A group of 180 Girl Scouts between 4th and 8th grades plus 70 leaders, had the opportunity to learn about nuclear science at USA fleet member Xcel Energy’s Prairie Island and Monticello stations.

The scouts rotated through six activities to earn their Nuclear Science and Technology Activity Patch including a control room simulator demonstration, Atomic Jeopardy to learn about nuclear science terms, detecting radiation, fission and power to learn how fission helps a boiling water reactor make electricity, working safely in the plant and detecting the atom

The Girl Scouts and troop leaders provided very positive feedback for both events. In guests’ words, the best thing about this event was “being in a world of science” and “science is funnier than I thought!”

Nearly 500 participants have attended the Girl Scouts in Nuclear Science program at the two plants the past three years. The troops traveled from towns across Minnesota and Wisconsin to participate in the events.

These events were co-hosted by Xcel Energy’s Women in Nuclear and Women’s Information Link.

Julie Weber (far right back row), Monticello control room supervisor, led the dress out activity at Prairie Island.