Get ready to celebrate with your students! Nuclear Science Week is October 16-20.
What does nuclear science do? The many faces of nuclear science
Nuclear energy is the energy found in the nucleus of an atom. During nuclear fission, atoms split and release energy that can be used to create electricity. Nuclear science has more applications to daily life than we may realize. It is used for energy. Medical diagnosis and treatment are possible through nuclear science. Criminal investigations and even agriculture benefit from nuclear science.
Nuclear science has five pillars: Carbon-Free Energy, Global Leadership, Transformative Healthcare, Innovation and Technology, and Space Exploration. Nuclear Science Week is an international week-long celebration focusing on all aspects of nuclear science and asking others to “ Think Clean. Think Solutions. Think Nuclear.”
Nuclear Science Week’s history and vital role in shaping our world
The Smithsonian-affiliated National Museum of Nuclear Science & History first discussed the idea of public awareness about innovations and achievements in nuclear science in 2009 with industry partners. The idea was to acknowledge the contributions of nuclear science and the people who work in it every day. Nuclear Science Week (NSW) celebrations in 2010-2012 were held in late January. However, the steering committee moved to the third week of October 2013. Why? Some areas of the country were simply too cold for community events.
Bring nuclear science into the classroom with these ideas and activities
There are more than enough contributions and innovations in the field of Nuclear Science to explore every day of NSW. Here are a few suggestions and ideas for Nuclear Science Week from the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.
- Explore the Voices of the Manhattan Project.
- Take virtual tours of Manhattan Project sites.
- View the museum’s online collection.
You can even download lesson plans ready for use with every grade level from the Nuclear Science Week website.
Use Gizmos simulations to celebrate Nuclear Science Week and inspire young minds
Celebrating Nuclear Science Week with a bit of help from Gizmos is easy. Give these virtual labs a try with your students.
Where does energy come from? How does energy get from one place to another? Find out how electrical current is generated and how living things get energy to move and grow. Trace the energy path and see how energy is converted from one form to another.
Explore the five primary forms of nuclear decay: alpha, beta, gamma, positron emission, and electron acquisition. Construct nuclear equations by ascertaining the mass and atomic numbers of the resultant products and the emitted particles.
Discover instances of nuclear fusion and fission reactions. Trace the stages of the proton-proton chain, the CNO cycle, and the uranium-235 fission process. Craft well-balanced nuclear equations for each phase and contrast the energy generated in each of these processes.
Do you want even more Gizmos featuring nuclear energy? Check out these options.
With over 550 simulations on a wide variety of math and science topics, isn’t it time to try Gizmos?
Take a Trial