Virtual STEM Summer Camp - a Recap

Students joined us for a week of virtual science experiments - now you can too!

Throughout the year, our energy education centers host events to provide students with opportunities to learn about science. Due to social distancing measures in play due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), these activities cannot take place as they normally would in person. But the learning and experimenting doesn't have to stop! Now, students can participate in a week's worth of experiments from home. Students joined in virtually at 10 a.m. July 27 through 31 and learned all about science - now you can too!

Monday, July 27 | 10 a.m. | Nuclear Science

Surprise! Nuclear science holds a special place for us here at the Nuclear Information Center. Two experiments were conducted during this camp session.

Many scientists have suggested that a splitting atom behaves somewhat like a drop of liquid when it breaks into droplets. This first experiment demonstrates the point. 

Duke Energy's nuclear plants use uranium to make power for millions of people. Did you know that just one uranium fuel pellet the size of a pencil eraser generates as much energy as a ton of coal? This second activity explores the composition of an atom.

Participating at home? Be prepared by gathering these materials.

This event is complete. Watch the event recording! | The presentation was led by professionals at Oconee Nuclear Station. 

Tuesday, July 28 | 10 a.m. | Environmental Science

Drinking water that comes out of our faucets is typically cleaned and treated at a water treatment plant. Most water treatment plants use sand and charcoal filters to clean the water. In this activity, you’ll make your own water treatment system and see how it works.

Participating at home? Be prepared by gathering these materials. Record your observations using this sheet.

This event is complete. Watch the event recording! | The presentation was led by professionals at McGuire Nuclear Station. 

Wednesday, July 29 | 10 a.m. | Engineering

Learn how a fun activity can be used to teach many concepts across different age groups. One of our engineers will teach how to make slime and share ideas for using slime to explore lessons in math and science.

Participating at home? Be prepared by gathering these materials.

This event is complete. Watch the event recording! | The presentation was led by professionals at Brunswick Nuclear Plant. 

Thursday, July 30 | 10 a.m. | Electricity

Our nuclear teammates will help you learn more about electricity in this science experiment. All you need are a couple of simple ingredients and a balloon to see the power of a static charge!

Participating at home? Be prepared by gathering these materials.

This event is complete. Watch the event recording! | The presentation was led by professionals at Robinson Nuclear Plant. 

Friday, July 31 | 10 a.m. | Ice Cream!

Ice must absorb energy in order to melt, changing water from a solid to a liquid. When you add salt, you lower the freezing point of the ice, so it takes more energy for the ice to melt. When making ice cream, you want ice to stay longer to freeze the ice cream! The ice actually becomes colder when you add salt.

Participating at home? Be prepared by gathering these materials.

This event is complete. Watch the event recording!The presentation was led by professionals at Harris Nuclear Plant.

Material is geared towards elementary and middle school aged students. We enjoyed learning with each of you!

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