Last week, dozens of nuclear professionals across Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet met with hundreds of students to give them a lesson on nuclear power as part of National Nuclear Science Week. Teammates flocked to local schools while others welcomed homeschoolers to their site’s energy education centers where outreach efforts ranged from interactive presentations and hands-on activities to essay and drawing contests. Several of the events were orchestrated by the site’s North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NA-YGN) and Women in Nuclear (WIN) groups.
Curious to know what went on during National Nuclear Science Week? Below are some key outreach efforts held during the week-long celebration:
- Crystal River Nuclear Plant: More than a dozen Crystal River employees – equipped with infrared cameras and protective clothing used at the plant – participated in five educational events at local Boys and Girls Clubs and middle schools. In all, the CR3 team gave 16 presentations, teaching more than 400 students the importance of nuclear generation as an environmentally friendly source of power.
- Brunswick Nuclear Plant: Brunswick’s nuclear teammates hit the ground running last week and met with nearly 25 schools in the area. They helped spark awareness about nuclear science and careers by leading a poster contest depicting “why nuclear power is cool” and invited robotics teams from local high schools to view the robots used at the power plant.
- McGuire Nuclear Station: Nearly 120 homeschoolers flocked to the EnergyExplorium, the site’s energy education center. The students were first introduced to nuclear power by listening to a brief presentation, then students applied what they learned by participating in a series of five hands-on activities which included a demonstration on half-life vs. radioactive decay using M&Ms and a game of 20 questions.
- Harris Nuclear Plant: Teammates partnered with local schools and held a “Roddy Nuclear” drawing contest – the NA-YGN mascot used to promote National Nuclear Science Week. “Roddy” resembles a uranium fuel pellet – the energy source for nuclear power plants. Duke Energy also sponsored the N.C. State American Nuclear Society chapter meeting, providing speakers for a question and answer panel with university students.
- Oconee Nuclear Station: In addition to promoting the drawing contest at a local school, the World of Energy, Oconee’s energy education center, held its Fall for Energy homeschool day. Students were able to participate in nuclear dress out exercises and learn how electricity is made.
National Nuclear Science Week is just one of many events the nuclear fleet hosts each year. Through partnerships with WIN and YGN, as well as programs held throughout the fleet’s three energy education centers, Duke Energy has reached thousands of students and teachers each year through an extensive public education and engagement program.
National Nuclear Science Week is an annual celebration organized to draw attention to all aspects of nuclear science and the vital role it plays in the lives of Americans, as well as encourage education and awareness of new nuclear technologies and careers within the industry. Interested in learning more about National Nuclear Science Week, click here.