Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology facts for kids
The Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology (ORSORT) was a special school in the United States. It taught people all about nuclear reactors and atomic energy. It was started in 1950 by important leaders like Hyman G. Rickover and Alvin Weinberg. For 15 years, ORSORT was the only place in the U.S. where you could get a full year of training in how to safely operate or analyze nuclear reactors.
Contents
What Was ORSORT?
ORSORT was also known by a fun nickname: the "Clinch College of Nuclear Knowledge." It was located at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. The U.S. government supported and paid for this unique school.
The school offered top-level education. Its teachers were experts in atomic energy. Students learned how to use atomic energy in practical ways.
Learning About Nuclear Energy
ORSORT offered two main programs. Students could learn "Reactor Hazards Analysis" or "Reactor Operations." After completing the twelve-month program, students received special certificates.
The school's curriculum in 1965 included many interesting subjects. These included Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering Science. Students also studied topics like Reactor Operating Experience and Health Physics.
Hands-On Experience
Students at ORSORT got to see many different types of nuclear reactors up close. This included the very first graphite reactor. They also saw pool reactors and high-temperature gas reactors. This hands-on experience was very valuable.
Who Studied There?
ORSORT became famous across the U.S. and even worldwide. Many U.S. companies sent their scientists and engineers there. Countries that were allies of the U.S. also sent their people.
In 1959, ORSORT welcomed its first international students. To get into the school, applicants needed special permission. This permission came from the Atomic Energy Commission.
About 100 students graduated from ORSORT each year. The school trained a total of 976 graduates. Many of these graduates became important leaders in the nuclear industry.
Famous Graduates
One famous graduate was James D. Watkins. He later became a Secretary of Energy for the U.S. government.
The last class in 1965 had students from many countries. These included Australia, India, and Japan. Students also came from Israel, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the Philippines, and South Africa.
Why Did It Close?
ORSORT closed its doors in 1965. The U.S. government stopped its funding. Around that time, some U.S. universities started their own nuclear engineering programs. These new programs offered similar education.
