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
Ruth Patrick Science Education Center
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
October 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 2023
Where:
Ruth Patrick Science Education Center – University of South Carolina Aiken
Who:
Middle and high school students
What:
Center of the Atom (An Investigation of Protons, Neutrons, Electrons, Elements, and Isotopes) - Students explore atomic structure using a series of hands-on activities which concludes with the discovery of the uses of an atom they create using the Interactive Nucleus display and the Living Periodic Table.
Probing the Periodic Table - This program demystifies the periodic table and makes learning about atoms fun! Students grasp the organization of the periodic table as they construct a Periodic Table of Foods. Then, they build atomic models and use them to find patterns in the structure and behavior of elements.
Changes Matter - Students explore physical and chemical properties of matter. They compare physical and chemical changes and experience reactivity through experiments and an “igniting” demonstration!
Meet the Elements - Students “meet the elements” in a fun music video; then work together to classify materials as elements, compounds and mixtures. They will build atomic models and discover why compounds are either ionic or covalent.
Modeling Atoms - Allows students to visualize the makeup of an atom in three-dimensional space by creating models of the subatomic particles that make up an atom. Students will learn concepts about atoms, molecules, and isotopes through drawing and constructing models of atoms.
Radiation All Around Us - Explores forms of radiation, natural and manmade, and how this invisible energy can be understood as both hazardous and helpful. Learn how nuclear workers at Savannah River Site protect themselves and the public from dangerous radiation.
Sunstruck (Planetarium) - Discover the wonders of our sun! Its incredible energy supports life on Earth, but solar storms can threaten our technology and way of life. Discover connections between sunspots, magnetic fields, aurora, and power failures. Travel to the distant future to discover our sun’s connection to the cosmic cycle of life and death.
How:
The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center will be accepting reservation requests for field trip programs for the 2023-2024 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]
Aiken Technical College
Tuesday, October 10 & Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Program Presentation
Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIPP)
Monday, October 16, 2023
Video - Nuclear Technology Programs
Dr. Forest Mahan and Dr. Steve Simmons
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Virtual Transfer Information Session - Coastal Carolina University
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Showcase
Aiken Technical College Student Activities Center Building 900 (1:00 pm – 2:30 pm)
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Make Your Own ATOM Cookie Kit
Aiken Technical College Student Activities Center Building 900 (1:00 pm – 2:30 pm)
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
US Marines Recruiter
The recruiter will on campus to answer questions about enlistment and opportunities within their branch of the military.
Aiken Technical College Student Activities Center Building 900 (9:00 am – 10:30 am)
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Savannah River Site Tour
Aiken Technical College students and staff will take a tour of the Savannah River Site.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Video - Nuclear Career Exploration Success Session
Created by Student Success coaches.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Nuclear Career Panel Session
Interested in learning about unique careers in the nuclear industry? Join us for a presentation from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Aiken Technical College Auditorium (100 Building)
Click here to see panel bios.
Aherial Polite - Aiken Technical College
Dr. Robert Buckley - Savannah River Nuclear Laboratory
David Jackson – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
Tronie Williams – Southern Nuclear Plant Vogtle (Former Aiken Technical College student)
(Free Chick-fil-A sandwiches for the first 25 student attendees)
University of South Carolina Salkehatchie
Tuesday & Wednesday
October 17 & 18, 2023
Allendale, SC Campus: October 17, 2023 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Winthrop Grove (inclement weather inside the Atrium)
Walterboro, SC Campus: October 18, 2023 -12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Marvin Park (inclement weather inside Administration building)
OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY!
BOTH CAMPUS ATTENDEES: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Archroma, Swiss Krono, FCI Estill, Manpower, DHEC, Gehl Foods, Disney Hilton Head Island Resort, Hampton Regional Medical Center, South Carolina Department of Corrections, South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, Low Country Community Action Agency, Inc., Scotsman Ice System, USC Palmetto College, Walterboro Police Department, Colleton County Sheriff’s Department
ALLENDALE ONLY ATTENDEES: Allendale County Schools, South Carolina State Transport Police, Palmetto State Bank, SC Region American Red Cross, SC Regional Housing Authority #3, New Life Center, CVS
WALTERBORO CAMPUS ATTENDEES: South State Bank, Genesis Healthcare, Inc, Colleton County School District, American Red Cross, Colleton County Fire and Rescue
The career fair will showcase career opportunities available in the region. The goal is to learn about local industry jobs and internship opportunities available in the area.
Need more information? Contact: Tracy Beach at [email protected]
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Site Tour
Southern Nuclear Plant Vogtle
Attendees: University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Students & Professors.
Augusta University
Heath Science Campus (Science Classroom Building Lobby)
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
8:00 am - 11:00 am
The Augusta University Society of Nuclear Scholar group will set up an information table in the lobby of the sciences classroom building on the health sciences campus. The table will have information about careers, curriculum and applications of nuclear science, along with some cool demos.
Augusta Technical College
Monday ,October 16 – Friday, October 20, 2023
Video
The Journey from Augusta to Los Alamos
A video featuring a Augusta Technical College graduate that accepted a job offer at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Information Sharing
Will be visiting Augusta Technical College classrooms and giving students “hidden treasurer” information on what is needed prior to seeking employment at the Department of Energy and other industries
Thursday, October 26, 2023
WORC Career Seminar & Expo
Augusta Technical College, ITC Atrium - Building 100
9:00 am - 12:30 pm (Click here for details)
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Site Tour
Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC
Attendees: Augusta Technical College Engineering Students & Instructors
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Site Tour
Southern Nuclear Plant Vogtle, Waynesboro, GA
Attendees: Augusta Technical College Engineering Students & Instructors
Savannah River Site Women in Nuclear
Virtual Activity Game
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
October 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 2023
The game is available throughout the year!
“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.
For questions or more information contact the following:
Cheryl Hartfield, Chair SRS-WIN Public Outreach, [email protected]
Courtney Wilson, Co-Chair SRS-WIN Public Outreach, [email protected]
Savannah River Site
Introduce a Girl to Engineering - STEM Like a Girl
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, USC Aiken
427 Scholar Loop, Aiken, SC 29801
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Invitation only event!
Presented by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Education Outreach Programs.
The "Introduce a Girl to Engineering - STEM Like a Girl" event will give 8th grade girls an opportunity to get excited about engineering and other science, technology, engineering & mathematics (STEM) careers.
Over 50 volunteers from Savannah River Site that come from engineering, information technology, and other STEM fields will be facilitating the various activities with the girls.
Below are some of the activities include:
- Animate Your Name
- Building Contest
- Protect the Pringle
- Planetarium Show
- Robotics
- The Energy Ball and Graphite Circuits
Savannah River National Laboratory
Teacher STEM Kits
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
October 16, 17, 18, 19, 2023
Savannah River National Laboratory's Education Outreach Program has FREE STEM kits for teachers. Delivered directly to your school with all supplies!
We understand the value of hands-on experiences in sparking the lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). We’d love to deliver STEM kits for your classroom that provide the materials for each student and lesson plan. These kits can be used at your discretion throughout the school year.
Register here for STEM kits to be delivered to your school’s doorstep. Use at your own discretion. Available for grades 3-12
Savannah River National Laboratory
Classroom Teach-Ins
Month of October 2023
We received an overwhelming response for classroom visits in October. We have reached capacity. If you would like to schedule a visit during another time, please contact Meagan Kinard at [email protected]
Attention Educators: Savannah River National Laboratory's Education Outreach Program will send staff members to your classroom for an interactive STEM demonstration with your students.
We are offering interactive classroom teach-ins with SRNL volunteers. These volunteers will come to your classrooms with all materials and deliver captivating STEM demonstrations.
Register here for an SRNL volunteer to bring interactive STEM demos to your classroom in October to celebrate Nuclear Science Week. Available for grades K-12.
Deadline to register is Sept. 27, 2023. (REACHED FULL CAPACITY)
If you would like to schedule a visit during another time, please contact Meagan Kinard at [email protected]
2023 STEM Career Connections®
October 23 - November 10, 2023
(3-weeks to show video to students)
Where:
FREE Virtual Event (pre-recorded video)
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 professionals discussing career pathways and workforce topics. The goal is to help local students better understand the many career opportunities that exist right here in our community.
Industries featured in the video include Augusta Iron & Steel Works, Inc. (Steel Fabrication/Welding) - Center for Primary Care (Healthcare) - Georgia Cyber Center (Cybersecurity) - Savannah River Mission Completion (Nuclear) - Swiss Krono (Manufacturing) - Union Agener (Pharmaceutical Animal Health).
How:
Video link and post event survey link given to educators. Information and details will be coordinated through educators.
CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE: All students and educators who watch the video and complete the post-event survey will be entered for a chance to win an APPLE WATCH!
For more information and details, contact Kim Saxon at [email protected]
Event is hosted by SRS Community Reuse Organization
Many thanks to our sponsors.
GOLD:
Bechtel - Savannah River Mission Completion - SRS Community Reuse Organization - Nuclear Workforce Initiative®
SILVER:
Aiken Technical College - Applied Research Center - Augusta Technical College - Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
BRONZE:
Southern Nuclear
IN-KIND:
Augusta Iron & Steel Works - Center for Primary Care - Georgia Cyber Innovation & Training Center - Swiss Krono - Union Agener
Site Visit Days
Savannah River National Laboratory
Behind the Science (Virtual Tour)
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
9:00 am - 10:30 am (TEAMS Virtual Meeting)
Explore the world of opportunity at Savannah River National Laboratory during a unique virtual tour designed for CSRA students in grades 6-12!
The Savannah River National Laboratory is giving CSRA students the opportunity to look Behind the Science and learn about the many opportunities at the lab. As one of only 17 national laboratories in the nation, SRNL supports critical Department of Energy missions, including developing methods and tools for environmental clean-up and supporting national and global security initiatives.
During this unique virtual tour, students will meet a diverse group of lab ambassadors, who will explain the work they do and their STEM career paths. Students will be able to look into their work and interact with these ambassadors during live question and answer sessions.
We hope this program will help students see there is something for everyone at a national laboratory. From engineers and scientists to accountants and communicators, everyone plays a crucial role in helping the lab achieve its missions. We want to expose students to the diversity of our employee population to help them see the world of opportunity available right in our own community!
The tour will be held via Microsoft Teams from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. For more information or to register for this program, contact SRNL Community and Education Outreach Coordinator Meagan Kinard at [email protected] or (803)522-5001. (Best viewed as a class)
Register here for a Teams calendar invite. Available for grades 6-12.
Southern Nuclear Plant Vogtle (Site Tour)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
October 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 2023
Southern Nuclear Plant Vogtle – Waynesboro, GA
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.
For more information, contact Joel Leopard ([email protected]) or Mike McCracken ([email protected])
Savannah River Site
Virtual Field Trip
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
October 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 2023
Also, 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 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/INTHEBEAM to receive a 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/RCWvirtualfieldtrip2
"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.
“A Trip Down Under”
Discover the science of soil and the mysteries beneath our feet as students take A Trip Down Under at the Savannah River Site.
Investigate soil, layer by layer, in the Sandhills Region of the Carolinas and Georgia, learn of weathering and the role it plays in soil creation, understand the effects of soil quality on the characteristics of an ecosystem, take a look at how the earth’s materials, as natural resources, are used for common products in society and learn of an archeological find at the Savannah River Site that remembers history through an artist known as "Dave".
Roundtrip 20 minutes!
This free resource (includes Student Activity Guide and Teacher Answer Key) may be requested at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/tripdownunder
Savannah River Site
On Site Career Tours
PRIVATE EVENT (Invitation Only)
Invitation only Savannah River Site (Aiken, SC) on site career tours:
|
October 18, 2023 |
Aiken Technical College |
|
October 25, 2023 |
Barnwell Career Center |
|
October 26, 2023 |
Aiken Career & Technology Center |
|
November 15, 2023 |
Augusta Technical College |
|
November 16, 2023 |
Educator Tour/USC Salkehatchie |
Savannah River Site
Apprenticeship Awareness & Job Shadow Day
PRIVATE EVENT (Not open to the public)
Date TBA
Event will include a tour of the Savannah River Site. (Not open to the public)
More details to follow!
Annual Edward Teller Lecture & Banquet
CNTA Annual Edward Teller Lecture
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Where:
The 32nd Annual Edward Teller Lecture will be at the Amentum Theater for Performing Arts with a reception following at Newberry Hall located in Aiken, SC.
6:30 pm (Lecture) Amentum Theater for Performing Arts,126 Newberry Street SW Aiken SC, 29801
7:30 pm (Reception) Newberry Hall,117 Newberry Street SW, Aiken, SC 29801
What:
An opportunity 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:
Joyce Connery, chair of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB), an independent federal agency overseeing the safety of the Department of Energy’s defense nuclear facilities. She previously held positions at the National Security Council, the Department of Energy, and the National Nuclear Security Administration.
How:
Tickets are required (limited seating)
Click here to purchase tickets. (Deadline to purchase ticket is October 13, 2023)
Tickets NOW AVAILABLE! Get yours before we sell out!
For more information contact CNTA at [email protected].
Event hosted by Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA)
Other Activities
Science Education Enrichment Day STEM Festival
Saturday, September 23, 2023
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
University of South Carolina Aiken (Ruth Patrick Science Education Center)
Admission Cost: FREE
Family-themed festival celebrating science, technology, engineering and math.
Imagine getting up close with honeybees, petting an alligator, learning how to make a rain garden, investigating a carnivorous plant, driving a championship robot, or virtually traveling through outer space. Guests will be able to do just that at SEED.
The event will celebrate innovations in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Student groups, regional corporations, museums, professional organizations, government agencies, educators, and national labs will join forces to create and present engaging hands-on activities for guests of all ages.
We plan this event each year to give young learners up close and personal interaction with real-world scientists, engineers, and other technical professionals. The goal is to increase awareness of the role STEM plays in society and that it can also be fun. We recognize that as a society we must continue to excite and engage families about STEM fields.
Highlights include:
- More than 65 hands-on exhibits and activities.
- Exhibits from the Aiken County Emergency Medical Services, American Nuclear Society, Savannah River National Laboratory, SC Department of Natural Resources, USC Aiken, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Southern Nuclear, and more.
- Demonstrations of technologies and intriguing science including robotics, nuclear power, flight, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, biodiversity, and more.
Every year, this event is presented by the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at USC Aiken working closely with the Aiken County Public School District.
Atomic City Festival
Friday, October 6, 2023 & Saturday, October 7, 2023
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Friday) & 10:00 am - 9:30 pm (Saturday)
200 N. Main Street, New Ellenton, SC 29809
Family Fun Event!
- Trackless Train, Pirate Ship and Spinner
- Mechanical Bull
- Petting Zoo with Pony Rides
- Food Trucks
- Mobile Putt Putt
- New Ellenton History Booth
- Car Show
- Bingo
- Live Bands
- Raffles
- Craft Vendors
- Fireworks
- And much more!!
For more information, contact the New Ellenton City Hall at 803-652-2214.
CNTA Oyster Roast & Low Country Boil
Saturday, October 7, 2023
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Palmetto Golf Club - 275 Berrie Rd SW, Aiken, SC 29801
Enjoy oysters and low country boil provided by JC's Seafood.
Live music by Keith Gregory along with live raffle drawings and more!
Tickets required. $50 per person
Tickets NOW AVAILABLE! Get yours before we sell out! Tickets on sale until September 25, 2023 (or until we sell out)
Click here to purchase tickets.
For more information contact CNTA at 803-649-3456 or email at [email protected]
Hosted by the Citizens for Nuclear Technology (CNTA) Awareness Young Professionals Committee. This event supports CNTA's young professional and education outreach programs.
Center for Lifelong Learning Field Trip
Monday, October 16, 2023
9:00 am -12:00 pm
The Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) offers continuing learning opportunities for adults in Aiken and the surrounding CSRA. The Center is associated with the Office of Continuing Education at USC Aiken.
Location: Plant Vogtle, 7821 River Rd, Waynesboro, GA
Description: The tour will include a 'Nuclear 101' overview and discussion, and a driving tour of the plant site with one stop at the cooling towers. A tour of a control simulator may be included, if time permits. Attendees must be at the meeting location by 9:30 am. Prior to the tour date, a map will be sent to all students who have registered for the tour. The map will show how to reach the plant and where the meeting location will be. The tour is limited to 25 attendees, which is the capacity of the plant bus.
Cost: $5.00
Instructor: Joel A. Leopard, Senior Communications Coordinator at Plant Vogtle.
Advanced Registration Required!
For information call: 803-641-3741 or email at: [email protected]
American Nuclear Society Nuclear Trivia Night
Thursday, October 19, 2023
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Registration: 6:00 PM
Trivia Challenge Begins/Ends: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Cafe Scientifique, 203 Laurens St SW, Aiken SC 29801
What: The American Nuclear Society Savannah River section is hosting a Nuclear Trivia Night in celebration of Nuclear Science week October 16-20, 2023.
Who: Anyone with a mild to strong knowledge of nuclear history, science, and/or minutiae and their friends/family! Some questions will be scored based on when a team locks in an answer as more hints are given.
Cost: $12 cash/check or $15 card for food and drinks, $5 for full-time students. Cash bar is available with proceeds supporting the ANS Benjamin Scholarship fund.
Deadline for Pre-Event Registration is Wednesday, October 18th at 5:00 PM.
Please RSVP at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KVQ8Y8T (Attendance is limited)
PayPal links for those paying in advance by card: Food contribution (non-student) of $15: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=WJ3UZ5JG8XFDY
Food contribution (student) of $5: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RQEFPMB6V9Q8L
Prizes will be awarded to the first place team! See you there!
Savannah River Site Museum Fall Fission Festival
Saturday, October 21, 2023
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
FREE to the Public
Please join us for the SRS Museum’s Inaugural Fall Fission Festival on Saturday,
October 21, 2023 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, at the SRS Museum and the Mill parking area, located on Laurens Street SW and Park Avenue, in downtown Aiken, SC.
The festival will have a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) theme. Activities will include games, “Scarecrow Roddy” coloring contest, best costume, best booth, a family photo area, and fun for kids of all ages.
Companies and local businesses will be invited to create booths/and or displays sharing company swag, education outreach, home safety information, science fun, and candy.
Costumes are encouraged and our mascot, Roddy U. Ranium will be our scarecrow in front of the museum.
Savannah River Site Museum
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
October 18, 19, 20, 21, 2023
Special Event: On Saturday, October 21, 2023 the SRS Museum will host the Savannah River Museum Fall Fission Festival from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, at the SRS Museum and the Mill parking area, located on Laurens Street SW and Park Avenue, in downtown Aiken, SC.
The Savannah River Site Museum is located at 224 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801 and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
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.
During the Cold War, SRS (known then as the Savannah River Plant) operated as a nuclear materials production facility, producing tritium and plutonium for the hydrogen bomb.
Savannah River Plant was essential to the national security of the country and serves as the primary producer of nation's tritium.
In addition to providing national defense and deterrence, the nuclear plant produces innovative research in all fields of science, from chemistry to ecology.
You cannot talk about the 20th century history of South Carolina without talking about the Savannah River Site. Our visitors connect with their community, family, and history through the exhibits found at the SRS Museum.
For more information contact the SRS Museum at 803-648-1437 or email the museum at [email protected]
CNTA Up & Atom Breakfast
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
7:30 am - 9:00 am
Newberry Hall - 117 Newberry Street SW, Aiken, SC 29801
Savannah River National Laboratory Research SLAM
Participants will give short TEDx-style talks prepared for a general audience focused on their research, why it's important and what it means.
Six early career researchers from Savannah River National Laboratory will present their research in three-minute talks. All researchers will then be available for a Q&A session.
Click here to purchase tickets. (Deadline: September 29, 2023)
Hosted by Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness.
CNTA Up & Atom Breakfast
Wednesday, October 31, 2023
7:30 am - 9:00 am
Newberry Hall - 117 Newberry Street SW, Aiken, SC 29801
Featuring Dennis Carr, President & CEO of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.
Dennis Carr is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC (SRNS), responsible to the Department of Energy (DOE) for safe, effective and efficient management and operations of the Savannah River Site (SRS). His responsibilities include providing vision, leadership, mission growth, technological advancement, and a performance-based culture of safety, security and operational excellence at the Site.
A Vice President with Fluor Corporation, Mr. Carr has over 40 years of experience in the execution of government projects in D&D, waste management, environmental restoration, maintenance services, and nuclear operations. He has served in a variety of senior management capacities, with Fluor supporting DOE facilities for more than 20 years.
Before being named President and CEO, Mr. Carr served as the SRNS Executive Vice President and NNSA Chief Operations Officer. Prior to this, he served as the Site Project Director and President of Fluor-BWXT, Portsmouth, at the $5 billion Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant D&D Project. His responsibilities at Portsmouth included transition of the facility and its 2,000-person workforce from a private enterprise back to DOE as well as aligning the site’s
safety culture and management systems to DOE’s Integrated Safety Management System.
Click here to purchase tickets. (Deadline: October 27, 2023)
Hosted by Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness.
CNTA Classroom Teach-Ins
October 2023 (Available Throughout the Year)
Hosted by Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA).
Classroom Teach-Ins: 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.
Click here for more information and other resources.
If you are interested in having members from CNTA come to your classroom, please contact the office at [email protected]
CNTA Nuclear Science Week Newspaper Insert
Saturday, October 14, 2023 & Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Nuclear Science Week is significant to the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) 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 Saturday, October 14, 2023) and North Augusta Star (available on Wednesday, October 18, 2023) that will highlight regional innovations.
The Nuclear Science Week Insert is written by members of the Communications Committee of Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness.
The insert focuses on all things education, and can be found here
CNTA High School Essay Contest
Win up to $1,000
The 2024 Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) High School Essay Contest is for area high schooler juniors and seniors. Have a chance to win up to $1,000.
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).
Each contestant must prepare his or her own essay about one of the listed topics.
Contestants must submit one (1) copy of their essay in its final form to the Contest Director by the due date of February 29, 2024. 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 three topics. The 2024 topics are:
* As climate change continues to impact our lives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical. Compare and contrast lifetime greenhouse gas emissions from nuclear power plants and other energy sources.
* Isotopes are commonly used for medical procedures and diagnostics. Choose at least 2 isotopes and discuss how they are sourced and used in medical applications.
* When people land on Mars, they will need energy sources to survive. Discuss how nuclear technology can be used to get to and live on Mars.
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. Outside sources are welcome, but must be cited appropriately.
The competition is judged by volunteer members of CNTA.
Deadline: February 29, 2024.
CNTA Educator Grant Program
Want up to $500 for STEM Projects and Supplies?
The Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness Educator Grant Program is seeking applications for area grades Pre-K to 12 educators in all subjects.
The Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for all aspects of nuclear technologies. Our mission is to educate the public by providing objective information on the value of nuclear technology with respect to our health, economy, environment and national security.
We live in a radioactive world! We use nuclear science and technology to power our homes, diagnose and treat serious health issues, make our food supplies safe and high yielding, and make our world better. However, some members of the public lack understanding of the concepts of radiation and nuclear materials, how we can deal with them safely, and how important they are to our lives.
CNTA developed the Educator Grant Program as an alternative to its classroom and field trip experiences for teachers. The 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:
K-12 teachers 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, 2024!
Completed application should be sent by email to [email protected] & [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.
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 (RPSEC) is a cooperative effort between the University of South Carolina Aiken, business, industry, the South Carolina Department of Education, and schools in the Central Savannah River Area of South Carolina and Georgia.
Its programs challenge the present and inspire the future to effect systemic change in science, mathematics, technology, and environmental education. Its hands-on approach to teaching is designed to help people experience the beauty, order, and power of science and mathematics, as well as the interest and fun of discovery.
To promote lifelong learning and empower individuals to make informed decisions, the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center uses innovative methods to influence the quality of science and mathematics education, models effective instruction and enhances students' and teachers' knowledge.
To learn more click here.
Plant Vogtle Energy Education Center
Plant Vogtle is located in Burke County, 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 Teach-Ins (Subject Matter Experts)
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].
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
• 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. Available for all levels of education (Elementary, Middle School, High School, College)
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.
During the Cold War, SRS (known then as the Savannah River Plant) operated as a nuclear materials production facility, producing tritium and plutonium for the hydrogen bomb.
Savannah River Plant was essential to the national security of the country and serves as the primary producer of nation's tritium.
In addition to providing national defense and deterrence, the nuclear plant produces innovative research in all fields of science, from chemistry to ecology.
You cannot talk about the 20th century history of South Carolina without talking about the Savannah River Site. Our visitors connect with their community, family, and history through the exhibits found at the SRS Museum.
The Savannah River Site Museum is located at 224 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801 and is 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
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC will offer twenty-six driving tours of Savannah River Site (SRS) to the public in 2023, providing openings for approximately 900 members of the public.
All tours will begin at the Savannah River Site Badge Office. Guests will be given an overview presentation, safety and security briefing and driving tour of the site. The Mission Related Public Tours will include a general site driving tour along with a visit to the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL). At SREL, visitors will get an overview of the ecology lab's history and mission and get an up-close view of animals that are native to the Savannah River Site.
Due to high demand, there will be eight Historic Tours available in 2023, doubling from four in 2022! In addition to four tours that will stop at the Dunbarton Town site, we will offer four tours that will be going to the Ellenton Town site. All Historic tours also include a tour of the SRS Curation Facility and a driving tour of C Reactor.
For reference, the Dunbarton Tours will be held in March and the Ellenton Tours will be held in October and are noted with a hashtag (#) on the calendar.
Site tours provide an opportunity for those interested in SRS to better understand the Department of Energy’s facilities, missions, and workforce that changed the face of Aiken, Barnwell and Allendale Counties, nearby cities and helped win the Cold War. Guests will also learn about facilities supporting current and future missions of the Savannah River Site for both Environmental Management and the National Nuclear Security Administration.
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2023 Savannah River Site Public Tour Dates |
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All tours are free of charge and each will accommodate 34 participants. Tour participants must be 18 years of age or older and must be U.S. Citizens. Proper identification is required at check-in the day of the tour.
Registration for each tour will close two weeks before the date of the tour so please be sure to register early. If you are coming as a group, each individual in the group will need to self-register, as well.
Seats are limited and participants may reserve only one tour date per year. Seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A waiting list is maintained and you will be notified by email should a seat become available.
Click here for more details.
If no internet access is available, individuals may call 803-952-8994 for assistance.
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.
Six area educational partners offering training and scholarships:
• Aiken Technical College
• Augusta Technical College
• Augusta University
• Claflin University
• University of South Carolina 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]