Nuclear Science Week (NSW) is an international, broadly observed week-long celebration to focus local, regional, national, and international interest on all aspects of nuclear science. During the week, educators, students, employers, and the community participate in a national recognition of how nuclear science plays a vital role in the lives of Americans – and the world. Activities during the week are intended to build awareness of the contributions of the nuclear science industry and those who work in it every day.
Texas K-12 students are invited to create an original project on current or future impacts and applications of nuclear science and technology in our lives. Projects should promote discussion and increase awareness around nuclear science and technology in their local communities.
WHY?
Nuclear Science Week (NSW) is an international, broadly observed week-long celebration to focus local, regional, national, and international interest on all aspects of nuclear science. NSW takes place each year in the third week of October, and each day of NSW provides for learning about the contributions, innovations and opportunities that can be found by exploring nuclear science.
During the week, educators, students, employers, and the community participate in a national recognition of how nuclear science plays a vital role in the lives of Americans – and the world. Activities during the week are intended to build awareness of the contributions of the nuclear science industry and those who work in it every day.
Nuclear Science Week invites people from all over the globe to “explore what it means to “Think Clean. Think Solutions. Think Nuclear” by uncovering nuclear advancements in the fields of Space Exploration, Global Leadership, Carbon-Free Energy, Transformative Healthcare and Innovation & Technology.” NPI hosts a week-long celebration that advances education, stimulates participation, and generates communication that provides insight and visibility for the achievements of the nuclear sciences.
THEME
Texas K-12 students are invited to create an original project on current or future impacts and applications of nuclear science and technology in our lives.
Projects should promote discussion and increase awareness around nuclear science and technology in their local communities. Students may wish to consider working with their national, regional, and/or local nuclear institutions, organizations, and facilities in implementing the project.
Students may refer to the Nuclear Energy Resources page available on Canvas via the NPI website and other sources for ideas or scientific accuracy.
PARTICIPANTS
The competition is open to all K-12 Texas students. Students entering in the drawing and comic strip competitions compete as an individual. Students entering the video competition may compete individually or as a team. There is no minimum or maximum limit to a team’s size. No more than one entry per team will be considered.
SUBMISSION CRITERIA
The selection criteria for the competition are:
- Each participant is required to include a Project Submission Cover Letter and a TEES Media Release Form with their submission
- Projects should demonstrate an understanding of nuclear science and technology applications as it relates to their project
- Projects can combine theoretical and practical content in a creative way
- Content needs to be as scientifically accurate as possible
- The project should be originally created by identified individual(s) making the submission
- No copyrighted material (such as music, images or videos not created by students) can be used
- Parents, guardians, and educators can be advisors only.
FINALISTS
Finalists and their projects from each division will be recognized on NPI’s website and social media during the Nuclear Science Week Student Competition’s Virtual Showcase, October 18-22, 2021.
DIVISIONS AND AWARDS
Grade Bands | Competition | Awards |
| Drawing | 1st Place: $100 2nd Place: $50 3rd Place: $25 |
| Comic Strip Categories
| Winner: $200 per category and per grade band |
| Video Categories with required abstract
| Winner: $1,000 Runner-up: $500 per category and per grade band |
For any questions regarding the competition, please contact npi-info@tamu.edu.
Winner of the Comic Strip – Illustrated by Hand Division
Alfonso Sanchez Hernandez (left) & Christian Rosas (right) – Dr. Javier Saenz Middle School, La Joya ISD
Winner of the Video – Individual Division
Breana Morales – Walter Clarke Middle School, Socorro ISD
Winners of the Video – Team Division
(From left to right) Eduardo Villarreal, Romeo Garcia, and Adrian Mercado – Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School, La Joya ISD
See past NSW Winners