Ruth Patrick Science Education Center

05/26/2026

Join us at the DuPont Planetarium for our Summer Skies (special FriDAY showtimes) throughout the summer. Reservations are encouraged!
Summer Skies:
https://www.usca.edu/rpsec/departments/student-programs/summer-programs/summer-skies/
Show Descriptions:
https://www.usca.edu/rpsec/departments/planetarium/show-descriptions/
Reservations: https://www.usca.edu/rpsec/departments/planetarium/make-a-reservation/

05/05/2026

🍎 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎

This week, we celebrate the incredible educators who inspire curiosity, spark creativity, and shape the future every single day. Your dedication, passion, and impact reach far beyond the classroom. Our communities are stronger because of you.

Thank you for all that you do to support and empower the next generation.
💙📚

05/04/2026

We’re excited to share some great news! 🎉

The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at USC Aiken has been selected as a 2026 Meta Data Center Community Action Grant recipient!

This support from Meta helps us continue expanding meaningful STEM learning opportunities across Aiken County—bringing hands-on experiences, innovative programs, and accessible resources to students, teachers, and families throughout our community.

We’re grateful to be part of a group of organizations working to strengthen and inspire our region through education and technology. 💡

Learn more about this year’s recipients: http://datacenters.atmeta.com/2026Recipients

05/04/2026

📣 Call for Nominations!
The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center is now accepting nominations for the Robert E. Alexander Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award. Submit your nomination by May 30 to be considered for this year’s honor.
🌟 About the Award
This prestigious award recognizes CSRA school and district administrators who champion math and science education. Honorees actively support the use of RPSEC resources, promote high-quality STEM instruction, and encourage teachers to build skills and partnerships that strengthen learning in the classroom.
👉 Submit your nomination: https://uscaiken.formstack.com/forms/awards_nomination

05/04/2026

📣 Call for Nominations!

The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center is now accepting nominations for the Spirit of Ruth Patrick Award. Submit your nomination by May 30 to be considered for this year’s honor.

🌟 Spirit of Ruth Patrick Award
This award celebrates a CSRA educator who inspires a love of STEM through passion, creativity, and outstanding teaching.

👉 Submit a nomination: https://uscaiken.formstack.com/forms/awards_nomination

05/01/2026

🚀 STEM Forward Career Exploration Camp
📅 July 13-17| 🕗 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
🎓 Open to Rising Grades 8–12
Explore the world of STEM with hands-on workshops, real-world experiences, and expert guidance from local professionals! Dive into exciting careers, visit on-site locations, and learn what it’s really like to work in STEM—all in a fun, safe environment.
🔗 Learn more & register: usca.edu/rpsec/summer

05/01/2026

Just a reminder that today is the deadline to submit your 2026-2027 Student Programs reservation requests.

🚍🔬Field Trip Reservation Requests Are Now Open for 2026–2027 School Year! 🚍🔬

We’re excited to announce that we are now accepting field trip reservation requests for the 2026–2027 school year!

Give your students an unforgettable, hands-on STEM experience that challenges their thinking today and inspires their future tomorrow. Our interactive programs help students discover the beauty, order, and power of STEM — all while having fun exploring and learning.

📅 Reservation Deadline: May 1, 2026

Learn more and submit your request here:
Discovery and Planetarium Programs: https://www.usca.edu/rpsec/departments/student-programs/
Environmental Education Programs:
https://www.usca.edu/rpsec/departments/student-programs/environmentaled/

04/27/2026

✨ What an incredible night at Family Earth & Sky Night! 🌍🔭

More than 400 community members joined us at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at University of South Carolina Aiken for an evening full of discovery, exploration, and family fun!

From hands-on STEM activities and up-close encounters with live animals 🐍🦉 to immersive shows in the DuPont Planetarium, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

While cloudy skies kept us from traditional stargazing, guests still explored the wonders of the night sky through engaging astronomy activities and telescope experiences. 🌌

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Earth Day and International Astronomy Day with us. Events like this remind us how powerful hands-on science experiences can be in bringing our community together.

We can’t wait to see you next year! 🚀💫

04/23/2026

The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center (RPSEC) at University of South Carolina Aiken will host the Family Earth & Sky Night from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25.

04/23/2026

We’re grateful for an incredible investment in STEM education! 🙌

Generac has contributed $23,500 to the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center (RPSEC) to help expand and promote hands-on STEM programming. The check was presented to RPSEC leadership and Chancellor Daniel Heimmermann on April 20.

This generous support will strengthen key programs that inspire the next generation of innovators, including:
🔬 SEED STEM Festival
🚀 Full STEAM Ahead Summer Camp
📚 Student sponsorships for Physical Science & Mathematics programs

Together, we’re creating more opportunities for students to explore, discover, and fall in love with STEM.