Radioactive Lagoons at Atomic Test Sites

SCIENCE Scientists found lingering radioactivity in the lagoons of remote Pacific atolls where the United States conducted nuclear weapons tests more than 50 years ago. (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) The ocean isn’t the only place radiation is lingering—meet the scientists who pee plutonium. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including today’s simple MapMaker Interactive map.   Discussion … Continue reading Radioactive Lagoons at Atomic Test Sites

This Week in Geographic History: Nuclear Weapons

Check out our Pinterest board for more related resources! We’re slowing down for the summer! Instead of our usual roundup of “This Day in Geographic History” (TDIGH) events, here’s a closer look at one historic event that connects to something in the news today. We’ve also matched it with a map or visual, background information, and additional resources. Tuesday, August 15 TDIGH: V-J Day Japan … Continue reading This Week in Geographic History: Nuclear Weapons

Bombs Away on YouTube

UNITED STATES For the first time, thousands of films showing U.S. atmospheric nuclear weapons tests are freely, publicly available in an online archive. (New York Times) What impact did atmospheric nuclear tests have on the scientists who watched them in person? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including today’s simple MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas The brainiacs … Continue reading Bombs Away on YouTube

11 Things We Learned This Week!

What did you learn this week? Let us know in the comments or at education@ngs.org. This week, we learned … … you’ve been reading the wrong horoscope. Thanks, NASA. What’s the difference between astronomy and astrology?   … Oxford tops the overall rankings, but you need to go east to find the best young universities. Where did our explorers and grantees go to school? What … Continue reading 11 Things We Learned This Week!

How Do Scientists Tell the Difference Between Natural Earthquakes and Earthquakes Caused by Nuclear Tests?

SCIENCE North Korea just announced a successful underground test of a nuclear device, and seismic evidence supports that claim. How do scientists know the earthquake in North Korea was triggered by an underground nuclear blast and was not a naturally occurring tectonic event? (BBC) Why are North Korea’s nuclear tests such a big deal, anyway? Use our great study guide to find out. Teachers, scroll … Continue reading How Do Scientists Tell the Difference Between Natural Earthquakes and Earthquakes Caused by Nuclear Tests?