A visitor to the SEED STEM Festival on Sept. 19 explores the concept of radiation detection.
Visitors to the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center’s 41st SEED STEM Festival explore a booth focused on rocks.
Tabitha McGlocklin with the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center in the science store on Sept. 19 during the 41st annual SEED STEM event.
Vistors to the 41st annual SEED STEM Festival at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center on Sept. 19 had the chance to arrange pieces of pottery together in an activity called “pottery puzzles.’“
Aiken Standard Reporter

Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County.
Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, “Origins of My Love,” was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022.
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A visitor to the SEED STEM Festival on Sept. 19 explores the concept of radiation detection.
Visitors to the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center’s 41st SEED STEM Festival explore a booth focused on rocks.
Tabitha McGlocklin with the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center in the science store on Sept. 19 during the 41st annual SEED STEM event.
Vistors to the 41st annual SEED STEM Festival at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center on Sept. 19 had the chance to arrange pieces of pottery together in an activity called “pottery puzzles.’“
AIKEN — The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center’s 41st annual SEED STEM Festival was held at the University of South Carolina Aiken on Sept. 19, and director of special programs John Hutchens said the goal of the event is to make STEM more accessible to younger generations.
“The point is to go along with our mission, which is infusing the love of science, technology, engineering and math,” he said. “This is a great way to introduce the community to STEM, STEM careers, different organizations that focus on STEM. It’s a great way to make STEM approachable for all our our young audience.”
For more than four decades, the annual SEED STEM Festival has brought the community together at the intersection of inspiration, innovation, and engagement. Year after year, the event fosters meaningful connections between the public and STEM professionals while building excitement about discovery, technology and future possibilities.
A total of 79 organizations were involved, sharing interactive exhibits and experiences centered on science, engineering, technology and mathematics. “We have a record number of exhibitors this year,” Hutchens said.
Exhibitors from national laboratories, businesses, schools, government agencies, and community organizations offered activities spanning fields such as robotics, engineering, aviation, biology, nuclear science, and technology.
Exhibits allowed students to explore radiation, geology and archeology among a vast number of other topics.
Hutchens said that although final attendance numbers hadn’t been calculated, the number of people who showed up was especially high. “I’ve never seen this may people here. It’s a little hot today, but people are taking it in stride, and everybody seems to really be enjoying everything.”
The SEED STEM Festival is hosted by the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center in partnership with the Aiken County Public School District and presenting sponsor Generac.
Aiken Standard Reporter

Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County.
Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, “Origins of My Love,” was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022.
To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers »
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