Happy Nuclear Science Week! From October 15-18th, national and local events shine a light on the field of nuclear science.
October 15, 2019
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Happy Nuclear Science Week! From October 15-18th, national and local events shine a light on the field of nuclear science, supported by partners including the Smithsonian National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, the American Nuclear Society, the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization, and the Nuclear Energy Institute.
Did you know nuclear emits zero greenhouse gases? And that nuclear plants provide roughly 19 percent of America’s electricity and 55 percent of our clean energy? Or that one uranium pellet produces as much energy as 120 gallons of oil, 1 ton of coal, or 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas?
The Department of Energy is here to support educators who want to bring more nuclear energy savvy facts like these and inspiration about pursuing nuclear careers to your students through informal and formal learning environments. Here are some of our favorite STEM resources to help you celebrate Nuclear Science Week.
Nuclear 101
- Check out our blogs, infographics, and videos on all things nuclear, from fission and fusion to what a nuclear micro-reactor is to how a nuclear reactor works to what makes nuclear fuel so robust. It’s all on our Nuclear Energy Basics website here.
- Don’t miss our Direct Current podcast episode debunking what The Simpsons and the Springfield plant got wrong about nuclear energy.
- Dig deep and learn about the history of nuclear in our timeline.
- Follow the Office of Nuclear Energy on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and email to say up to date.
Lessons & Activities
- Visit Navigating Nuclear: Energizing Our World. This STEM education initiative is in schools across the nation, developed by the American Nuclear Society and Discovery Education with funding from the Department of Energy. It even includes virtual field trips.
- Play the Advanced Nuclear Matching game – all you need is the internet and a good memory.
- Try your hand at our nuclear crossword puzzle.
- Watch our nuclear Opera singer.
Jobs
- Discover all you need to know about jobs in nuclear on our infographic.
- Learn about careers in nuclear from our #SeeYourselfInNuclear career videos on our People @ Energy playlist here.
- Read our post here on 10 jobs in nuclear starting at $60k or higher.
- Begin nuclear research in college through our Nuclear Energy University Program.
For more STEM resources, make sure to bookmark STEM Rising, the agency’s initiative to connect you with news and tools offered throughout the National Laboratories, National Nuclear Security Administration, and our program offices. Through the STEM Rising website, blog, and regular social media content, we can keep you linked to DOE’s opportunities. Make sure to subscribe to the STEM Rising newsletter here for monthly updates.
