“NIF, through all that we’ve learned, has the responsibility to inform people in the community about what we do, what can be done, and why it’s important and exciting.
And for students, this exposure can allow them to envision opportunities that they maybe never knew existed.”
—Kathleen Schaffers, chemist and NIF Expanding Your Horizons lead
A wide spectrum of education and outreach programs—many staffed
by dedicated volunteers—aim to enrich the lives of community members, inspire and motivate students, and inform those looking for deeper knowledge of the universe.
And sometimes when the stars align, a girl or boy participating in one of
these programs discovers
a path leading to a position working at NIF.
The quickest way to get a basic understanding of NIF is to step inside the room-sized Target Chamber replica inside LLNL’s Discovery Center (left), usually one of the first stops for students on science field trips to the Laboratory (right). The Discovery Center also offers demonstrations and hands-on activities that connect to the science of NIF.
More than 91,600 people have visited the world’s largest laser system in more than 8,000 separate tours. The visitors have ranged from school children to military generals and admirals, members of Congress, presidential Cabinet members, CEOs, movie stars and entertainers, news reporters and photographers, and even a princess.
DOWNLOAD THE NIF VISITOR’S BROCHURE PDF
The Laser Roadshow features a handful of demonstrations created by NIF to educate and delight young people, educators, and the public. The roadshow has traveled across the country to schools, museums, science fairs, and conferences.
Every year, dozens of NIF staff members share their passion for science and technology at the Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) conference for middle-school girls. They devote their time to empower the next generation of scientists and engineers.
TRI-VALLEY EXPANDING YOUR HORIZONS
SAN JOAQUIN EXPANDING YOUR HORIZONS
From scientific journal covers to science outreach and education, graphic art plays a vital role in communicating complex concepts and ideas. John Jett’s award-winning National Ignition Facility comic book helps
students—young and old—connect to the wonders of NIF.
DOWNLOAD THE NIF COMIC BOOK PDF
This video shows what goes into a NIF Shot. And click here to learn How Lasers Work.
Explore Fusion, Ignition, Making a Star, Discovery Science, Energy for the Future, Photon Science, and Advanced Laser Systems.
Our student scholars contribute to research on lasers, optics, plasma physics, material science, software, and more.
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