40th Annual SEED STEM Festival to Highlight Science Education

Aiken, SC, September 30, 2025

News Summary

The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at USC Aiken will host the 40th Annual SEED STEM Festival, a free event celebrating STEM through interactive exhibits and hands-on learning. With over 75 exhibits featuring activities such as honeybee exploration, chemistry experiments, and robotics demonstrations, the festival aims to engage families and connect them with STEM professionals. Presented in partnership with the Aiken County Public School District, the festival underscores the importance of fostering interest in science and technology among the community.

Aiken, SC – The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at USC Aiken is set to host the 40th Annual SEED STEM Festival on Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free, family-friendly event celebrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on learning opportunities.

Attendees of the SEED STEM Festival can look forward to over 75 interactive exhibits featuring activities such as honeybee exploration, chemistry experiments, paper-making, gaming, geological exploration, and virtual space travel. John Hutchens, the Director of Special Programs at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, highlights the festival’s focus on making STEM topics engaging and accessible for the community.

The festival will showcase a wide array of exhibitors including student organizations, regional companies, museums, professional associations, government agencies, educators, and national laboratories. Participants will have the opportunity to witness demonstrations in various STEM fields, including robotics, nuclear power, aviation, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and biodiversity.

The SEED STEM Festival aims to connect young people and families with STEM professionals, fostering curiosity and showcasing the fun side of STEM education. This year’s event is presented in partnership with the Aiken County Public School District and is supported by sponsors like SRP Federal Credit Union, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, and Savannah River National Laboratory.

As a cornerstone for science education in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), the SEED STEM Festival plays a vital role in fostering a culture of learning and innovation for future generations. Families and individuals interested in learning more about the festival are encouraged to visit the official website at seedstemfestival.org.

Event Details

• Location: Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, USC Aiken
• Date: Saturday, September 20
• Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Highlights of the Festival

• Over 75 interactive exhibits
• Hands-on activities in various STEM fields
• Demonstrations in robotics, nuclear power, and more
• Networking opportunities with STEM professionals
• Partnership with Aiken County Public School District

The SEED STEM Festival stands as an important event for encouraging participation in STEM disciplines, ensuring that both children and adults can engage with the subjects in a fun and educational environment.

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Additional Resources

• WJBF: Seed STEM Festival Celebrates 40 Years of Interactive Exhibits
• Post and Courier: USC Aiken Seed Event Will Let Kids Get Hands-On With STEM
• WFXG: 40th Annual Seed STEM Festival Sparks Curiosity at USCA
• Wikipedia: STEM
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Science

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.