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Pittsburgh Chapter ANS Outreach Program

Pittsburgh Chapter ANS Outreach Program. June 13, 2004 Carl J. Benson. Purpose of Outreach. Increase public understanding of how nuclear technology improves our lives Teachers, students, others

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Pittsburgh Chapter ANS Outreach Program

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  1. Pittsburgh Chapter ANS Outreach Program June 13, 2004 Carl J. Benson

  2. Purpose of Outreach • Increase public understanding of how nuclear technology improves our lives • Teachers, students, others • Provide ANS information to high school and college students about opportunities that exist in both the nuclear technology and general engineering and science field • Increase public relations talent in Pittsburgh ANS chapter ANS Outreach Presentation 06/13/04

  3. Types of Interaction • Teacher workshops • First in March 2001 – Carnegie Science Center • Second at Seneca Valley in 2002 • Local high school visits • Have talked to hundreds of students at 17 local HS • Includes a high school career fair held in 11/03 • Participate in Carnegie Science “Engineering Week” event (last two years) • Present talks to college physics clubs (Yucca Mountain) • Success depends on having a great group of presentors, both male and female, young and less young, with a wide cross section of experience and interest • A mix of people (requisite variety) very important to connect to students ANS Outreach Presentation 06/13/04

  4. Types of Interaction (Cont’d) • Presented Pittsburgh section special awards at the PJAS • 1300 participants and students grades 7 through 12 • Special awards go to 3 students producing nuclear science or energy-related topic • Pittsburgh Section member serves on the Judge Steering Council for the Pittsburgh Regional Science and engineering Fair • Section also presents a special award at this event • Section Members also serve as judges at these events ANS Outreach Presentation 06/13/04

  5. Specific Messages • Nuclear technology is an important component to our modern technology • Power production • Medical • Food Irradiation • Industry • Space Exploration • Many opportunities exist for careers in nuclear technology • Have career boards (Mike Robinson) • Discuss specific things one can do to pursue a science or engineering degree • Provide personal experience of presentors ANS Outreach Presentation 06/13/04

  6. Rewards of Outreach • Satisfying • Direct contact with students and teachers • Can describe the benefits of technology and satisfaction of work in field • Can answer questions from students about why “I believe” • Directly address nuclear technology concerns • Example of “what isn’t engineered” ANS Outreach Presentation 06/13/04

  7. Difficulties of Outreach • Difficulties • Need a team of people who provide “requisite variety” • Engaging students • Often difficult to elicit questions from students • At times difficult to engage teachers and schools to invite us • Once having given a talk – usually successful for a return trip • Very difficult to quantify “impact” • Requests for return visits • Questions asked, and level of student interest ANS Outreach Presentation 06/13/04

  8. Things to Improve/Create • Review of material that can directly reach students • A student analogy for the recent Michael Crichton talk • Discusses “junk science” • More and better cost/benefit comparisons between nuclear and alternative energy • A more concise list of uses of nuclear technology • Fraction of medical processes/procedure that use radiation • Burden currently carried by nuclear power/efficiencies produced • A list of things in our world and life that are not “engineered” • A slideshow (CD) that shows careers in nuclear technology ANS Outreach Presentation 06/13/04

  9. Future Possibilities • Directly mentoring students • Closer interaction with other technical societies (Health Physics) • Develop better “hooks” to engage students and have them ask questions • Develop list of places to go for teachers/students • Visiting a plant/office complex and “seeing” produces a greater impact than people “talking” ANS Outreach Presentation 06/13/04

  10. Summary • “Try it – you’ll like it!” • Outreach can be the most satisfying thing that a section does • If you have questions, comments, suggestions – please contact me at bensonfam1@aol.com ANS Outreach Presentation 06/13/04

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