2009 APS April Meeting
Volume 54, Number 4
Saturday–Tuesday, May 2–5, 2009;
Denver, Colorado
Session C7: Teaching Physics of Energy I
1:30 PM–3:18 PM,
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Room: Governor's Square 12
Sponsoring
Units:
FEd DNP
Chair: Lawrence Cardman, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
Abstract ID: BAPS.2009.APR.C7.2
Abstract: C7.00002 : Use of Second Life for interactive instruction and distance learning in nuclear physics and technology
2:06 PM–2:42 PM
Preview Abstract
Abstract
Author:
Robert C. Amme
(Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Denver)
The developing nuclear power renaissance, coupled with related
environmental consequences, is forcing a re-examination of the
manner in which nuclear science and technology is (or is not)
being taught in the United States. The 20-year hiatus of the
nuclear power industry has been a decided factor in the
relatively stagnant growth of nuclear physics and nuclear
technology instruction, from middle school to graduate education.
Furthermore, the general public remains fairly
ignorant of the various features of nuclear power, at best having
been briefly exposed to the subject only in a middle-school
course in Physical Science. Essential to this renaissance is the
capacity to deal with the regulatory environment and safety
standards that must be addressed prior to new plant
certification. Regrettably, too few individuals who are trained
in environmental science are adequately prepared in the basic
concepts of nuclear physics to deal with such issues as
radioactive waste storage and transportation, biological
effects of ionizing radiation, geological repositories, nuclear
fuel reprocessing, etc. which are of great concern to the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission. We are developing a master's degree, to be
taught online, in the area of environmental impact assessment as
it relates to these and other issues. To accommodate the need for
laboratory exercises, we have adopted the virtual world developed
by Linden Laboratory entitled Second Life; it is here that the
student, as an avatar, will gain knowledge of the nature of
ionizing radiation, radioactive half-lives, gamma and beta ray
spectroscopy, neutron activation, and radiation shielding, using
virtual apparatus and virtual radiation sources. Additionally, a
virtual Generation III+ power reactor has been constructed on an
adjoining Second Life island
(entitled Science School II) which provides the visitor with a
realistic impression of its inner workings. This presentation
will provide the details of this construct and how it is
incorporated into the distance learning curriculum.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2009.APR.C7.2