Do you have a smoke detector? Have you ever used nonstick cookware? Are you a Duke Energy customer? Chances are you have benefited from nuclear technology and not even realized it. But, you’re not alone.
In 2009, the Smithsonian affiliated National Museum of Nuclear Science & History noticed a lack of public awareness about the important contributions of nuclear science. The museum and its industry partners saw an opportunity to recognize the field and those who work in it by hosting a weeklong, national celebration.
Now held every third week in October, Nuclear Science Week encourages educators, students and community members to “get to know nuclear” through hands-on activities and local events.
If you’ve been following the Nuclear Information Center, you’ve probably seen Duke Energy’s Nuclear Science Week activities from previous years.
This year, Duke Energy is providing a digital toolkit for North Carolina and South Carolina teachers to introduce their students to nuclear science. The toolkit includes nuclear power basics, on-line resources and activities correlated to state education standards.
See how you can get involved in Nuclear Science Week
In addition to offering classroom materials, Duke Energy’s nuclear sites are hosting events in recognition of Nuclear Science Week. Local Boy Scouts will earn their Nuclear Science Merit Badge through activities at McGuire Nuclear Station. Harris Nuclear Plant and Catawba Nuclear Station will host middle school, high school and homeschool students for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities.
With support from their North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) and Women in Nuclear (WIN) chapters, Duke Energy employees across the fleet will also reach out to local schools through interactive presentations, STEM activity fairs as well as essay and art contests.
Throughout October, Duke Energy will share nuclear science information on social media, including trivia and nuclear professional profiles. We’re interested in what your class or group will do to celebrate Nuclear Science Week, too.
Whether you’re using one of our resources or your own, share your pictures with us. Just use #nuclearsciweek and tag Duke Energy on Twitter (@DukeEnergy), Facebook (Duke Energy) and Instagram (@Duke_Energy).
