Nuclear Chemistry Under Western New York

A major challenge that faces us as educators is igniting excitement in students about a certain topic. One method of obtaining the interest of students is by relating textbook topics to everyday life. Relating nuclear chemistry to the Buffalo, NY area, in locations near to D’Youville College, has sparked an interest in this topic and has caused it to become one of the favorite subjects among the students. Although few realize it, Western New York has a strong past involved in nuclear chemistry, especially during World War II. This manuscript explains and investigates the use of this information to engage students in the undergraduate classroom.