The Push for Nuclear Literacy

The urgent global demand for clean, reliable energy places nuclear power at the center of debate—and opportunity. Yet high schools rarely help students grasp what sets this industry apart. Misunderstanding remains widespread, despite nuclear often being identified as one of the cleanest, most reliable energy sources.

Many students are unaware of the significant benefits of pursuing careers in nuclear energy. National surveys indicate that approximately 60 percent of teenagers cannot explain how a nuclear reactor works, even though such reactors supply about 20 percent of U.S. electricity and roughly 10 percent of worldwide electricity. This underscores nuclear’s role as a key part of many countries’ energy strategies. When exploring future careers, clarity starts with education. Nuclear power offers students a career path in which science, technology, and public need intersect.

The next generation of engineers and operators is quietly beginning their journey in classrooms like ours, but the group remains small. Meanwhile, shortages of trained energy technicians are growing nationwide, underscoring the need for a broader perspective—including nuclear—to meet future energy needs. Despite advances in renewable energy, nuclear is uniquely positioned to deliver the reliable power needed for modern cities and industries. Behind every light switch is a story, and for many, that story begins with nuclear.

Rethinking Nuclear in the Classroom

Recognizing the importance of early exposure, it’s vital to examine how nuclear energy is taught in schools. In the investigation I conducted, I was able to find that most high school science curricula mention nuclear reactions only briefly, usually in a single chapter, leaving students with little understanding of their real-world applications. To understand how education might influence my peers to consider clean energy careers, I spoke with Dr. Timothy J. Powers, Head of School at Pinkerton Academy. I also sought to learn how schools can help students develop the critical thinking skills needed to explore emerging industries and make informed decisions about their future. In our conversation, Dr. Powers offered insight into why deeper education on nuclear energy matters, encouraged students to explore the field, and provided practical advice for those interested. 

He suggests, “Find that connection to see someone that’s currently working in the field so you can speak to them to see what it is that they do, and what did it take to get there.”

Schools that invite engineers, plant operators, or local utility experts to speak often see increased student interest in energy careers, simply because real-world examples make the field feel more accessible. Some high schools have even begun small initiatives, such as nuclear-themed STEM weeks or science fairs, which have noticeably increased student interest.

​Powers agrees with my view that it’s worrying that students don’t put much thought into careers like this, because reliable energy is currently one of the most important things the world is focusing on.  

Because students mostly encounter nuclear energy through dramatic headlines or fictional portrayals, many form negative opinions before ever learning the actual science. After conducting a bit of research, one may find that this opinion changes. Students often confuse radiation from nuclear power plants with the kind of radiation used in medical imaging, leading to unnecessary fear.

Powers stated that “if you read about it after and you see it, it doesn’t have the same immediate impact, so you may be a little bit more favorable to it”. If students don’t learn now, they may carry the wrong ideas into adulthood. 

When asked what he thinks a student’s first step should be to get their foot in the door of this career path, he said that it is “going and seeing” and taking relevant classes.

The History Behind the Fear & Misconceptions

Much of the fear surrounding nuclear power can be traced back to a few moments in history that still shape public opinion today. During April of 1986, the No. 4 reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, located near Pripyat, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union, exploded. As contamination with radionuclides spread across Europe, the catastrophe significantly damaged public trust in nuclear power, increased anti-nuclear movements, and led governments to halt or scrap nuclear programs.

In March 2011, public unease returned after a massive earthquake and tsunami disabled safety systems at Fukushima Daiichi in Japan, forcing over 150,000 people to evacuate and harming both the environment and the health of residents.

Although these events left many with lasting impressions, both were caused by circumstances that do not reflect how modern plants operate. Media coverage of nuclear incidents often focuses on dramatic imagery rather than technical explanations, which leaves the public with an exaggerated sense of risk. Today, much stricter regulations have been put into place, ensuring that similar tragedies will likely never occur again. Agencies like the International Atomic Energy Agency now set rigorous safety standards that all new reactors must meet, making catastrophic failures far less likely. 

Modern reactors are built with multiple layers of safety systems and engineering standards that have advanced remarkably since those earlier incidents. Despite these highly publicized events, only a handful of serious nuclear accidents have occurred in more than 60 years of global reactor operation. Unlike earlier generations of reactors, today’s designs include passive safety systems that can automatically shut down a plant without human intervention or external power.

For many, “nuclear” evokes memories of Cold War arms races and World War II tensions, blending energy fears with associations of nuclear weapons. 

Experts agree that widespread fear persists because outdated perceptions are more often taught or reinforced than the facts about modern nuclear technology. This fear, often amplified by the media, is not matched by the actual performance of nuclear power worldwide. Many countries, including Canada, South Korea, Sweden, and Finland, have operated nuclear reactors for decades without major accidents. By offering high school students meaningful education on nuclear energy, schools can clarify these misconceptions and help guide informed, forward-thinking energy decisions.

Re-Engineering Climate Change with Nuclear

In an interview with experienced engineer Mr. Ernie Biron, who is ending his career by educating our school’s students on the subject, he expresses his belief that nuclear power is very different from other energy sources. He explains that nuclear power plants are “Much more reliable, much more efficient. Great. High capacity generation”. 

Biron compared the reliability of nuclear energy with that of its wind and solar counterparts. He confidently states that it is “Three to four times more reliable. Wind and solar energy just doesn’t do it. Wind, you can only run part of the time, and it can’t be too windy. Solar, depending on where you live, only runs 30 to 70% and it has terrible efficiency. 26%”.

Maintaining a reliable energy grid demands sources that can supply steady power, and nuclear fulfills this crucial role alongside renewables.

“They’ve been shifting to cleaner and what they call renewable energy,” said Biron. “Nuclear would not be considered renewable simply because there’s only a certain supply of uranium, but the reality of it is that wind and solar are not very efficient”. 

Unlike variable solar and wind energy, nuclear energy provides continuous, around-the-clock power without emitting carbon during operation. A single plant can run for months at a time without interruption, providing the stability that renewable sources alone can’t always guarantee– making it indispensable as we advance toward net-zero goals. The inclusion of nuclear energy in the mix is essential to ensure dependable power and real climate progress. Grid operators rely on steady baseload power to prevent blackouts during extreme weather, and nuclear plants are among the few clean energy sources capable of providing that stability.

As Biron states, “The power is consistent”.

He argues that if the United States wants to keep the grid dependable and maintain stable power while cutting emissions, nuclear power must play a larger role. Without sufficient nuclear power, some experts warn that achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century could be much more difficult and expensive. Relying primarily on weather-dependent energy sources increases grid instability, drives the need for costly backup systems, and risks slowing the transition if those systems cannot be built fast enough. 

Still, public skepticism plays a major role in why nuclear’s importance is often overlooked.

Biron thinks that “nuclear energy is much safer than a lot of people think. There’s only been basically three situations where we had nuclear issues, and two of those were caused because they placed some near water, and you have a tsunami”. 

He explained the new technologies that are furthering the safety and efficiency of nuclear energy, mentioning “the modular design systems, longer refuel times, smaller reactors, better coolant technology, things of that nature”.

New reactor concepts, such as small modular reactors, are designed to be cheaper to build and easier to deploy, potentially expanding nuclear power to more communities. These advancements also mean that today’s students could be the ones operating reactors that look very different from the ones built in the 1970s and 1980s

Biron encourages students interested in this energy source to take his engineering course. He promotes the idea that “it teaches them how to think… Engineering is really all about problem-solving.”

He agrees that students should give the topic more focus. Learning about nuclear energy also teaches students engineering and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in any career path. Each nuclear plant also supports thousands of jobs, from engineers and operators to security personnel and maintenance staff, making the industry a major contributor to local economies.

A Call for Nuclear Awareness

With these perspectives in mind, here is what needs to change: Most high school science courses barely cover nuclear energy. If this issue is addressed at our school and at others across the country, it is entirely possible that many more teenagers will come to see the importance of clean energy sources such as nuclear power. The moment the lights flicker makes more sense when students understand what powers their world. Beyond just comprehension, we need more students to consider careers in the field. 

South Korea has been using nuclear energy to stabilize its grid, and it’s also where France gets most of its electricity. Many countries have successfully integrated nuclear into their energy systems, showing that it is possible to maintain clean, reliable power at scale. Already expanding their nuclear fleets as part of long-term climate strategies, these countries are recognizing that renewables alone cannot meet future energy demands. If our country follows this trend, it could be powered by a much safer, cleaner and more reliable source of energy. 

Today, students will choose careers that shape the future of clean energy, and in a few years, they will vote on energy policies as well. By understanding nuclear energy now, students can play a meaningful role in shaping state and national energy decisions long before entering the workforce. It also prepares them to participate knowledgeably in future policy debates about energy and climate. Understanding nuclear helps them make informed decisions about the world they want to live in. 

Introducing nuclear topics early gives students the chance to explore a field that is projected to grow significantly as older workers retire and new reactors come online. If our schools begin to add nuclear lessons to environmental science or chemistry courses, it could have a very positive impact on our country. Nuclear science also strengthens skills in physics and chemistry, giving students a stronger foundation for any STEM-related college major. I encourage high school STEM clubs to explore nuclear topics and provide career guidance about nuclear technology pathways. If our students take the initiative to read about nuclear energy, ask questions and challenge myths, the future of our country’s grid may start to seem much brighter. Being educated about nuclear energy isn’t just learning science; it’s preparing to make smarter choices for the planet and for your own future.