The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at the University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken) will host the 36th annual Science Education Enrichment Day (S.E.E.D.) STEM Festival, October 9 on the university campus, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

"Imagine getting up close with honeybees, petting an alligator, learning how to make a rain garden, investigating a carnivorous plant, driving a championship robot, or virtually traveling through outer space," said John Hutchens, director of special programs at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center. "Guests will be able to do just that at S.E.E.D."

The event will celebrate innovations in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Student groups, regional corporations, museums, professional organizations, government agencies, educators, and national labs will join forces to create and present engaging hands-on activities for guests of all ages.

"We plan this event each year to give young learners up close and personal interaction with real-world scientists, engineers, and other technical professionals," Hutchens said. "The goal is to increase awareness of the role STEM plays in society and that it can also be fun. We recognize that as a society, we must continue to excite and engage families about STEM fields."

Highlights of the 36th Annual S.E.E.D. STEM Festival include:

• More than 30 hands-on exhibits and activities
• Exhibits from the Aiken County EMS, American Nuclear Society, Cold Creek Nurseries, SCDNR, UofSC Aiken, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the Astronomy Club of Augusta, and more
• Demonstrations of technologies and intriguing science, including robotics, nuclear power, flight, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, biodiversity, and more

This event is presented by the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at UofSC Aiken, working closely with the Aiken County Public School District.

Sponsors for S.E.E.D. include Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Southern Nuclear, Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness, SRS Community Reuse Organization, Generac, SRP Federal Credit Union, Aiken Standard, NewsChannel 6, and Bridgestone.

In every attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, most of the event's exhibits will be outdoors. Masks are required indoors and suggested outdoors in situations where social distancing is not possible.

For more information, visit rpsec.usca.edu/SEED or facebook.com/SEEDevent