Public Outreach at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor

Abstract

As Canada's Nuclear University, McMaster views community engagement as an essential part of its educational mandate. The McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR) is the only nuclear facility in Canada that is open to the public. With upwards of 2,000 visitors each year, the MNR plays a large role in educating Canadians on matters involving nuclear science and technology. Since 2017, MNR has participated in Doors Open Hamilton, an annual event that encourages residents to “discover the story behind every door” of sites in their community. In 2018, staff at MNR expanded their outreach activities by launching an educational program aimed at elementary school children. A group of McMaster staff members, along with undergraduate and graduate students, traveled throughout the greater Hamilton area, giving interactive presentations at STEM-focused summer camps to introduce children ages 7-12 to the fundamentals of nuclear science and nuclear energy. An update on these and other activities at MNR will be presented.