I'm still working on getting a fireman to come out to the school to demonstrate a radioactive detector. No luck so far. This is for a project on Marie Curie.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I assume you have talked to the chief of the RADHAZ team.

Marie Curie discovered Radioactivity, that is the essence of her greatness. I guess you could make a poster on that failing the fun demo.

Do really you need a fireman to demonstrate one? Most smoke detectors contain a radioactive Americium-241 source. The only problem might be coming up with a smoke source to test it. Cigarettes are banned from public buildings now. You might consider blowing talcum power at it.

There is a good article about how they work at
http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf57.htm

What do you want the fireman to demonstrate: the detection of smoke or the radioactivity of the Americium source?

If you're having trouble finding a fireman to come out to your school for a demonstration on a radioactive detector, here are a few suggestions you can explore:

1. Contact local universities or colleges: Reach out to the physics or chemistry department of nearby educational institutions. Professors or researchers specializing in radiation detection might be willing to visit your school and give a demonstration.

2. Reach out to a local radiation safety office or government agency: Contact your local radiation safety office or any government agency responsible for radiation-related matters. Explain your project and inquire if they can recommend someone who can visit your school.

3. Connect with a science outreach organization: Look for science outreach organizations in your area that promote science education in schools. They may have volunteers or scientists who can help with your request.

4. Utilize online resources: Explore websites and platforms where professionals in various fields offer their expertise to schools and educational projects. Examples include Skype in the Classroom, where you can connect with experts remotely, or professional networking platforms like LinkedIn.

5. Seek guidance from science teachers and curriculum specialists: Speak to your school's science teachers or curriculum specialists and ask for their suggestions. They may have contacts or be able to provide alternative ideas or resources to support your project on Marie Curie.

Remember to be persistent and proactive in your search. Keep reaching out to different contacts and resources until you find a suitable solution for your project.