Revealing nuclear secrets Daily Telegraph, 2 November 2004
When it comes to nuclear science it is not all about bombs and power plants.
Despite the fact that Australian nuclear research scientists have made significant contributions to knowledge in many areas of nuclear science and technology, the general public know very little about this hot issue.
Whether you agree with nuclear research or fear its consequences, it is wise to be well informed on the subject. However education resources for teachers and students on the topic have been scant until now.
The Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has created an education resource called Nuclear Science in Society tailored to Years 7 to 10 science students available from their website at www.ansto.gov.au/edu or on CD-ROM.
This resource looks at many different aspects of what scientists do at Lucas Heights and the wider context of nuclear research worldwide.
Developed in co-operation with the Australian Science Teachers Association, the resource is arranged into 12 topics covering everything from what is radiation to the different uses for nuclear energy and radiation.
Executive director of ANSTO, Dr Ian Smith, says that despite the complexity of the subject "the resource, however, is easy to understand, topical and user-friendly and we hope it will enhance science's attractiveness as a subject".
There will also be teacher conferences and workshops related to the education resource.
The ANSTO Nuclear Science in Society website is at www.ansto.gov.au/edu. CD-ROMs of the Nuclear Science in Society can be ordered by e-mailing carolyn.agocs@ansto.gov.au or by phoning Carolyn Agocs on (02) 9717 3934.
Good for them! I wish the US had been as politically savy to have done this a long time ago.
In 20-25 years many of those kids are going to be in positions to be making decisions--many in government. Education is the smartest way to dispell people's fears of all things nuclear.
I also agree, if a 'dumb bunny' like me can understand nuclear energy how it works and its limitations. I wonder why more people in the world can't understand that with the proper security, safety and preventions allowing this efficient tool to work for our benefit; people might view nuclear fission/fusion in a more favorable light.
Aussies tend to be more practical on this issue, maybe Americans can learn from this Australian nuclear education initiative.
