Summer SAVY, Session 2 Day 1, Fission and Fusion: Nuclear Engineering 101 (5th-6th)
Good evening, SAVY students and parents! WOW!! What a wonderful and fun first day of our nuclear fission and fusion camp! The nuclear scientists are off to an AMAZING start! I was so excited to meet the students as they entered our room! They are such a curious group with insightful questions and comments! We are off to an electrifying start, and I am so excited for the rest of the week!
Morning Activities Included:
This morning we had our morning meeting that included creating name plates with information that gave me a better understanding of the interests of each student. They were so creative! Next, we all collaborated on and agreed to our classroom norms for the week. We then learned about each other with an icebreaker activity and a science bingo game that was loads of fun! After the scientists learned about each other, we moved on to exploring and investigating the engineering design process. The class had a small group discussion that led into a whole group discussion on systems and the inputs/outputs that create a system. We had an outdoor field trip walking around the courtyard and observing and recording systems around us. The scientists went back to the classroom and collaborated in small groups about the systems they observed, the inputs and outputs of the system, and created a model of a system, labeling each part. There were several a-ha moments when we compared the systems we observed to a nuclear power plant– brilliant models and comments!
Afternoon Activities Included:
After lunch, we continued exploring systems and how the nuclear power plants work. The class was very fascinated by comparing all the systems! We started discussing the pros and cons of nuclear energy and how it impacts us and the environment. The scientists watched a video on how nuclear power plants were beneficial to the Miami crocodiles and how they benefited their ecosystems. Minds were blown, and now the hype is contagious for the rest of the week! The atomic structure was up next, and we made a skit using our bodies to create a model–they were a blast! We ended the afternoon with a short recap of what we learned and an incredible dance party to just dance! Oh, and please ask them to sing to you, “The Atoms Family” song! 🙂
Questions to ask your scientist at home:
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What are systems, and how do they function?
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What are examples of systems you observe at home?
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What are the inputs/outputs of systems?
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What are the parts of the atomic structure?
Have a lovely evening! I cannot wait for another fun day of learning!
Mrs. Jenkins and Ms. Hannah