Nuclear science and technology can be incorporated into any STEM lesson plan from biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, physical science, life science, environmental and just general science.
Developed in cooperation with Discovery Education, Navigating Nuclear brings teachers a nuclear science and technology curriculum written to NGSS standards and three-dimensional learning. Included are digital lessons, project starters, career profiles, and a Virtual Field Trip to the largest nuclear power plant in the United States.
ANS’s engaging activities are designed to engage the learning styles of students of all ages. Each activity, from making atoms visible with cloud chambers to using licorice to demonstrate radioactive half-life, is classroom-tested to improve nuclear science understanding .
ANS’ eNewsletter that provides teachers with articles on nuclear technology, classroom activities, and information about upcoming events. To receive this eNewsletter, please sign up here.
During ANS teacher workshops, educators interact with nuclear professionals to explore basic concepts, learn about experiments and demonstrations suitable for the classroom, and experience hands-on activities to share with their students.
Our workshops are possible due to the support of ANS members who volunteer their time and expertise, and are funded, in part, by the Center for Nuclear Science and Technology Information.
ANS has grade-appropriate STEM resources and project materials available for teachers that explain the many uses of the atom and the vital role of nuclear technology. Electronic versions can be downloaded or viewed on this site, or teachers can purchase prints to handout in their classrooms. To purchase ANS materials, please visit the ANS Store.
Grade Level: 5-12 Whether you are introducing nuclear energy to your students or are discussing the pros and cons of all energy sources as part of sustainability curriculum,…
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Grade Level: 5-12 The Nuclear Fission vs Nuclear Fusion classroom poster will help you explain the difference between fission and fusion to your students. The poster may be…
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Grade Level : 5-12 Green stars on the United States map indicate the locations of two new reactor projects that are under construction. Red stars indicate six sites…
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Description: Allow students to visualize and understand ionizing radiation. Grade Level: 5-12 Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI, NGSS): 5-PS1-1, MS-PS1-1, MS-PS1-4, HS-PS1-8, HS-PS4-2, HS-PS4-5 Time for Teacher Preparation: 30-60…
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Description: With the Autoradiograph activity, students gain a better understanding of the different types of radiation, alpha, beta, and gamma. This is a way that students can detect…
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Description: Easily create an electroscope to detect static electricity and radiation. Grade Level 5-12 Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI, NGSS) 5-PS1-1, MS-PS1-1, MS-PS1-4, HS-PS1-8, HS-PS4-2, HS-PS4-5 Time for Teacher…
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Materials: Table salt (NaCl) that has been irradiated with at least 180,000 RADs of gamma radiation. (Keep in DARK container or protected from light until ready to perform…
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Description: With the Half-Life Laboratory, students gain a better understanding of radioactive dating and half-lives. Students are able to visualize and model what is meant by the half-life…
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Description: With the Half-Life Laboratory, students gain a better understanding of radioactive dating and half-lives. Students are able to visualize and model what is meant by the half-life…
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With the Measuring Laboratory, students gain a better understanding of radioactivity and radiation. Students are able to visualize what is meant by radiation and background radiation. Grade Level…
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