eli5 – How did scientists bombard uranium with neutrons?

Question

In 1938, how did the scientists bombard uranium with neutrons ( what device did they set up ), and how did they know they split the uranium atom?

I know I am just one of a million asking nuclear physics questions after the release of Oppenheimer, but I am just curious

In: 107

Answer 1

The gym teachers puts all the uranium atoms (nerds) on one side of the gym and all the linear accelerators (jocks) on the other side and has a big net full of neutrons hanging over center court.