Come Explore Nuclear Science!
Nuclear Science Week is an international, broadly observed week-long celebration that focuses on all aspects of nuclear science. Events during this week will provide many learning opportunities about contributions, innovation and careers that can be found by exploring nuclear science. #nuclearsciweek @nuclearsciweek
SRS Community Reuse Organization and its affiliated Nuclear Workforce Initiative® are collaborating with local organizations to conduct activities designed to encourage and bring awareness of nuclear technology and the many careers available within nuclear technology and other high-tech industries.
DATES & ACTIVITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Education Days Information
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
October 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 2021
Where:
Ruth Patrick Science Education Center – UofSC Aiken
Who:
Middle and high school students
What:
Center of the Atom (An Investigation of Protons, Neutrons, Electrons, Elements, and Isotopes) – Probing the Periodic Table, Changes Matter – Meet the Elements – Radioecology – Sunstruck (Planetarium)
How:
The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center will be accepting reservation requests for field trip programs for the 2021-2022 school year. Reservation request forms are available here. The programs fill up quickly, so please do not delay!
For more information contact Dr. Gary Senn at [email protected]
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
October 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 2021
Aiken Technical College Video Series
To celebrate Nuclear Science Week, Aiken Technical College will have a video series highlighting the five areas showcased on the NSW flyer.
Each of the video series will be uploaded to the Aiken Technical College student and employee portal as well their social media sites and YouTube channel.
Monday, October 18, 2021
Nuclear Technology Supports
Debunking Nuclear Myths - Ms. Aherial Polite, Chemistry, Physics, & Nuclear Science Department Chair
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Why Choose Nuclear Careers?
Interview with one of our current RPT students who is also an SRS employee
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Employability Skills Needed
The importance of strong employability skills - Student Success Coaches
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Educational Degree Options
A virtual tour of our RPT mock lab
Friday, October 22, 2021
Nuclear Career Options
Scholarship and upcoming apprenticeship opportunities- Dr. Steve Simmons, Dean Technical & Continuing Education
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
October 18, 19, 20, 21, 2021
Where:
University of South Carolina Salkehatchie - Allendale, SC & Walterboro, SC
Who:
Recent graduates, current college students, and select regional high school students.
What:
Get Ready for Career Week 2021 - Emphasis on career readiness and workforce development.
Monday, October 18, 2021 – Planning Your Career Path: Virtual Alumni Panel Discussion (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
Panelist will be STEM professionals and liberal studies students working in a STEM field sharing their experience at USC Salkehatchie. Connect via Zoom here.
Tuesday, October 19 - Get Career Ready! An Industry Professionals Panel Discussion about Employability (11:00 am - 12:15 pm) Hampton Street Auditorium, Walterboro Campus
Industry professionals will discuss careers in the nuclear industry.
Wednesday, October 20 - Get Career Ready! An Industry Professionals Panel Discussion about Employability (11:00 am - 12:15 pm) Conference Center, Allendale Campus
Industry professionals will discuss careers in the nuclear industry.
Thursday, October 21, 2021 – Fall Career Fairs
USC Salkehatchie - Allendale, SC Campus Winthrop Grove (11:00 am - 1:00 pm)
USC Salkehatchie - Walterboro, SC Campus Marvin Park (11:00 am -1:00 pm)
The career fair will showcase STEM opportunities available to students in their region. The goal is for students to get a holistic view of all local industry jobs and internship opportunities available in the area.
Open to current USC Salkehatchie students and recent graduates.
Bring your resume and dress to impress. Lunch will be provided.
For additional information, please contact Jessica Goodwin at [email protected].
How:
For more information contact Holly McCrary at [email protected]
Tuesday
October 19, 2021
Where:
Augusta University Health Sciences Campus (downtown medical district)
Who:
Hosted by Augusta University’s Society of Nuclear Scholars
What:
Activity booth on the Health Science Campus (located in the downtown medical district) where we will have games, treats, and nuclear science trivia in an effort to promote the wide-ranging applications and career opportunities in the field of nuclear science!
How:
Stop by the new Science and Mathematics building to check out our booth!
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
October 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 2021
SRS Women in Nuclear Virtual Activity
“Let’s Get Radioactive!” Jeopardy Game
The SRS Women in Nuclear has a fantastic educational game.
“Let’s Get Radioactive!” Jeopardy Game
The game has 5 categories of questions and answers:
1. Radiation
2. Fact or Fiction
3. Medical Uses
4. Radiation in Home & Workplace
5. Avoiding Radiation
Each category has a point range from 100-500. Person/team selects the category and the point range they would like then answers the question. The person/team with the highest points at the completion of the round wins Nuclear Jeopardy.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
October 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 2021
Augusta Technical College
Promoted regional nuclear careers and distributed Workforce Opportunities in Regional Careers (WORC) scholarship information to students on campus.
2021 STEM Career Connections®
October 25 - November 12, 2021
(3-weeks to show video to students)
Where:
FREE Virtual Event (pre-recorded video) Click here to see flyer
Click here to see the video (Vimeo)
Click here to see the video (YouTube)
Who:
GA/SC regional high school students considering a career pathway that involves science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills.
What:
Pre-recorded video of local industry experts sharing their knowledge & discussing current/future workforce topics. The goal is to help local students better understand the many career opportunities in STEM fields that exist right here in our community.
Industries featured in the video include Dominion Energy, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions LLC, Southern Nuclear, Rural Sourcing Incorporated, Aiken Augusta Electric & Security, Textron Specialized Vehicles, SITEC Construction, Doctors Hospital and SRP Federal Credit Union.
How:
Video link and post event survey link given to educators. Information and details will be coordinated through educators.
For more information and details, contact Kim Saxon at [email protected]
Event is hosted by SRS Community Reuse Organization
Our Sponsors
Many thanks to our sponsors.
GOLD:
SRS Community Reuse Organization | Nuclear Workforce Initiative®
SILVER:
Aiken Technical College | Augusta Technical College | Applied Research Center | Dominion Energy | Georgia Power/Southern Nuclear
BRONZE:
Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC | Savannah River Remediation, LLC
IN-KIND:
Aiken Augusta Electric & Security | Doctors Hospital | Rural Sourcing, Inc | SITEC Construction | SRP Financial Literacy | SRS Museum| Textron Specialized Vehicles
Site Visit Days
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
October 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 2021
Where:
Southern Nuclear Plant Vogtle – Waynesboro, GA
Who:
Vogtle Energy Education Center Staff
What:
The Vogtle Energy Education Center will be conducting limited site visits at Plant Vogtle which will include nuclear 101 education, driving tours of the site, and hands-on activities relating to power production and nuclear energy.
How:
For more information, contact Joel Leopard ([email protected]) or Mike McCracken ([email protected])
Savannah River Site (SRS) Virtual Field Trip Available Throughout the Year
In the Beam, Science in the Fast Lane
Created for Virtual Reality, take a video journey with us as we follow a sample through a mass spectrometer. The recreation of the instrument in the video was produced from a laser mapping inside a mass spec used in Savannah River National Laboratory. R&D Engineering, imaging robotics engineers created the experience.
Attention Educators: To provide the virtual experience of the atomic world inside mass spectrometers to students, teachers may complete a short form to receive a link to the free video and educator’s guide.
"Feathers in the Forest" Come On! Get on the Bus!
Joining our team as ecologists, you will assess two different forests to determine which forest meets the habitat requirements of the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW).
Experience up-close SRS conservation efforts by the US Forest Service as they work to preserve the RCW’s home.
Roundtrip 20 minutes!
Attention Educators: For keys to the bus, complete the short form at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCWvirtualfieldtrip
"Wet Wonders" Come On! Get on the Bus!
Your journey takes you to on a "Wet Wonders" adventure at SRS to study biotic factors that determine the health of a pond.
Roundtrip 14 minutes!
Attention Educators: For keys to the bus, complete the short form at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VirtualTripWetWondersSRS
Upon submission, within 1-3 business days, you will receive a link to the video, and a Student Activity Sheet with Answer Key.
Annual Edward Teller Lecture & Banquet
CNTA Annual Edward Teller Lecture & Banquet
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Where:
The 30th Annual Edward Teller Lecture will be at the Amentum Theater for Performing Arts (126 Newberry Street SW Aiken SC, 29801) with a dinner reception following at Newberry Hall (117 Newberry Street SW, Aiken, SC 29801)
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (Lecture) & 7:30 pm (Dinner Reception)
What:
Time for members of the public to come learn more about the current advances in nuclear technology as well as see pioneering scientists awarded for their efforts in the industry. This event will also recognize CNTA’s award winners.
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Brent Park - Dr. Park is a physicists, a retired national laboratory executive and a former Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
How:
Tickets are required - $50/Person (Limited Seating: Deadline October 18, 2021)
For more information contact CNTA at [email protected].
Event hosted by Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA)
Other Activities
Science Education Enrichment Day (S.E.E.D)
Saturday, October 9, 2021
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
UofSC Aiken (Ruth Patrick Science Education Center)
Admission Cost: FREE
Family-themed festival celebrating science, technology, engineering and math.
Imagine getting up close with honeybees, talking turkey, launching a rocket, making an edible earth, driving a championship robot, making paper, or virtually traveling through outer space.
As part of the free event, attendees will celebrate innovations in STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. S.E.E.D goers will roam the university's campus, visiting the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center and other sites at UofSC Aiken. Student groups, regional corporations, museums, professional organizations, government agencies, educators, and national labs join forces to present engaging hands-on activities for guests of all ages.
With the goal of increasing awareness of the role of science, technology engineering and mathematics in society and conveying the joy of STEM, S.E.E.D is hosted each year to give young learners 'up close and personal' interaction with real-world scientists, engineers and other technical professionals.
Highlights of S.E.E.D. include:
- Hands-on exhibits, activities and stage performances
- Exhibitors include the National Wild Turkey Federation, Columbia Marionette Theatre, American Nuclear Society, S.C. State Museum, Savannah Riverkeeper, Kimberly-Clark, UofSC Aiken, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the Astronomy Club of Augusta and many more;
- Demonstrations of technologies and intriguing science including robotics, nuclear power, flight, carnivorous plants, neuroscience, biodiversity and much more.
Atomic City Festival
Saturday, October 9, 2021
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
200 N. Main Street, New Ellenton, SC 29809
Family Fun Event! Rock Climbing Wall • Car Show • Bouncy Houses • Old Fashioned Games • Fire Pit Smores • Food/Craft Vendors • Karaoke • Fireworks .. and more!
Opening Ceremony @ 10:00 am and Fireworks @ 9:00 pm
CNTA Oyster Roast & Low Country Boil
Saturday, October 16, 2021
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Palmetto Golf Club - 275 Berrie Rd SW, Aiken, SC 29801
For more information contact CNTA at [email protected]
This event is hosted by Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness Young Professionals Committee.
Savannah River Site Museum Tours
Wednesday - Saturday, October 20 - 23, 2021
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10am -2pm & Saturday 10am - 4pm
224 Laurens Street SW
Aiken SC, 29801
Located in downtown Aiken, SC, SRS Museum offers visitors a glimpse beyond the barricade at the Savannah River Site, where they can learn more about South Carolina’s role in winning the Cold War through stories and artifacts from SRS.
The SRS Museum exhibit “6,000 Stories” details life before the plant in surrounding communities of Ellenton, Dunbarton, and Meyer’s Mill, whose residents relocated to make way for the 310 square mile plant. Additional exhibits explore Cold War culture, nuclear materials production, radiation, waste cleanup missions, space exploration, and ecology.
Even after seven decades, the Savannah River Site remains one of the most influential entities in the Central Savannah River Area and is one of the CSRA’s largest employers. Come discover its impact on our community from its mid-20th century origins through today.
For more information, contact SRS Museum at 803-648-1437 or email the museum at [email protected]
CNTA Classroom Teach-Ins
October 2021 (Available Throughout the Year)
Hosted by Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA).
Need a subject matter expert to help in your classroom? CNTA has speakers available that can come to your classroom to discuss atomic and nuclear fundamentals, nuclear energy, nuclear technologies and applications, careers in nuclear, and a wide range of other topics. We also conduct hands-on demonstrations and activities.
If you are interested in having members from CNTA come to your classroom to teach, please contact the office at [email protected]
CNTA Aiken Standard/North Augusta Star NSW Insert
Nuclear Science Week is significant to the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization region. This community is at the forefront of important scientific advances, and Nuclear Science Week provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate and learn.
The Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness will coordinate a special newspaper insert for the Aiken Standard (available on October 17, 2021) and North Augusta Star (available on October 20, 2021) that will highlight regional innovations.
Boy Scouts of America (Nuclear Science Merit Badge)
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Event Sponsors: Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Savannah River Site Museum and Southern Nuclear Plant Vogtle
CNTA High School Essay Contest
Win up to $1,000
In CNTA’s annual essay contest, area high schoolers have a chance to win up to $1,000. Continuing in 2022 we are having 2 tiers of winners. Second tier winners will receive $500 each.
Eligibility:
Must be a high school junior or senior enrolled at a school in one of these counties (including homeschool): Aiken (SC), Allendale (SC), Barnwell (SC), Burke (GA), Columbia (GA), or Richmond (GA).
Contestants must submit one (1) copy of their essay in its final form to the Contest Director by the due date of February 28, 2022. Each essay must be accompanied by an Official Student Entry Form. No faxed copies will be accepted, please email them.
Contest Criteria:
Submit a 1,000-1,500 word essay on one of four topics. The 2022 topics are: *This past year has seen much progress toward sustained fusion power … discuss the progress and remaining roadblocks.
*Discuss the use of nuclear technology in space exploration (past, present, and future).
*Discuss the importance of isotopes in today’s medicine and the U.S. dependence on foreign supply.
*Discuss how electricity generated from nuclear power versus fossil fuels can impact global warming.
The effort involves researching a topic and preparing an essay on the subject. CNTA has books and other reference materials that may be of help to student applicants.
The competition is judged by volunteer members of CNTA
Complete Entry Form Packet for 2022 Essay Contest has all the details to apply for the 2022 Contest!
Deadline: February 28, 2022.
For more information email at [email protected]
CNTA Educator Grants Program
Want up to $500 for STEM Classroom Projects?
The 2022 CNTA Educator Grant Program is now seeking applications for STEM projects and supplies to area middle and high school teachers.
Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) developed the educator grants program as an alternative to its classroom and field trip experiences for teachers. The grants program is an opportunity to support local teachers in their classrooms and give them the resources to develop projects or enhance their student’s experience with science and technology.
The grants can be used to fund a project in any area of science or technology; however, proposals that promote an increased understanding of atomic and nuclear fundamentals, radiation and nuclear materials safety, and applications of nuclear technology will be given extra consideration.
Eligibility:
Middle and High schools in the South Carolina counties of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, and Orangeburg; and in the Georgia counties of Columbia, Richmond, and Burke are invited to submit proposals. Teachers who are members of CNTA are also eligible to apply regardless of school location.
Application MUST be received by CNTA by close of business on JANUARY 31, 2022!
Completed application should be sent by email to [email protected]. A return email will be sent within 2 business days of application receipt. In the subject line, type “CNTA Educator Grants Program.” Original copies should be kept for your records.
See the 2022 CNTA educator grants program announcement for Recommendations & Evaluation Criteria
Educator Activities Throughout the Year
Savannah River Site Education Outreach Programs
The United States Department of Energy Savannah River Operations Office (DOE-SR) provides a variety of science and literacy outreach programs at the Savannah River Site (SRS) by funding and coordinating the efforts of several organizations. The primary goals of these outreach programs are to enhance interest in science, mathematics, engineering and technology and to support improvements in education in the Central Savannah River Area by using the unique resources available at the Site. We believe business, industry, government and the education community must work together as partners to improve the educational opportunities for all students in our region.
In partnership with education institutions, the Savannah River Site offers:
• Hands-on programs for precollege students and teachers
• Unique research opportunities for post-secondary students and faculty at the Savannah River Site
• Various workshops, tours, lectures and demonstrations that promote science, mathematics, engineering and technology
To learn more about the many programs offered click here.
Ruth Patrick Science Education Center
The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center is a cooperative effort between the UofSC Aiken, business, industry, and schools in the Central Savannah River Area. Its programs challenge the present and inspire the future to effect systemic change in science and mathematics education. Its hands-on approach to teaching is designed to help people experience the beauty, the order, and the power of science and mathematics, as well as the interest and fun of discovery.
Programs are available for students, teachers and the community. To learn more click here.
Teach-Ins
Need a subject matter expert to help in your classroom? The Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) has speakers available that can come to your classroom to discuss atomic and nuclear fundamentals, nuclear energy, nuclear technologies and applications, careers in nuclear, and a wide range of other topics. We also conduct hands-on demonstrations and activities.
Available Topics Include:
• How Radiation is Measured and How Exposure is Safely Controlled
• The Applications Of Radiation
• Nuclear Fundamentals
• Nuclear Technology Applications
• Regional Nuclear Technology Uses
• Career Opportunities in Nuclear
If you are interested in having members from CNTA come to your classroom to teach, please contact the office at [email protected].
Plant Vogtle Energy Education Center
Plant Vogtle [southernnuclear.com] is located in Burke Co. Georgia. Dive into the fascinating world of electricity and energy at the Vogtle Energy Education Center. Expand your students’ minds with “in-class field trips” facilitated by Southern Nuclear Energy Education Center staff who bring an informative and educational approach to learning about nuclear energy and power production.
If you would like to schedule a site tour or informative presentation for your school group, civic group or other groups, please contact the Vogtle Energy Education Center staff at [email protected] or you can take a virtual tour
Classroom Lesson Plans
Nuclear Science Week endeavors to provide a rich assortment of curriculum assistance.
Energy Solutions Foundation has provided a number of these lesson plans, which will provide you with step-by-step ways to teach the fundamentals of nuclear science.
Click here on activities that are ready to use in your classroom.
Lesson plans include:
• NAYGN’s Global Fuel Cycle Game
• Navigating Nuclear: Energizing Our World
• Detecting Radiation in Our Radioactive World
• The Atomic Nucleus
• The Nuclear Wall Chart
• Tearing Through a Half-Life
• Nuclear Popcorn
• Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Oh My!
• Radioactive Decay
• Radioactive Decay Chains
• Safe and Reliable Nuclear Energy
• The Environment and the Generation of Electricity
• Nuclear Clean Air Facts
• The Fission Game
• Radioactive Waste Disposal
• How Much Radiation
• Estimate Your Personal Annual Radiation Dose
• Calculate Your Radiation Dose
• Mock Senate
• Perception of Risk
Nuclear Science Resources
Click here to find websites and resources for more information and activities centered on nuclear science.
Community Activities Throughout the Year
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), a research unit of the University of Georgia, pursues basic and applied research at multiple levels of ecological organization, from atoms to ecosystems.
The SREL Outreach Program reaches more than 68,000 people annually who live in communities surrounding the Savannah River Site (SRS). These programs enhance an individual’s understanding of environmental issues affecting the SRS, and they increase general ecological awareness by featuring programs on the local ecology and associated research.
The following are outreach programs available. Click on each program for details.
• Ecologist for a Day
• EcoTalks
• Exhibits
Click here to complete an outreach program request form.
Click here for educational materials.
Savannah River Site Museum
The Savannah River Site Museum is dedicated to bringing the stories of Savannah River Site, its scientific and technological role in the Cold War, to life.
Our visitors connect with their community, family, and history through the exhibits found at the SRS Museum. The museum helps visitors to understand why the history of SRS is significant in their hometown. Tourists and newcomers can gain insight into a lesser-known chapter of Aiken’s history. The Savannah River Site Museum has a personal story to share with everyone.
The museum offers exhibits that explore Cold War history and nuclear technology, programs that give context to the past and connect visitors to the present, and initiatives that generate excitement about careers in STEM.
The Savannah River Site Museum is located at 224 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801 and open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
For more information contact the SRS Museum at 803-648-1437 or email the museum at [email protected]
Savannah River Site Public Tour Program
With ongoing precautions and adherence to Site safety and health protocols, SRS public tours remain on hold until further notice.
Please check back for SRS Tour program updates and future scheduling of in-person tours.
In the meantime, we invite you to "get on the bus" and enjoy our SRS Virtual Tour.
Local Scholarship & Training Opportunities
Scholarship and Training Opportunities
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills are important building blocks that help students expand their education and career opportunities. Creative resources are available to students, teachers and parents to promote STEM skill development and understand nuclear technology through activities that encourage exploration and involvement.
Workforce Opportunities in Regional Careers (WORC) scholarships are available at five area educational institutes with a focus on programs that enable students to develop critical skills needed for careers supporting Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NSSA) nuclear missions.
Five area educational partners offering training and scholarships:
• Aiken Technical College
• Augusta Technical College
• Augusta University
• Claflin University
• UofSC Aiken
• University of South Carolina Salkehatchie
Click here to learn more about the local high-tech training opportunities and scholarships available.
For more information about
Nuclear Science Week,
contact Mindy Mets, Director of Regional Workforce Programs at [email protected] or Kim Saxon, Assistant Coordinator, at [email protected]