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NEWSBYTE

The Atomic Museum’s Atomic Odyssey Exhibit.
(Photo Courtesy of the Atomic Museum)

DRI, ATOMIC MUSEUM LAUNCH FREE FIELD TRIP PROGRAM TITLED
“EXPLORING THE INVISIBLE” FOR GRADES 6-12

With Limited Availability, Educators Invited to Apply Here

Click Here for Downloadable Photos

LAS VEGAS (September 2025) – DRI, in partnership with the Atomic Museum, announces an innovative and accessible field trip program titled “Exploring the Invisible: A Hands-On Journey into Radiation Science.” Designed to ignite curiosity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as connect students to Nevada’s rich history, the field trip includes free admission and transportation for participants.

The two-and-a-half-hour field trip is open to 6^th-12^th grade students. It includes a guided tour of Atomic Museum exhibits as well as a hands-on science lab conducted by DRI. During the lab, students will participate in interactive experiments that explore the fundamentals of radiation science and its role in history, technology and everyday life.

“‘Exploring the Invisible’ is designed to spark curiosity and provide students with meaningful, experiential learning opportunities,” said Matt Malinowski, director of education, Atomic Museum. “By combining Nevada’s nuclear legacy with DRI’s expertise in radiation science, we are creating a program that inspires the next generation of scientists, innovators and leaders.”

“We are able to make these field trips possible thanks to a grant from the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management,” said Monica Gehrig, STEM Education Training and Outreach Administrator, DRI. “This funding allows us to expand our partnership with the Atomic Museum and introduce Nevada’s middle and high school students to hands-on lessons in radiation science introducing the next generation to the knowledge and technical skills needed for employment in Nevada National Security Sites applicable fields.”

The program is available on select Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Atomic Museum and DRI campus, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 12 p.m. Admission costs for students, educators and official chaperones are waived, and transportation reimbursement is available for participating schools and organizations as funding permits. Up to 60 students may attend on a single date, with a minimum chaperone ratio of one per 10 students.

Due to high demand, space is limited. If interest exceeds available dates, a lottery system will be used to select organizations in the interest of fairness and inclusion. For more information or to apply, click here.

ABOUT DRI
We are Nevada’s non-profit research institute, founded in 1959 to empower experts to focus on science that matters. We work with communities across the state –and the world– to address their most pressing scientific questions. We’re proud that our scientists continuously produce solutions that better human and environmental health.

Scientists at DRI are encouraged to follow their research interests across the traditional boundaries of scientific fields, collaborating across DRI and with scientists worldwide. All faculty support their own research through grants, bringing in nearly $5 to the Nevada economy for every $1 of state funds received. With more than 600 scientists, engineers, students, and staff across our Reno and Las Vegas campuses, we have conducted more than $52 million in sponsored research focused on improving peoples’ lives in 2024 alone.

DRI’s STEM Education Program supports Pre-K-12th grade educators, students, and families in STEM education by providing the tools, resources, and knowledge needed so all may acquire the knowledge and skills needed to work, live, and contribute to our community.  DRI offers free tools, training, and resources to educators, students, community organizations and families, to encourage continuous learning and engagement to support a better world for all.

At DRI, science isn’t merely academic – it’s the key to future-proofing our communities and building a better world.  For more information, please visit www.dri.edu.

ABOUT THE ATOMIC MUSEUM
The Atomic Museum is operated and maintained by its parent company, the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation (NTSHF), an IRS 501(c)3 charitable, non-profit organization chartered in Nevada. The Atomic Museum is one of more than 200 Smithsonian Affiliate organizations in nearly every state, plus Puerto Rico and Panama. Covering nuclear history beginning with the first test at the Nevada Test Site on January 27, 1951, the Atomic Museum’s exhibitions and programming also address current affairs related to the nuclear industry.  For more information, go to atomicmuseum.vegas and follow on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and TikTok.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Desiree Vontur/Erika Pope
The Vox Agency
desiree@thevoxagency.com, erika@thevoxagency.com
(702) 569-0616, (702) 249-2977

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