Summary of Findings: K-12 Group
Graphic Credit: National Institute of Health Sciences Office of Science Education & Outreach
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Early Engagement:
Introducing nuclear science concepts at the elementary level through age-appropriate lessons, storytelling, and interactive demonstrations can build curiosity and long-term interest in the subject.
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Integration into STEM Programs:
Integrating nuclear energy awareness into STEM education initiatives, such as science experiments, provides opportunities for students to learn about nuclear technology and its relevance to various scientific and engineering disciplines. Nuclear science content may be incorporated into broader STEM curricula, including physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
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Tailored Educational Activities:
Grade-specific activities—such as nuclear-themed games, model reactor kits, radiation detection experiments, and virtual lab simulations—can be introduced to students at appropriate levels. Establishing a centralized platform for sharing resources and lesson plans across schools and districts would support teachers delivering these activities.
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Family and Community Involvement:
Actively involving families empowers them to support and direct their children toward potential careers in the nuclear sector. Assigning educational projects that involve family members and organizing events such as science nights, open houses, and community workshops are effective methods to educate family members.
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Educator Support and Training:
Professional development workshops, online courses, and mentorship programs should be offered to enhance educator confidence and competence in nuclear topics. Peer networks and discussion forums can facilitate collaboration and resource sharing among educators. Efforts to maintain continuity and program sustainability may address staff turnover by building capacity among multiple educators.
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Sustainable Infrastructure and Resources:
Infrastructure and resources are necessary for promoting K-12 nuclear awareness and education. Funding is needed for curriculum development, lab equipment, network-based collaborations, and field trips. Partnering with industry to provide expertise, guest speakers, and internship opportunities can help address these needs. Sustainability efforts may include integrating programs within broader educational frameworks and involving stakeholders to ensure consistency despite personnel or leadership changes.
Strategic Response: From Analysis to Action
Click on the cards below for more information about each priority.
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Strategic Priority 1: Enhancing Nuclear Career Awareness
Addresses: Early Engagement + Integration into STEM Programs + Tailored Educational Activities
Recommendations:
- Expose K-12 Students to Nuclear Energy Fundamentals: Introduce students to nuclear energy concepts in ways suited to their academic level. Elementary students might explore atoms and energy sources through games and experiments. Middle school students may study radiation and nuclear reactors with projects and simulations. High school students could tackle nuclear physics, reactor design, and environmental impacts through lab experiments, research projects, and industry collaborations.
- Integrate Career Exploration into Curriculum: Introducing students to nuclear careers broadens their understanding of the energy sector, encourages critical thinking, and prepares them for future roles. Including nuclear energy topics in wider energy education—through ageappropriate classroom activities, expert demonstrations, and use of XR tools—demonstrates the breadth of career opportunities.
- Clearly Present the Benefits and Limitations of Nuclear Energy: Educate students and families on nuclear energy’s contributions to clean power generation and climate change solutions, using fact-based, balanced resources—such as the ANS Navigating Nuclear Curriculum—to help them understand its benefits and limitations.
- Unify Messaging and Address Misconceptions: Develop a communication strategy to present consistent, accurate information about nuclear careers and dispel common myths.
- Highlight a Range of Professional Journeys: Showcase professionals with varied career paths and experiences to inspire the next generation of nuclear industry talent.
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Strategic Priority 2: Supporting Pipeline and Pathway Development
Addresses: Early Engagement + Integration into STEM Programs + Tailored Educational Activities + Family and Community Involvement
Recommendations:
- Develop Reproducible STEM Programs: Create nuclear-focused STEM modules that are easy to implement across schools and adaptable to different regions and grade levels.
- Partner Educators with Industry Experts: Facilitate collaborations between teachers and nuclear professionals to co-develop curriculum and ensure scientific accuracy and educational relevance.
- Introduce Nuclear Safety Culture: Teach students the fundamentals of nuclear safety aligned with their academic level, using real-world case studies to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness.
- Create Experiential Learning Opportunities: Work with industry partners to offer internships, summer camps, and hands-on projects that introduce students to nuclear careers. While traditional internships may be restricted due to access, safety, and regulatory requirements, age-appropriate alternatives—such as job shadowing, project-based mentoring, university partnerships, or virtual lab simulations—can offer exposure to and maintain interest in nuclear careers.
- Implement Multi-Channel Outreach: Engage students through a variety of channels—online, in the community, and via STEM education partners—to increase understanding of nuclear energy and encourage career exploration.
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Strategic Priority 3: Identifying Financial Support, Resources, and Programs
Addresses: Addresses: Sustainable Infrastructure and Resources
Recommendations:
- Develop a Centralized Funding Portal: Create a national website listing scholarships, grants, internships, and teaching resources to streamline access and increase utilization.
- Engage Industry and Government Partners: Secure financial and programmatic support from commercial and public sector stakeholders to fund externships, curriculum development, and outreach.
- Expand Financial Support to Students, Educators, and Family Members: Offer scholarships and stipends tailored to meet a wide range of student needs making nuclear education more affordable and appealing.
- Plan for Long-Term Sustainability: Establish a strategic plan for maintaining and expanding funding programs, including regular evaluation and stakeholder engagement.
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Strategic Priority 4: Optimizing Academic Resources Through Collaboration
Addresses: Tailored Educational Activities + Family and Community Involvement + Educator Support and Training
Recommendations:
- Raise Awareness of Existing Programs: Increase awareness and adoption of established resources like ANS Navigating Nuclear, Scouting America’s Nuclear Science Merit Badge, and Girl Scouts’ Get to Know Nuclear Patch.
- Create an Open Educational Resource Repository: Develop a centralized platform for sharing adaptable, high-quality nuclear education materials among educators nationwide.
- Establish a Consortium for Online Learning: Collaborate across institutions to create and share online courses and lab simulations that provide consistent, scalable learning experiences.
- Develop National Teaching Guidelines: Create standardized, scalable, and flexible frameworks to help educators effectively teach nuclear topics while adapting to varied educational formats and learner profiles.
- Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning: Encourage ongoing professional development for educators to stay current with advancements in nuclear science and pedagogy.