Eighty-nine scouts from across Florida gathered at Patrick Space Force Base on Sept. 19 to earn their Nuclear Science Merit Badge during an educational event hosted by the Air Force Technical Applications Center.
The program introduces scouts to the fundamentals of nuclear science, including atomic structure, subatomic particles, radiation, and nuclear energy, as well as practical applications in medicine, industry, research, and power production.
AFTAC, which operates as a nuclear treaty monitoring center, first began hosting scouts for the badge program in 2012. Attendance has grown from a few dozen local participants in its early years to nearly 100 scouts at recent events.
To earn the merit badge, scouts must complete and explain eight required subject areas: radiation, basic nuclear science, modern particle physics, classic experiments, radiation safety, nuclear energy, research and current uses and careers in nuclear science.
During the event, scouts completed hands-on activities including constructing 3D models of elements and isotopes, creating cloud chambers, and drawing the nuclear fission process. Participants also visited AFTAC’s radiochemistry lab, where center scientists perform atom-by-atom analysis and isolation using thermal ionization mass spectrometers.
Participants included both Boy Scout and Girl Scout units from the Central Florida, North Florida, South Florida, and Citrus councils. Col. John Beatty, deputy commander of AFTAC, presented military challenge coins to eight scouts during the event.
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Source: www.yahoo.com
