36th Annual S.E.E.D Festival Drew 2,500 Visitors

Aiken, SC (10/13/2021) — The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) hosted the 36th annual Science Education Enrichment Day (S.E.E.D.) STEM Festival Saturday, October 9, on the university's campus. Over 2,500 people attended.

"We were excited to bring the festival back in-person for 2021," said John Hutchens, director of special programs at the Ruth Patrick Center. "It provides our community with an opportunity for engagement and exchange of real-world STEM activities, projects, and experiences. We are grateful to our generous partners for helping us provide this event free to the community."

Highlights from this year's festival included more than 35 hands-on exhibits and activities. Exhibitors included the Aiken County EMS, American Nuclear Society, Cold Creek Nurseries, SCDNR, UofSC Aiken, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the Astronomy Club of Augusta, and more. Visitors enjoyed demonstrations of robotics, nuclear power, flight, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and biodiversity.

Aiken residents Jennifer and Wesley Barrett brought their 4-year-old daughter. "We enjoyed our time with friends exploring the variety of ways that STEM is vibrant in the community," Jennifer said. "We love seeing the kids involved in learning. From natural resources to beekeeping to EMS - STEM is needed in all aspects of life. Our four-year-old enjoyed the displays, craft projects, and take-home swag."

Event sponsors included Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Southern Nuclear, Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness, SRS Community Reuse Organization, Generac, SRP Federal Credit Union, Aiken Standard, News Channel 6, and Bridgestone.

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Highlights from this year's festival included more than 35 hands-on exhibits and activities.

Visitors enjoyed demonstrations of robotics, nuclear power, flight, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and biodiversity.