POP-UP MERIT BADGE ALERT!

NUCLEAR SCIENCE at the PRAIRIE ISLAND NUCLEAR PLANT

Prairie Island Training Center, 1660 Wakonade Dr, Welch, MN 55089

Please check in at 9:45 AM on Saturday, September 13th.  Class will start promptly at 10am and will run for five hours until 3pm.

Hosted by the plant's lead simulation office, Andrew Ahern, we'll be learning all about nuclear science and its application to modern society. The badge includes a tour of the plant and experiments. Charge is $25/Scout, with a maximum capacity of 15 scouts.

PRE-ARRIVAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is a very cerebral merit badge. Scoutmasters and parents should consider if their Scout is mature enough to handle in-depth science discussions and a lengthy discussion period. In addition, Scouts must research and prepare for the following five pre-requisites:

• Req. 1d: Explain how we are exposed to ionizing radiation from outside the earth as well as on earth every day. List four examples of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials, NORM, that are in your house or grocery store and explain why they are radioactive. (resources)
• Req. 2a: Explain the following terms: atom, nucleus, proton, neutron, electron, quark, isotope; alpha particle, beta particle, gamma ray, X-ray; ionization, radioactivity, radioisotope, stability. (resources)
• Req. 3b: List three particle accelerators and describe several experiments that each accelerator performs, including basic science and practical applications. (resources)
• Req. 7: Give an example of each of the following in relation to how energy from an atom can be used: nuclear medicine, environmental applications, industrial applications, space exploration, and radiation therapy. For each example, explain the application and its significance to nuclear science. (resources)
• Req. 8: Find out about three career opportunities in nuclear science that interest you. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession and discuss this with your counselor. Tell why this profession interests you. (resources)

Please note the following:

• Attending Scouts should wear their Field ("Class A") Uniform
• Please bring a bag lunch & any snacks,  since it is a 5 hour class