Students at Simpson County Technical Center (SCTC) recently took a field trip to far west Mississippi to visit the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson.
SCTC students in the Polymer Science, Construction/Carpentry, and Agriculture and Natural Resources programs were excited to tour the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, which is recognized as the first and only nuclear power plant to produce electricity in Mississippi, the largest single-unit nuclear power plant in the country, and the fifth largest in the world.
During their visit, students heard presentations from employees about how electricity is produced, explanations on fission, uses of radioactive material, reactor safety and more. They learned about the process of making elements radioactive and the reasons for doing such a thing, such as treating cancer, producing tracer materials, identifying trace elements, and irradiating food to make it safe for eating. They also learned about subatomic interactions that allow us to use neutrons to take X-ray-like photos through lead and other heavy materials.
SCTC students thoroughly enjoyed this very informative and educational tour.
