Fusion Academy: Igniting Curiosity Through Nuclear Science
Bring the power of nuclear science directly to your classroom.
Fusion Academy is the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History’s dynamic outreach program designed for students in grades 9–12. Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive experiments, we spark curiosity and deepen understanding of the fascinating world of atomic science.
Our museum educators visit your school to deliver unforgettable STEM experiences that align with science standards and inspire the next generation of innovators.
Why Fusion Academy?
- Hands-On Learning – Students engage directly with scientific tools and materials.
- Museum-Quality Experiences – Delivered by educational experts from a congressionally chartered and Smithsonian-affiliated nuclear science museum.
- Curriculum-Aligned Content – Supports high school STEM pathways.
- Flexible Scheduling – We bring the science to you!
Fusion Academy programs are offered on Friday within the Albuquerque Metro area.
Program Options:
Halfway to Zero: Exploring Radioactive Decay: In this hands-on program, students make the invisible world of radiation visible. Working collaboratively, they graph real-time radioactive decay using a safely contained, low-level source, then explore natural background radiation firsthand. Using a cloud chamber and an alpha spark detector, students can actually see charged particles as they move through the air, revealing cosmic rays and radioactive decay in action. This engaging experience brings abstract nuclear science concepts to life through observation, teamwork, and real scientific tools.
Nuclear & New Mexico, Part One: Uranium Rush: In 1950, a Navajo shepherd picked up a yellow-crusted rock outside Grants and set off one of the largest mining booms in American history. In this activity. students race to reconstruct New Mexico's uranium era, from Los Alamos and the rise of Grants as the "Uranium Capital of the World" to the Church Rock spill and the abandoned mines still awaiting cleanup today. Then they become the miners, prospecting a simulated ore deposit and testing four real-world extraction methods to get the most uranium while disturbing the least rock. Along the way, they confront the questions that still shape the Southwest: who benefits, who pays, and what happens to the land when the mine closes.
For grades 8–12, 60 minutes. This activity is part one in a three-part series on New Mexico’s “cradle-to-grave” nuclear industry.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
HS-PS1-8 (Nuclear Processes): fission, fusion, radioactive decay modeling.
HS-PS1-1 & PS1.A: atomic structure foundational to nuclear understanding.
New Mexico State-Specific Science Standards:
HS-SS-1 NM: New Mexico’s role in nuclear science and innovation.
HS-SS-2 NM: Argumentation about state science challenges/opportunities.
MS-ESS3-3 NM: Technology & energy context.
Ready to energize your science curriculum?
Scholarships Available
Fuel Your Students’ Curiosity with Fusion Academy
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is proud to offer a limited number of scholarships for our Fusion Academy outreach program. Designed specifically for high school classrooms in the Albuquerque metro area, Fusion Academy bridges the gap between complex science and the local history that shaped our world.
Why Apply for Fusion Academy?
Fusion Academy isn't just a lecture; it’s an immersive STEM experience tailored to New Mexico’s academic standards. By participating, your students will:
- Engage in Hands-On Learning: Participate in interactive activities that make nuclear science tangible and easy to grasp.
- Connect STEM to Real Life: Discover how scientific advancements drive historical events and impact our daily lives in an interconnected world.
Scholarship Details
We believe every student deserves the chance to explore the frontiers of science. To support our local educators, this scholarship covers:
- Comprehensive programming for up to 4 classes.
- Expert-led instruction that meets state academic content standards.
- All materials needed for hands-on classroom activities.
Note: Scholarships are limited to one visit per school, per academic year.
Act Fast—Applications are First-Come, First-Served!
Because we want to reach as many young minds as possible, these opportunities are awarded in the order they are received. Don't miss the chance to give your students a unique perspective on the science that lives in their own backyard.