Laura Gluckman

Chicago Public Schools Middle School Science Teacher

Atomic Bamboozle was such an important core text for our unit, "Nuclear Energy and the Effects on Ecosystems," in my 7th grade Science class. The film demystifies the connections between past and present propaganda, corporate profit, and the false narrative that nuclear energy technology development and nuclear proliferation are separate issues. My students' engagement with the film supported our year-long goal of examining our ethical responsibilities as scientists. Through discussion sparked by the film my students deepened their understanding of their own potential as young environmental justice activists, especially in light of recent policy changes that support building new nuclear plants in Illinois. They learned so much about resistance techniques and the power of narrative from the “ecosystem” of activists, including members of the Yakama nation who have been fighting to protect their land and waterways for generations.