National Museum of Nuclear Science & History's "Mission Fission" Wins Prestigious MPMA EdCom Award for Programming Excellence
Groundbreaking Partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools Honored in Large Museum Category
[ALBUQUERQUE, NM] – November 3, 2025 – The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History (the Museum) is proud to announce that its educational initiative, “Mission Fission,” has been honored with the Mountain-Plains Museums Association (MPMA) EdCom Award for Excellence in Programming in the Large Museum Category.
This prestigious award recognizes exceptional creativity and innovation in museum programming throughout the 10-state MPMA region. It highlights the museum's commitment to creating engaging, curriculum-based educational experiences and celebrates the unique partnership between the Museum and Albuquerque Public Schools (APS).
Mission Fission is APS’s first middle school Signature Academic Field Experience, which aims to engage over 4,500 Albuquerque eighth-grade students in nuclear science and the history of the atomic age in New Mexico. Museum and APS educators collaborated to design the program together. It utilizes six cross-curricular components to deepen understanding, including scientific explorations such as “Radiation 101,” an interactive social studies application called “60 Minutes to Doomsday,” and math explorations in Heritage Park on topics like trajectory, size, and proportion. The program also features pre-field-trip classroom lessons and post-trip reflection activities, as well as access to a Sandia National Laboratory speakers bureau focusing on careers in STEM.
Gabriel Nemiroff, Director of Education at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “This award from the MPMA is a powerful validation of the deep collaboration between the Museum and Albuquerque Public Schools. Mission Fission has proven itself as an innovative, essential program that provides Albuquerque's eighth graders with an unforgettable and enriching educational experience, fostering a stronger sense of place and understanding of our region's significant history and scientific contributions.”
“Mission Fission allows students to engage and identify the unique role of New Mexico in the atomic age's past, present, and future,” said Valerie Bonilla, Middle School Science and Outdoor Learning Support Specialist at APS.
Mission Fission was launched through a successful pilot project, funded in part by a generous grant from the Sandia Foundation.
About the Mountain-Plains Museums Association (MPMA):
The Mountain-Plains Museums Association (MPMA), founded in 1953, is a regional network of museums and professionals. MPMA supports excellence and communication, offering learning opportunities for the region’s diverse audiences. MPMA provides professional development and advocacy across its 10 states, representing members at all levels.
About the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History:
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, presents, interprets, and preserves the complex history and science of the atomic age in an objective and thought-provoking manner.
About Albuquerque Public Schools:
Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is the largest school district in New Mexico. It serves a diverse student population and is dedicated to delivering high-quality education and promoting student success.