Kids can get hands on with science at SEED

In a short time at the annual Science Education and Enrichment Day (SEED), a kid can get slimed, make paper, "talk turkey," make straw towers and even participate in an activity called, "Hey Kids! You Can Try This at Home!"

SEED will return to the USC Aiken campus Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dozens of exhibitors will present interactive and fun activities related to STEM - science, math, engineering and technology.

The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center is hosting SEED. Some of the exhibits will be located at the facility on the USCA campus and in other buildings at the university. As many as 2,500 children and their families visit SEED annually.

"People come back every year," said project coordinator John Hutchens, who has worked with the program for the past 14 years. "One of the main goals is to keep kids reinvigorated in STEM. That's becoming more and more important, certainly in this area. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions has come on board. They need people in science so they can work for them."

The Ruth Patrick Center has worked with SRNS and its predecessor on a variety of other events, including Future City and Girls in Engineering and Science.

There are a number of new exhibitors this year, Hutchens said. They include the Aiken County bloodhound tracking team, the Savannah River Archaeological Research program, SRNS education outreach programs and many more.

For the first time, SEED will serve as a satellite event of the inaugural USC Science & Engineering Festival, scheduled for the mall in Washington, D.C.

The first 1,500 students who register on the day of the event will receive a free drawstring backpack.

Other sponsors include SRP Federal Credit Union, WAGT NBC 26, WFXG FOX 54, Maxwell Law Firm, USC Aiken, Innovative Solutions, Aiken Electric Cooperative, Jeff and Ellen Priest, Automotive Workbench and USC Aiken Dining Services.

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.