UT Partners to Bring Nuclear Education to K-2 Students
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Tickle College of Engineering is part of a groundbreaking statewide initiative to introduce nuclear energy concepts to students in kindergarten through second grade.
Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, Tennessee teachers will be able to bring the groundbreaking "Powering Our Town" nuclear energy curriculum into classrooms—the first program of its kind in the United States for K-2 students. More than 280 elementary teachers statewide will be trained to deliver age-appropriate inquiry-based lessons that introduce young learners to key energy concepts. The initiative aims to demystify nuclear power, inspire curiosity about science and technology, and establish a foundation for future careers in clean energy.
Innovation and Collaboration
Faculty members in the college's Department of Nuclear Engineering worked in collaboration with the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, North American Young Generation in Nuclear and leading energy advocates to launch the five-year program, which supports Gov. Bill Lee's vision to position Tennessee as the nation's leader in nuclear innovation and workforce readiness.
"This innovative K-2 nuclear educational program builds on Tennessee's energy leadership by inspiring young minds to explore science and clean energy concepts," said Wes Hines, Chancellor's Professor emeritus and former head of the department. "We're sparking curiosity and planting the seeds for a future generation of problem-solvers who can help create a safer, cleaner world."
Graduate students Emily Melius and Mattia Zanotelli from UT's Department of Nuclear Engineering participate in the "Powering Our Town" workshop.
Educators and representatives from the department recently participated in a workshop to build foundational knowledge and engage with industry leaders who shared their expertise. The afternoon focused on the engineering design process and quality project-based learning. Educators explored the "Powering Our Town" curriculum, in which students design a model town that uses nuclear energy to power homes, schools and businesses. The program spans 11 lessons and integrates multiple Tennessee academic standards.
"We reached out and connected with TSIN because we knew they could help us develop nuclear energy curriculum and training for educators across the state of Tennessee," said Hines. "The lessons and exposure to nuclear industry experts provided meaningful and impactful experiences for the attendees and our team."
UT received a state grant to launch the initiative. In addition to providing science instruction, the program represents a strategic investment in Tennessee's future energy workforce. By introducing nuclear principles to K-2 classrooms, it seeks to inspire a new generation of students equipped to address tomorrow's energy challenges.
"We will support the program and future workshops with faculty and students, giving K-2 teachers the opportunity to engage with professionals in the nuclear field and see the diverse career paths available to their students—from welders and technicians to engineers, communicators and electricians," said Hines.
The five-year program will host three workshops across the state over each of the next four summers. Additional information about the training is available on the TSIN website.
"This is an unprecedented opportunity to connect Tennessee's youngest students with one of the most promising clean energy solutions of our time," said Brandi Stroecker, director of TSIN. "We are proud to support Governor Lee's mission by building a foundation that not only informs but inspires."
About the Department of Nuclear Engineering
UT's graduate program in nuclear engineering is ranked No. 3 nationally in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Graduate Schools. Consistently recognized as a leader among public and private institutions, the department is distinguished by its world-class faculty, strong partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and close ties to the region's robust nuclear energy industry. It recently secured a $25 million cooperative agreement awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy, making UT the lead institution in a consortium that will advance global security, clean energy and artificial intelligence.
Provided by University of Tennessee at Knoxville
