ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2025 ANS Winter Conference & Expo
November 9–12, 2025
Washington, DC|Washington Hilton
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
Latest Magazine Issues
Oct 2025
Jul 2025
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
November 2025
Nuclear Technology
October 2025
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
NRC nominee Nieh commits to independent safety mission
During a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing today, Ho Nieh, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as a commissioner at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, was urged to maintain the agency’s independence regardless of political pressure from the Trump administration.
Both the Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA offer nuclear science patches.
Many troops hold in-person workshops where troops earn the patch or badge in a single day or over a few days. Workshops don’t have to be in person, though!
We’ve gathered the resources you need to hold an event online or person-to-person. And we’re happy to connect you with an ANS member experienced in scouting events to assist your troop. Please contact us to request a Nuclear Ambassador for your troop!
Visit the Scouting America website for requirements to earn the Nuclear Science Merit Badge.
Scouts of all ages anywhere in the world can learn about nuclear science and technology through the Get to Know Nuclear patch developed by the American Nuclear Society and the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Girl Scout Council.
Order Patches
Requirements
Requirements to earn Get to Know Nuclear focus on learning about nuclear science and technology through teamwork and engaging activities. While the requirements are most suitable for older scouts, they are also flexible, so scouts of all ages can get to know nuclear!
Discuss: What is the electromagnetic spectrum? What are atoms? How are they structured? What is the difference between an atom and an isotope? What makes an atom stable?
Learn about atomic structure and more
Radiation Basics PowerPoint - English (includes atomic structure)
Radiation Basics PowerPoint - Spanish (includes atomic structure)
Activities (do one)
Discuss: What is fission? What is fusion? How are they different? How is fission used to make electricity? What are the advantages of using fusion for electricity production?
Learn about fission and fusion
Fission, Fusion and The Future PowerPoint - English
Fission, Fusion and The Future PowerPoint - Spanish
Discuss: What is radiation? What are the different types of radiation? Where does radiation come from? What is background radiation? How can we measure radiation? How much radiation to we receive every year? How can we use radiation safely?
Learn about radiation and radioactivity
Radiation Basics PowerPoint - English
Radiation Basics PowerPoint - Spanish
Discuss: How can we visualize nuclear processes?
Discuss: How does nuclear technology benefit society? Choose one application for nuclear technology and explore how that technology benefits society. Possibilities include nuclear energy, medicine, industry, agriculture, space exploration, insect control, and more. Make sure to learn about career possibilities in the chosen field.
Learn about applications for nuclear science
Activity: Field Trip (choose one per troop or per scout). Scouts are encouraged to visit a facility where nuclear science and technology are in use. Visits can be conducted in person or virtually. Here are some possibilities:
Discuss: Identify at five or more careers in nuclear science and technology. Learn education, training, skills, and other qualifications needed in each career. Here are some starting points:
10 Jobs in Nuclear Starting at $60 K
Explore Careers in Nuclear
Professions in Nuclear Medicine
Activities