VIA visits the Nuclear Research Facility

As an enthusiastic start to the new year, Year 11 and Year 13 were taken on an insightful visit to the Nuclear Research Facility in Ljubljana last Tuesday. Firstly, wewere encouraged to learn beyond their syllabi through an informative session on the benefits of nuclear energy, where all their questions were answered thoroughly in an accurate yet understandable way.

A stop by the facility’s control centre was particularly interesting, enabling us to understand the truth behind the experimentation used for developing new materials for nuclear power stations, such as the one in Krško. Similarly, we had a chance to observe the safety systems put in place to prevent contamination, the real control panel, and videos of past trials.

The visit was followed by a demonstration of different kinds of radiation, using professional sensors on everyday objects, like a vacuum cleaner and a balloon. Finally, we enjoyed an interactive exhibition, in which students and teachers alike learned about nuclear fission, fusion, and radioactive decay in an unforgettable way.

Although the snow that covered the city that afternoon has since melted away, the lessons learned during this experience will not. On the contrary, they have introduced students to a new field of study, with opportunities that they had yet to explore.

– Carlota, Year 11