NSW Exceeds Expectations

Nuclear Science Week (NSW) is an international, broadly observed week-long celebration to focus local, regional, national and international interest on all aspects of nuclear science. NSW takes place each year on the third week of October and was recognized for the seventh year on October 17-21, 2016, in the United States and around the world.

During the week, educators, students, employers and communities participated in an international recognition of how nuclear science plays a vital role in the lives of Americans - and the world. Activities during the week are intended to build awareness of the contributions of the nuclear science industry and those who work in it every day.

Many NSW events were held in the SRSCRO region of Georgia and South Carolina area. Local events were arranged through a regional coordination committee, and involved even more participants than in previous years.  Over 1,770 people joined in tours, education events, lectures and more.

The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center (RPSEC), on the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) campus, hosted 575 students and teachers for Education Days throughout the week.  Local middle and high school students explored nuclear science through the RPSEC's popular program, Journey to the Center of the Atom.

Augusta University hosted classes from three area high schools for an Education Day that focused on interactive learning.  CB&I AREVA MOX Services volunteers supported the Education Day by teaching students about nuclear fuel.  Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) volunteers taught Journey to the Center of the Atom as part of the day. Participants also enjoyed exhibits featuring nuclear-related programs of study available at the University.
 
Special site tours were conducted throughout the week at Georgia Power's Plant Vogtle and at SCE&G's V.C. Summer Nuclear Power Station.  Middle and High School students learned about nuclear power and even visited the control room simulators as part of their tours.

At the Savannah River Site (SRS), educators participated in a unique site tour.  The tour focused on applications of science at SRS and included time with scientists/engineers at the Savannah River National Laboratory, a walking tour of the Defense Waste Process Facility (DWPF) and the Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF). The tour was designed to provide information to teachers useful for guiding students into potential STEM careers.
 
The 25th Annual Edward Teller Lecture/Banquet was hosted by the Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness.  Hundreds of people attended the event at the USCA Convocation Center to hear guest speaker, Siegfried Hecker, Stanford Professor, Emeritus Director, Los Alamos National Laboratory.

CNTA also developed a special insert for the Aiken Standard.

The SRSCRO hosted the annual STEM Career Connections day as part of the week's celebrations.  The goal of the event was to help high school students in our region better understand the many opportunities in STEM fields that exist right here in our community and for local employers to convey the types of skills they need in new employees in the years to come.

"Since its inception seven years ago, this national nuclear science celebration has grown exponentially each year. We are proud to have Nuclear Science Week represented in five countries, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds," said Jim Walther, Director of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History and Chair of the NSW Steering Committee. "The contributions of nuclear science are many, and recognizing the importance of nuclear innovations in medicine, energy and social responsibilities is crucial in providing the public with pertinent information about our future as a nation and around the world."