectives, and making compromises (cooperating).

Warhead: The section of a missile/rocket containing the charge (explosive material).

Nuclear Weapons Country Facts

IMMUNS Logistics ♦ 2009 ♦ Monterrey

Country Possession of Nuclear Signed Nuclear Non- Nuclear Weapon Free

Weapons Proliferation Treaty Zone
Argentina X √ √
Australia X √ √
Belarus X √ X
Bhutan X √ X
Brazil X √ √
Canada X √ X
China √ √ X
France √ √ X
Germany X √ X
India √ X X
Israel ? X X
Iran X √ X
Italy X √ √
Japan X √ X
Netherlands X √ X
North Korea √ X X
Pakistan √ X X
Russia √ √ X
Saudi Arabia X √ X
South Africa X √ √
Sweden X √ X
Switzerland X √ √
Turkey X √ X
Ukraine X √ X
United Kingdom √ √ X
United States √ √ √

Key
√ = Yes
X = No
? = Not
 REASONS FOR COUNTRY POSITIONS AND SOME POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
No, no other countries
should be allowed to
develop nuclear weapons.
All countries should support
the NPT. Those that refuse to
sign the treaty or follow its
guidelines should be pressured
diplomatically to. If they
continue to refuse, the UN
should put sanctions on those
countries.
Nuclear weapons could fall
into the hands of terrorists who
would use the weapons
without any restrictions and
could aim them at civilian
(non-military) populations.
Not all governments are stable
and many of the new countries
developing nuclear weapons
could allow the weapons to
fall into the hands or terrorists
or governments who wouldn’t
be responsible.
Sixth Grade Socials Department 2009
No, no countries should be
allowed to develop or have nuclear
weapons.
All countries of the world should
commit to becoming Nuclear-Free
Zones. States with nuclear weapons
should commit themselves to what
they signed in the NPT – they agreed
to destroy their nuclear arsenal
(weapon supply).
The NPT has allowed the original 5
nuclear nations to keep their weapons
and have an unfair military advantage
over other countries. Nuclear nations
should begin by abandoning their hair-
trigger positions (having nuclear
weapons already aimed and ready to
fire at an instant), and move non-
strategic (not very important) weapons
from those sites.
If nuclear nations and non-nuclear
nations work together, they can ensure
that no accidental or unauthorized
launches occur.
Yes, some additional countries
should be allowed to develop
nuclear weapons.
Some countries need nuclear
weapons to balance the power in
their areas of the world. If opposition
(enemy) countries have nuclear
weapons, then they should be
allowed to develop nuclear weapons
to protect themselves.
Allies of nuclear nations would no
long have to depend on those 5
nations. They could be responsible
for keeping their own borders safe.
Responsible free countries will be
able to help keep peace around the
world. They will not always have to
rely on the 5 nuclear countries to
maintain world peace.
Yes, all countries should be allowed
to develop nuclear weapons.
The NPT has allowed the original 5
nuclear nations to retain (keep) their
weapons while not allowing anyone else
to develop them. This has created an
unfair power balance. To be fair, all
countries should be able to develop
nuclear weapons.
If every country has nuclear weapons,
then no one will be able to attack anyone
else. Every will have a nuclear deterrent.
It will prevent invasions and wars.
Everyone should have the right to protect
themselves, using whatever means they
have, including nuclear weapons.
The market for illegal nuclear weapons
will no longer exist once every county has
nuclear weapons. All countries can then
work together to make sure terrorist
groups don’t get any illegal nuclear
technology.
 SAMPLE POSITION PAPER
Committee: United Nations Security Council
Topic: Nuclear Weapons
Country: Ireland
Delegate: Ms. Durrani

The proliferation of nuclear weapons is a serious obstacle to world peace. The first nuclear weapons were
developed during the Second World War, and they were multiplied by both the United States and Russia
during the Cold War. Today, there are still 26,000 nuclear warheads that exist. They are enough to destroy
our Earth many times over. To date, 189 countries have signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),
proposed by Ireland in 1968. The NPT’s goal is not only to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons; it
also promotes the disarmament of nuclear weapons and the use of nuclear energy only for peaceful means.
With nine countries possessing nuclear capabilities, we must approach the situation of nuclear proliferation
with care, unity and flexibility.

Ireland is a nation that has never developed or created any nuclear weapons and is dedicated to world where
their existence is erased. Our commitment to a nuclear-free world was first demonstrated when we proposed
the NPT at the United Nations in 1968. We must prevent the spread of nuclear weapons across the world. At
present, forty-four countries are capable of producing and spreading nuclear weapon technology. Nuclear
weapons are not only capable of destroying our world; they also spread dangerous radiation that affects
populations long after a weapon is used against them. The radiation can exist in an ecosystem for years.
Ireland is strongly opposed to the development, storing, and spread of nuclear weapons.

We call on all the government with nuclear capabilities, both members of the NPT and those who have not
yet signed the treaty, to commit themselves to the elimination of their nuclear weapons and technology. This
is an action that must take place now. Understandably, to rid our world completely of nuclear weapons will
take time. The first step must be for the nuclear weapon states; the U.S., Russia, England, France and China;
should dismantle (take apart) and remove any weapons that they have currently deployed (set up) across the
world. This measure will prevent any accidental or unauthorized (without permission) launches of nuclear
weapons. Nations that have not signed the NPT should do so and all countries should strictly remain
committed to the actions laid out in the treaty. The NPT should also be supplemented (added to) with a
section requiring all participants of the treaty to promise not to threaten any other country with nuclear
weapons. Ireland in fiercely dedicated to supporting and working cooperatively with all nations in the
eradication (elimination) of nuclear weapons from our planet.
Sources
Nuclear Weapons. IMMUNS Logistics Team. 2008
Ten Facts about Nuclear Weapons. http://www.wagingpeace.org/articles/2007/10/facts_myths.pdf. Oct. 21, 2008.
Joint Declaration by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of: Brazil, Egypt, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Slovenia, South
Africa
and Sweden. http://www.ccnr.org/8_nation_declaration.html. Oct. 21, 2008.
Nuclear Facts. http:www.gsinstitute.org/dpe/facts.html. Oct. 21, 2008.
What are the Risks of Nuclear Weapons? http://www.gsinstitute.org/dpe/docs/FactSheetRisks.pdf. Oct. 21, 2008.
MUN PARAGRAPH OUTLINE

PARAGRAPH 1
Basic history of nuclear proliferation with facts & statistics

Should include information on Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Neutral

No opinions

PARAGRAPH 2
Clearly state AND explain your country’s position - make sure to support your position

How nuclear proliferation affects your country.

What has your country already done or tried?

Stay in character as your country’s representative

DON’T use they, their, them, I,me
Use we, ours, us

PARAGRAPH 3
Presents a solution from your country

Has at least 3 specific steps for your solution

How will the world work together to stop multiplying these weapons?
How can you get all countries to sign the NPT?
How can you get all countries to stick to the NPT?

If only some should have them, how will you decide which countries can? Why?
If all can have them, how will you make that happen? How will you prevent enemy countries from
attacking each other?

How can you get countries to trust each other and work together?
How can you convince other countries that they should choose your solution?

Student Notes/Work

Background Information about _____________________.

Find out the following information using:

Google: CIA World Factbook
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
Find your country on this site. Click on “expand all” and all the information you need will be there.

1. Physical Size: (Square kilometers – ranking (largest country, etc.)

2. Location and neighbors: (continent, surrounding countries, bodies of water.)

3. Natural Resources:

4. Import commodities:

Export commodities:

3. Language(s):

4. Religion(s), percentages:

5. Form of government:

6. Government leaders and parties:

8. Major resources in the area

9.Major problems in the area (transnational issues) (Point form in YOUR words.)

Information on this page is for YOUR background knowledge. It will NOT be added into
your position paper.

Writing a Position Paper for the Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Write all information in your own words. Use keywords and phrases. Do not write full
paragraphs.

STEP 1: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

This information will be used for paragraphs two and three of your paper.

Source # ___
Why do some people believe that only some countries should be allowed to have nuclear
weapons?

Source # ___
Why do some people believe that all countries should be allowed to have nuclear
weapons?

Source # ___
Why do some people believe that no countries should be allowed to have nuclear
weapons?
FIRST PARAGRAPH
1. What are nuclear weapons? Source # ___

2. What is the proliferation of these weapons? Source # ___

3. What countries have nuclear weapons? (legally or illegally) Source # ___

4. FIVE relevant facts or information about nuclear weapons in the world. Source # ___
Mention facts that support your country’s perspective.

5. What does the IAEA have to do with nuclear weapons? Source # ___

6. What is the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)? Source # ___

SECOND PARAGRAPH
1. Does your country have nuclear energy? Source # ___

2. Does your country have nuclear weapons? Source # ___

If your answer is YES, answer Q. 3 – 7. If your answer is NO, answer Q. 8 – 10.

Countries with nuclear weapons ANSWER ↓

3. When did your country develop these weapons? Source # ___

4. How many nuclear weapons are you estimated to have? Source # ___

5. Why does your country have nuclear weapons? Source # ___

6. Is your country allowed to have these weapons? Source # ___

7. Does your country plan on continuing to make nuclear Source # ___

weapons?

Countries with NO nuclear weapons ANSWER ↓

8. Has your country developed nuclear weapons in the past? Source # ___
 9. Why does your country not have nuclear weapons? Source # ___

10. Is your country thinking about developing nuclear weapons? Why or Source #
why not? ___

All countries ANSWER ↓

11. What does your country believe about nuclear Source # ___
weapons? (Also, use the background information from
step one.)

12. How has your country been affected by nuclear weapons Source # ___
and nuclear proliferation?

12. Has your country signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Source # ___
Treaty?

12a. If it has signed, why did your country sign it? Source # ___

12b. If it hasn’t signed it, why not? Source # ___

Countries with nuclear weapons ANSWER ↓

THIRD PARAGRAPH
1. If your country has nuclear weapons, what is it doing to prevent Source # ___
their proliferation?

1a. Does your country allow UN inspectors to investigate your Source # ___
nuclear facilities/plants?

1b. What is your country planning on doing with its nuclear Source # ___
weapons?

All countries ANSWER ↓

2. What does your country propose in order to resolve the issue of Source # ___
nuclear proliferation?

3. What steps will it take to make this proposal work? Source # ___
 (List at least 3 steps with details)

SOURCES

List the sources that you used to find your information.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Citing from a web resource

Title of the webpage. Website address. Date you accessed (checked) the site.

Example:
Nuclear Weapon. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_weapon. Oct. 14, 2008

Citing from a text (book or paper) resource

Title of the book or paper (underlined). Publisher’s name. Place where it was published.
Year of publication.

Example:
World: Adventures in Time and Place. McGraw-Hill School Division. New York. 2000
MiniMUN Research. IMMUNS Logistics Team. Monterrey. 2009.

MUN Reflection
1. Describe what your favourite aspect of the MUN simulation was.

2. Describe anything that you did not like about the MUN simulation.

3. Explain what the most challenging thing was for you in the whole process of the MUN
simulation (research, position paper, presenting, debate, etc.).

4. Describe what you will take away from this experience. Did you learn any important lessons
 that might help you in the future?

5. Describe what new information you learned about the topic (nuclear proliferation) and explain
how going through the process of the MUN helped you learn this information well.

6. Do you plan on being a part of MUN in the future? Explain why or why not.

Rubrics & Checklists

NOTE TAKING RUBRIC
SKILLS

Length
4 No sentences. Mostly one or two key words per main idea.
3 No sentences. Many phrases longer than one or two words per main idea.
2 May have sentences. Phrases are long and too wordy.
1 Mostly sentences, and long, wordy phrases.

Content
4 All content is in student’s own words.
3 All but one or two words are in student’s own words.
2 Much of the notes are copied from resource.
1 All of notes are copied from the resource.

Citing sources
4 All notes have a cited source.
3 Most notes have a cited source.
2 Few notes have a cited source.
1 No sources cited.

DISPOSITIONS

Quality
4 All notes are complete.
3 One or two main points are missing.
2 Much of the information is missing.
1 Barely started.

On time/legible
4 Notes were on time and legible.
3 Notes may be hard to understand when doing final draft or a day late.
2 Notes may be hard to understand when doing final draft or two days late.
1 Not understandable or more than two days late.
6 + 1 Traits Writing Model – Mini - MUN Position Paper
Meets Expectations
CATEGORY
Paragraph 1 Background information of Nuclear
Weapons is complete and accurate.
Ideas are well-organized. Neutral.
Paragraph 2 Country's position is clearly stated
and strongly supported.
Paragraph 3 Solution makes sense for the
country's stance. Strong support is
given for the steps needed to carry
out the solution.
Originality All information is worded in
(wording) student's own words.
Citations Student accurately cites sources.
Conventions No errors in spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, or word usage.
Nearing Expectations
Background information is
accurate, but more might be needed
for understanding. Ideas may need
a bit of work to be well-organized.
Mostly neutral.
Country's position is stated and
supported; however, might not be
clear or strong support.
Solution makes sense for the
country's stance. Some support is
given for the steps needed to carry
out the solution.
Most information is worded in
student's own words. Some of the
words may not be the students.
Student attempts to accurately cites
sources, however a few mistakes
are present.
Minor errors in spelling,
punctuation, capitalization, or word
usage. Light editing needed.
Needs Much Work
Background information is
accurate, but much more is needed
for understanding. Ideas may need
a lot of work to be well-organized.
May have opinions of country.
Country's position is weakly stated
and/or barely supported.
Solution is attempted, but might not
be the best one based on the
country's stance. May be lacking
support for steps needed to carry
out.
Complete phrases from other
sources appear in the student's
work. An after-school lesson on
paraphrasing is required.
Student attempts to cites sources;
however, the correct format is not
attempted.
Errors in spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, or word usage are
distracting to the reader. Moderate
Unacceptable
Background information may be
inaccurate, and/or much more is
needed for understanding. Ideas
may need a lot of work to be well-
organized. May have opinions of
country.
Country's position is not stated.
No solution is attempted, or the
solution goes against the country's
stance.
Complete sentences from other
sources appear in the student's
work. Academic dishonesty - will
be sent to Mr. Rhoads.
No attempt to cite sources.
Errors in spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, or word usage are so
distracting to the reader a second
 to heavy editing needed. reading is needed for meaning.
MAJOR editing needed.

Oral Presentation Rubric: MUN Speech

CATEGORY Meets Expectations Nearing Expectations Needs Much Work Unacceptable

Speaks Clearly Speaks clearly and distinctly all the Speaks clearly and distinctly most Speaks clearly and distinctly some Often mumbles or can not be
time, and mispronounces no of the time. A few words might be of the time. Many words are hard understood OR mispronounces
words. hard to understand or to understand or mispronounced. more many words.
mispronounced.

Volume Volume is loud enough to be heard Volume is loud enough to be heard Volume is loud enough to be heard Volume often too soft to be heard
by all audience members by all audience members most of by all audience members some of by all audience members.
throughout the presentation. the time. the time.

Posture and Eye Stands up straight, looks relaxed Stands up straight and establishes Sometimes stands up straight and Slouches, moves around, and/or
Contact and confident. Establishes eye eye contact with everyone in the establishes eye contact. May does not look at people during the
contact with everyone in the room room during most of the "fidget" a lot. presentation.
during the presentation. presentation.

Preparedness Student is completely prepared and Student seems pretty prepared but The student is somewhat prepared, Student does not seem at all
has obviously rehearsed. might have needed a couple more but it is clear that rehearsal was prepared to present.
rehearsals. lacking.

Listens to Other Listens intently. Does not make Listens intently but has one
Presentations distracting noises or movements. distracting noise or movement.