The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is the nation’s only congressionally chartered museum in its field and a Smithsonian affiliate. Nuclear science continues to influence our world and the museum reaches out to educate Americans on this vital branch of science.
It was established in 1969 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology. The museum strives to present diverse uses of nuclear energy in the past, present and future.
The National Museum for Nuclear Science and History is located in Albuquerque, N.M.
Education programs
Your mind has amazing potential, and we believe in fostering it. Nuclear Science can be understood by children of all ages, and the perspective of the world it gives them will open their minds to endless possibilities. We invite and encourage you to use the many educational programs we’ve designed.
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History feels the following resources are beneficial and would like to provide a service to teachers, but does not endorse any of the sites.
ABCs of Nuclear Science
This is a detailed description of Nuclear Structure, even though it’s called basic nuclear science. Written primarily for high-school students, it does include activities and information for all grade levels.
http://www.lbl.gov/abc/Basic.html
The Harnessed Atom
The Harnessed Atom is a comprehensive middle-school resource that provides students and teachers with an accurate and unbiased learning guide about nuclear energy.
The Harnessed Atom – Student’s Guide reviews the basic scientific principles that underlie nuclear energy and focuses on atoms, radiation, the technology of our number two source of electricity, and issues concerning nuclear energy.
The Harnessed Atom – Teacher’s Guide contains suggestions for using the materials and is designed to help teachers in scheduling and planning lessons that teach concepts and develop basic skills. Included in the book are discussion questions, answers to review exercises, a list of materials, and a list of additional resources.
http://www.osti.gov/speeches/doene0072.pdf
How Nuclear Power Works
Sections on nuclear fission as well as the inside of a nuclear power plant.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-power.htm
Control the Nuclear Power Plant (Demonstration)
This site offers a nuclear power plant simulation that can be manipulated by students.
http://www.ida.liu.se/~her/npp/demo.html
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Nuclear Reactors and Energy Generation lesson with good information on nuclear energy and radiation.
http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/teachers/unit3.html
Chem4Kids
This site teaches kids about the atom basics.
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/atom_structure.html
Web Elements
An interesting interactive periodic table with more detailed information.
http://www.webelements.com/webelements/scholar/index.html
Chemistry Overview
This site introduces and explains the various components of Nuclear Chemistry. There are pictures, problems and case studies for teachers to use in their classroom.
http://www.chemcases.com/nuclear/index.html