Celebrate STEM Day with the EXPLORE mobile lab

To celebrate National STEM Day, South Carolina’s Duke Energy nuclear sites have partnered with Clemson University’s EXPLORE Mobile Lab to bring STEM into your home with a fun, virtual activity. On Nov. 9, students ages 10-14 can participate in this nuclear energy activity led by Clemson University educators and Duke Energy nuclear professionals.

The partnership between the company and Clemson University began in 2019 with the University being awarded a $400,000 grant to establish the EXPLORE Mobile Lab. The goal of the lab is to bring engineering activities to public middle schools (grades 6-8) in the Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress service area in South Carolina.

This nuclear-themed event was originally planned in March 2020 on three consecutive days in the three communities surrounding Catawba Nuclear Station, Oconee Nuclear Station and Robinson Nuclear Plant. However, the event had to be cancelled due to the emergence of COVID-19 and social distancing precautions. Since then, the event has been reimagined as an interactive virtual event that unites all three communities at once.

In honor of this unique event, the EXPLORE lab has created a new activity based around nuclear energy. Using dominoes, wooden blocks or Legos, students will learn about the power of a chain reaction and its role in generating clean, safe and reliable electricity. Students will also be able to learn about how engineers work continuously to improve this technology from educators at Clemson University as well as engineers at Duke Energy.

Be sure to register, as space is limited for this interactive event.