The Radium Girls

1. Unravel the Mystery:

• Atomic Heritage Foundation: [https://ahf.nuclearmuseum.org/] Take a deep dive with this clear and informative article, filled with pictures and a timeline.

• National Geographic Kids: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHLNJeBtnm4] Get interactive with a video, timeline, and activities like creating a newspaper article.

2. Explore Primary Sources:

• Library of Congress: [https://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2019/10/] Journey back in time with photographs, newspaper articles, and letters from the Radium Girls themselves.

3. Spark Discussion:

• PBS LearningMedia: [https://www.pbs.org/video/dinnerandabook-the-radium-girls/] Watch video clips and answer discussion questions to delve deeper into the story. (Free PBS LearningMedia account required)

4. Get the Visuals:

• History Channel: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De7aMkdpHZ8] Start your research with a general overview and short video clip.

Bonus Resource:

• Radium Girls Movie (2018): While not free, this dramatized film offers another way to connect with the story. Watch with adult supervision and discuss its historical accuracy.  Find it on Prime Video and Vudu.

Chernobyl 

Chernobyl | History Channel: This website from the History Channel offers a variety of resources on the disaster, including articles, videos, and interactive quizzes. It also features interviews with people who were affected by the disaster, providing a firsthand perspective on the event.

The Chernobyl Gallery | BBC: This website from the BBC features a collection of photos and videos from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the area around the power plant that is still heavily contaminated. It provides a powerful visual representation of the disaster's impact.

The Chernobyl Podcast: This podcast from the New York Times tells the story of the Chernobyl disaster in a compelling and engaging way. It is a great resource for students who want to learn about the event in an audio format.

Inside Chernobyl's Mega Tomb: Documentary which follows the construction of a trailblazing 36,000-tonne steel structure to entomb the ruins of the nuclear power plant destroyed in the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

The West Lake Landfill

1. US EPA Superfund Site Profile:

   • Explore the official US EPA website for an easy-to-understand overview of the West Lake Landfill. Tailored for middle schoolers, this resource breaks down the site's history, current status, and cleanup efforts without overwhelming technical language.

2. St. Louis Public Radio: West Lake Landfill: What you need to know:

   • Get a comprehensive understanding of the West Lake Landfill issues through this clear and concise article from St. Louis Public Radio. Discover insights into the ongoing fire, radioactive waste, and community concerns surrounding the landfill, presented in straightforward language without complex technical terms.

3. KMOV News: West Lake Landfill cleanup to begin in 2023:

   • Stay updated on the latest West Lake Landfill cleanup developments with this news article from KMOV. Designed for middle schoolers with an interest in current events, this resource offers a brief overview of the landfill's history and highlights the significance of upcoming cleanup efforts, presented in easily understandable language.

4. Just Moms St. Louis:

   • Advocating for the safety of West Lake Landfill residents, Just Moms St. Louis offers a wealth of information on the landfill's history, concerns, and cleanup initiatives. While their website primarily targets adults, they often host educational events and workshops suitable for older middle schoolers. Contact them directly for age-appropriate resources and involvement opportunities.

5. Atomic Homefront:

   • In a seemingly normal town, a hidden danger lurks: radioactive waste from the atomic bomb! "Atomic Homefront" follows brave citizens, mostly women, as they fight for their health and safety. They investigate the contamination, raise awareness, and push for action against powerful forces. This real-life story shows the power of everyday people standing up for what's right, even when it's scary. Remember, knowledge is power!