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Richie for teachers

Making science fun for kids with our Richie education programme 

Richie for teachers banner

Richie for teachers

Making science fun for kids with our Richie education programme 

Science workshops

For over 15 years, we've been able to bring hands-on science workshops to schools local near our sites in the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. 

Our Richie science workshops focus on nuclear energy and teach students aged 8-10 on the importance of protecting our planet for future generations. The interactive workshops help students learn about nuclear power and uranium enrichment through a series of fun experiments using real-world scenarios and activities from an expert in the field. 

Wondering what Richie workshops look like? Get a glimpse in our video or see our frequently asked questions below to find out more. 

  • What is the purpose of Richie science workshops?

    Our workshops are designed to excite and inspire young people about STEM, in particular the need to be inquisitive and scientific in our approach to finding solutions for today’s problems. The in-person workshops provide students with an interactive learning experience with hands-on STEM activities. 

  • How long do the workshops last?

    Each workshop would typically take up to half a day for 30 children.  

  • What is the expected outcome for the students after attending a workshop?

    The students will feel enthusiastic about STEM and will see how all low carbon energy sources are needed to meet important climate change goals, as well as what nuclear energy is, which is more difficult to understand than wind or solar energy for example. The workshop includes a variety of activities to keep students engaged and appeal to a range of learning preferences.

  • Are there any costs associated with running a workshop?

    There is no cost for schools that host our workshops. Staffing and all materials and equipment are provided by Urenco. We focus on schools in under-served communities.

  • Who can attend the workshops?

    The workshops take place close to our global sites and are tailored for students in primary school. They fit well with science or STEM focused activities.

  • What topics are covered in the workshop?

    The workshops cover a wide range of topics related to STEM, climate and environmental responsibilities including the science behind uranium enrichment and nuclear power generation. An important sustainable source of energy, recognised by governments globally. 

  • How can my school host a workshop?

    We run our workshops with schools located near our Urenco sites please email Richie@urenco.com for more information. Even if we cannot host a local workshop, there may be other options we can discuss. 

  • What information can I use to teach nuclear energy in the classroom?

    To provide a comprehensive overview of nuclear energy for students, including how it works, and how it can support our net zero ambition, we have several resources you can use - download our animation and fun facts section in our Students’ page and view more resources below.

  • What is the purpose of Richie science workshops?

    Our workshops are designed to excite and inspire young people about STEM, in particular the need to be inquisitive and scientific in our approach to finding solutions for today’s problems. The in-person workshops provide students with an interactive learning experience with hands-on STEM activities. 

  • Who can attend the workshops?

    The workshops take place close to our global sites and are tailored for students in primary school. They fit well with science or STEM focused activities.

  • How long do the workshops last?

    Each workshop would typically take up to half a day for 30 children.  

  • What topics are covered in the workshop?

    The workshops cover a wide range of topics related to STEM, climate and environmental responsibilities including the science behind uranium enrichment and nuclear power generation. An important sustainable source of energy, recognised by governments globally. 

  • What is the expected outcome for the students after attending a workshop?

    The students will feel enthusiastic about STEM and will see how all low carbon energy sources are needed to meet important climate change goals, as well as what nuclear energy is, which is more difficult to understand than wind or solar energy for example. The workshop includes a variety of activities to keep students engaged and appeal to a range of learning preferences.

  • How can my school host a workshop?

    We run our workshops with schools located near our Urenco sites please email Richie@urenco.com for more information. Even if we cannot host a local workshop, there may be other options we can discuss. 

  • Are there any costs associated with running a workshop?

    There is no cost for schools that host our workshops. Staffing and all materials and equipment are provided by Urenco. We focus on schools in under-served communities.

  • What information can I use to teach nuclear energy in the classroom?

    To provide a comprehensive overview of nuclear energy for students, including how it works, and how it can support our net zero ambition, we have several resources you can use - download our animation and fun facts section in our Students’ page and view more resources below.

Richie events

Urenco regularly host or support Richie events as a celebration of STEM subjects for children and young people. This has traditionally been a lecture for 11-12 year olds in London but more recently we’ve held events locally to our global sites.

In 2024 colleagues from Eunice welcomed around 400 children and their families to Richie's Summer Science Experience at the popular Lea County Fair and Rodeo in New Mexico. Visitors also learned about Urenco, how we help provide energy security to the world and some of the ways the nuclear industry is positively impacting the world of medicine and the environment.

Recently we welcomed visitors including young people to visit our site in the Netherlands where we produce Urenco Isotopes as well as uranium enrichment services.

You can view our previous Richie Lecture videos on our YouTube channel.

View previous Richie Lectures

Classroom resources

  • Our video shorts explain things in bit size chunks. Click to play!

  • Our video shorts explain things in bit size chunks. Click to play!

  • Our video shorts explain things in bit size chunks. Click to play!

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Arrow left icon Arrow right icon

Urenco created free digital resources in collaboration with the British Science Association (BSA) as part of the CREST scheme for student-led project work in STEM subjects. 

Spinning Solutions (aimed at 7- to 11-year-olds) – through group work and interactive activities, students can learn about the concept of separation and its purpose in everyday life.

Enrich my Classroom (aimed at 11- to 14-year-olds) – students can investigate a variety of topics, including coding, electricity, magnetism, ergonomics and nanotechnology, and develop exciting new ways to enrich their classroom. This workshop is also available in Dutch: Classroom2030.

Find out more about our work with BSA in our partner information below.

      

Our Partners

Urenco’s commitment to promoting STEM education and fostering the next generation of innovative thinkers could not be achieved without our education partners. We work with organisations in The Netherlands, the UK, and the USA to provide engaging and enriching opportunities for young people with access to world-class educational resources and experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity in STEM.

Click on each partner below to find out how we work with them:

  • <p>Dr Ken and students at the Richie Lecture 2022</p>

    Dr Ken and students at the Richie Lecture 2022

    <p>Dr Ken and students at the Richie Lecture 2022</p>

    Dr Ken and students at the Richie Lecture 2022

  • <p>UUSA Richie volunteers pose in classroom at Underwood Elementary in Andrews, TX</p>

    UUSA Richie volunteers pose in classroom at Underwood Elementary in Andrews, TX

    <p>UUSA Richie volunteers pose in classroom at Underwood Elementary in Andrews, TX</p>

    UUSA Richie volunteers pose in classroom at Underwood Elementary in Andrews, TX

  • <p>Wendy Sadler and students at the Richie Lecture 2019</p>

    Wendy Sadler and students at the Richie Lecture 2019

    <p>Wendy Sadler and students at the Richie Lecture 2019</p>

    Wendy Sadler and students at the Richie Lecture 2019

  • <p>Activities at the Iqra School Richie workshop</p>

    Activities at the Iqra School Richie workshop

    <p>Activities at the Iqra School Richie workshop</p>

    Activities at the Iqra School Richie workshop

  • <p>Students captivated in the Science Museum's Wonderlab gallery in London during a Richie Lecture</p>

    Students captivated in the Science Museum's Wonderlab gallery in London during a Richie Lecture

    <p>Students captivated in the Science Museum's Wonderlab gallery in London during a Richie Lecture</p>

    Students captivated in the Science Museum's Wonderlab gallery in London during a Richie Lecture

  • <p>UUSA Richie Workshop 2023</p>

    UUSA Richie Workshop 2023

    <p>UUSA Richie Workshop 2023</p>

    UUSA Richie Workshop 2023

  • <p>Student learns about separation through an ink experiment at Burford School, UK.</p>

    Student learns about separation through an ink experiment at Burford School, UK.

    <p>Student learns about separation through an ink experiment at Burford School, UK.</p>

    Student learns about separation through an ink experiment at Burford School, UK.

  • <p>Richie Mascot poses with family in Gronau, Germany</p>

    Richie Mascot poses with family in Gronau, Germany

    <p>Richie Mascot poses with family in Gronau, Germany</p>

    Richie Mascot poses with family in Gronau, Germany

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Contact us

Are you a teacher or member of faculty who would like to learn more? Get in touch with us by filling in the form below.

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