Celebrate Nuclear Science Week

Every third week in October, the nuclear industry celebrates Nuclear Science Week to encourage educators, students and community members to “get to know nuclear” through hands-on activities and local events. Nuclear Science Week is an international event focusing on all aspects of nuclear science, including nuclear energy.

Duke Energy has many resources to help you learn more about nuclear energy. Browse the materials below or, if you’re in the Carolinas, consider visiting one of our Energy Education Centers.  

If you live near Wilmington, North Carolina, check out the “Big Event,” including exhibits, panel discussions, tours, teacher workshops, movies and Scout merit badge activities.

Nuclear Energy 101

Nuclear energy can be a complex subject. To help demystify this power source, we’ve curated list of Nuclear Information Center articles on commonly asked-about topics. You can also find a good explanation of how nuclear plants work on the Duke Energy website.

• Learn about the benefits of nuclear energy including clean air and always-on power

• This article explains the difference between fission and fusion

• Get the scoop on nuclear fuel and learn what happens to used fuel

• Find out what happens during a nuclear plant outage

• In this article, we set the record straight on nuclear myths

• See why safety is the top priority for our nuclear workers

• Learn about the history of nuclear power in the U.S.

Videos

Model a Uranium Atom - with Candy -Feed your sweet tooth by making your own atoms out of candy. We modeled Uranium-235, the element that fuels our nuclear power plants.

Nuclear Energy in 60 Seconds: Powering Your Life - Our nuclear energy guide, Scott, explains how Duke Energy’s nuclear plants power more than 7 million homes and other ways nuclear energy impacts your life.

Nuclear Energy in 60 Seconds: Economic Benefits - Hear our guide explain how nuclear energy supports local economies.

Nuclear Energy in 60 Seconds: Environmental Benefits - Our nuclear energy guide is back to discuss clean air and other environmental benefits of nuclear energy.

More Information

Follow our nuclear spokesperson on Twitter and Duke Energy on Facebook, for more Nuclear Science Week videos, activities and photos. Don’t forget to share your nuclear science activities too using #nuclearsciweek.