Spark creativity with fun activities for kids

Summer is almost over, but there’s still time left for fun. Here are four science and art-inspired activities to try with your family before school starts.

At a recent Duke Energy Night in Walhalla, S.C., Oconee Nuclear Station volunteers helped community members make candy uranium atoms, slime and tie-dyed T-shirts. They also shared “Marie’s Electric Adventure,” a children’s book written by Duke Energy North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) members.

“Duke Energy Night was a blast!” said Oconee Nuclear Station volunteer, Amanda Talley-Ferrell, who assisted with tie-dying T-shirts. Talley-Ferrell enjoys events like this one where she can work with children. “The look on their faces as they create their own masterpieces is magical.”

Recreate the fun by trying one of these activities with the children in your life. For more science fun, you can also check out upcoming events at our nuclear education centers, as well as center operating hours.

Model a uranium atom with candy.

Rather than burning fuel, nuclear plants use Uranium²³⁵ to generate electricity. The atoms are split (fission) in a nuclear reactor, giving off heat. The heat is then used to create steam, which turns a turbine and, ultimately, a generator to power homes and businesses. Watch this short video to learn how to make your own edible atom.

Mix up your own slime.

Try this recipe for making slime with the budding chemist in your life.

• Mix ½ c. hot water and ¼ tsp. borax in one container.
• In another container, mix 1 c. cold water and 1 small bottle of glue. You can also add dye and/or glitter.
• Combine the two mixtures and squish for two to three minutes!

Learn more about the science behind slime.

Tie-dye a T-shirt.

Pick up a tie-dying kit and a white T-shirt to try your hand at this classic activity. Experiment with different color combinations or use different objects – like paperclips or clothespins – in addition to rubber bands to create unique designs. Visitors to Oconee Nuclear Station’s World of Energy recently dyed shirts commemorating the upcoming 50^th anniversary of the education center, which opened in 1969.

Read “Marie’s Electric Adventure.”

Written by young nuclear workers for first and second-graders, the book chronicles the quest of a young girl and her dog, Einstein, to find out why their night light went out. Download a copy of the e-book to start reading.