Why is fermium, discovered after the nuclear fallout, on the periodic table when it has no known uses? It may not sound like an important element, but the story of the construction of the first nuclear reactor outside is fascinating. Learn more from a video in a series on each of the chemical elements.

Concepts

chemical elements, the periodic table

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Read more about the monument to honor nuclear energy at the University of Chicago
• Research Enrico Fermi, the creator of the world's first nuclear reactor

Classroom Considerations

• Format the video to hide comments during viewing

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Works well in traditional or flipped classes
• Provides closed captioning in English and Portuguese

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4