Dec. 1, 2025

Nuclear Physics for 3rd Graders? How ANS is Re-shaping K-12 Education with Uchenna Ezibe

Show Notes

In this episode, Danielle talks with Uchenna Ezibe about how the American Nuclear Society is shaping the future of nuclear education—starting as early as kindergarten. They dive into ANS’s hands-on programs like cloud chambers, educator training, and the new Accelerators initiative for high schoolers.

Learn how early exposure to nuclear concepts can spark student curiosity, close the literacy gap, and help build the next generation of clean energy professionals.

Highlights:

Why nuclear literacy shouldn’t wait until college

What it’s like to “see” radiation with a cloud chamber

How ANS is training both teachers and student leaders

Behind the scenes of the Accelerators program

What a near-peer mentorship network looks like in action

Mentioned Resources:

ANS K-12 hub: https://www.ans.org/nuclear

Navigating Nuclear curriculum: https://www.ans.org/nuclear/navigatingnuclear

Cloud Chamber program: https://www.ans.org/nuclear/cloudchamber

Accelerators (high school): https://www.ans.org/nuclear/accelerators

Educator resources: https://www.ans.org/nuclear/educatorresources