CNTA teacher workshop focuses on nuclear industry

Working on an activity during a workshop on the nuclear industry are teachers clockwise from left Patricia Wood of South Aiekn High, Patrick Smallwood of Dutch Fork High, and Aiken Middle School teachers Susan McCullough, Elizabeth Noffsinger and Margaret Fussell. Staff photo by Rob Novit.

A workshop, "Bringing Nuclear into the Classroom," attracted a number of Aiken County teachers and other educators Monday, among them was Margaret Fussell from Aiken Middle School.

"I just wanted to learn more about the nuclear industry, as it's so big around here," she said. "There are things I can take back to class to educate our students, not only about nuclear energy, but about the policies behind it and the careers that go with it."

The workshop was co-sponsored by Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness and the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, which hosted the event. EnergySolutions provided support and two of the speakers.

The program was substantially revised this year, based on teacher input, said Dr. Susan Wood, CNTA's board chair and the retired director of what is now the Savannah River National Laboratory.

"The intent is to expand the knowledge of teachers about nuclear science and technology and integrate the aspects of nuclear science into classrooms so students can understand it more," she said.

The goal is to teach the students something that will last a lifetime, Wood said. The job market for the nuclear industry and the medical industry is growing regionally. It's important, Wood said, that "we grow our own and provide those students access to those jobs."

Speakers included Chuck Munns, CNTA education committee chairman; EnergySolutions' Doug Edwards and Brad Swanson; Bill Wappersen of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions'; University of South Carolina adjunct professor and SRNL retiree Mel Buckner; and SRS Community Reuse Organization Program Manager Mindy Mets.

Topics included atomic power generation and nuclear fundamentals, nuclear technology applications, actual risk versus perceived risk and nuclear industry career opportunities.

Mets wants the teachers to help students understand there are many fields within the industry that don't require a four-year degree. Aiken Technical College offers a radiation protection technology program and is introducing a nuclear component to its welding classes. Mets also talked to the teachers about what employers will look for from prospective staffers, such as math skills.

"It's also the way you conduct your life," she said. "Students don't need incredible capabilities, but just need to work hard and stay in tune with what's being taught in school.

Wappersen discussed the risks associated with the nuclear industry, emphasizing that they're not nearly as high as the national media portrays them, especially after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. It's much safer living next to a nuclear power plant, he said, than it is to smoke, live with a smoker, be overweight or even drive a car.

"We've done a good job locally, but not nationally," Wappersen said. "I understand the need for the press to talk about the dangers, but they don't tell the whole story. It's our job to create a balance."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.