On December, 2 1942, in a lab at the University of Chicago, scientists created the first self-sustained controlled nuclear chain reaction.
Seventy five years later, the university is engaging in a thought-provoking reflection and examination of this event with events throughout the community and via excellent resources posted on their website.
One of the most compelling is the public art installation of Nuclear Thresholds which is integrated into Henry Moore’s Nuclear Energy.
The seventy five foot long black cords lay in a messy heap next to Moore’s well contained forms, leaving the viewer uneasy, unsure of what to make of the thin black materials.
For sure, this piece will generate conversation and hopefully a deeper reflection on the role this technological advancement has played in our society.
If you missed the actual anniversary last month, I believe a well thought out thematic unit can still explore the numerous questions evoked by this anniversary. A great video resource produced by UChicago Creative is a must see for all secondary educators interested in using this topic for critical reasoning and discussion-Nuclear Reactions-a Complex Legacy.
How are you teaching about this significant historical event?
It seems like following the inspiration of University of Chicago and approaching it with a multidisciplinary perspective might be a wonderful way to engage your students and discuss a topic whose relevance is as timely as ever. The video concludes with a call for interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle the world’s biggest problems and asks, “What is your contribution going to be?”
A great question to reflect upon as we begin this new year.
Questions for Discussion following the video:
- What is your reaction to the quote by University of Chicago president, George Wells Beadle in 1967?
- What was the initial reaction to the development of the atomic bomb?
- How did the University of Chicago faculty respond to the development of the atomic bomb?
- How was nuclear technology used to benefit people?
- The video asks,” How do we get to a world without nuclear weapons?”
Wide Open Research 