Summer SAVY Session 3, Day 1 – Fission and Fusion: Nuclear Engineering 101
Day 1: Good evening, SAVY students and parents! We are off to a great start learning about nuclear energy! We started the morning by exploring and investigating the experimental design process. The scientists were asked to complete a T-chart of the risks and potential resources of nuclear energy. They were then given a prompt about old watches and jewelry that contained radioactive compounds. They came up with their own tests and experiments on how to properly and safely dispose of these products, so they no longer emitted radiation. They did a fantastic job on this activity! There were so many unique ideas to help with this problem. The experimental design process then led us to concepts of systems and how they function. Students were given a large chart paper per group and were asked to come up with their own system. They drew, labeled, and explained the input and output of their various systems. Once each group completed this task, we hung each picture on the wall and completed a gallery walk to observe each poster. Students had smaller Post-it notes to give feedback to their peers about their complex system designs. They were all so artistic and amazing!
The nuclear physicists ended the day by learning about how their systems compared and contrasted to nuclear power plants. Each group was able to discuss their thoughts, ideas, and opinions on this. We watched a short video on the mechanics and safety protocols behind nuclear power plants.
Tomorrow, we will be continuing our discussions on systems and power plants, and dive a bit deeper into fission and fusion!
Have a restful evening! I am looking forward to tomorrow!