Local Events
Submit Your EventUS Department of Energy's
Nuclear Tech Connect
October 21-22, 2020
Part of Nuclear Science Week 2020
Join us for Nuclear Tech Connect, a virtual, interactive event. Conversations on carbon-free energy and technology innovation. Networking with other nuclear techies, clean energy advocates, and smarty pants scientists. Hosted by the U.S Department of Energy and GAIN in celebration of Nuclear Science Week 2020.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, University of South Carolina
Aiken 471 University Parkway, Aiken, South Carolina 29801
FREE! Science Education Enrichment Day (SEED) is a family-themed festival celebrating science, technology, engineering, and math. The SEED STEM Festival is celebrating its 40th annual event! 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. Guests will be able to do just that at the 40th annual SEED STEM Festival. The event will celebrate innovations in the areas of 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.
University of South Carolina Aiken
471 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801
The Center for Lifelong Learning is an organization dedicated to providing continuing learning opportunities to adults in Aiken, SC and the surrounding Central Savannah River Area. The “Research Innovation – Savannah River National Laboratory” three part series course will highlight three areas of interest to the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration which require unique technical solutions to complex challenges. Each area of need will be identified along with approaches the laboratory takes to respond to the technical challenge with applied solutions. 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Session 1: Artificial Intelligence Applications: Opportunities for artificial intelligence to advance the technology and development. Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Session 2: Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities: Exploration of advanced manufacturing techniques and breakthroughs to drive advances in the Department of Energy mission. Wednesday, November 12, 2025 Session 3: Developments in Materials Science: A review of developments in materials synthesis and testing capabilities to yield solutions via advanced materials performance.
University of South Carolina Aiken
471 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801
The Center for Lifelong Learning is an organization dedicated to providing continuing learning opportunities to adults in Aiken, SC and the surrounding Central Savannah River Area. Six (6) Tuesdays, September 9, 16, 23, 30 & October 7, 14, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm The “Nuclear Fundamentals” six part series course will provide attendees with a broad and basic understanding of nuclear science fundamentals. Attendees will learn about the atomic nucleus, isotopes, radiation, radioactive half-life, and the uses of nuclear technology in our world today in a unique and approachable manner. Each of the six sessions will involve innovative simple hands-on activities, performed in pairs or teams, designed to engage participants and to reinforce key concepts. These hands-on activities use materials ranging from marbles and cookies, to custom-made science-related kits that have proven engaging to novice as well as experienced attendees Instructor Bio: Bill Wabbersen, a nuclear engineer, worked at the Savannah River Site for almost 30 years and retired from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and later from National Nuclear Security Administration. Bill has conducted nuclear science educational outreach activities across the US. Honors include the American Nuclear Society Landis Public Communication and Education Award and Citizens for Nuclear Technology’s Nuclear Service Award.
University of South Carolina Aiken
471 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801
The Center for Lifelong Learning is an organization dedicated to providing continuing learning opportunities to adults in Aiken, SC and the surrounding Central Savannah River Area. Tuesday, October 21, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm The “Basics of Nuclear Medicine” course will provide attendees with a broad and basic understanding of nuclear medicine technology and techniques. Attendees will learn the foundational principles of nuclear medicine instrumentation, patient care, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic procedures. In addition to radiation safety considerations, radiopharmaceutical design and use will be discussed. An engaging and active learning environment will help reinforce the nuclear medicine topics discussed. Instructor Bio: Amy Yarshen, Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Associate Professor, and Nuclear Medicine Program Director at Augusta University has 20 years’ experience providing patient care in the hospital setting, 17 years directing and delivering nuclear medicine educational content in the classroom, and 15 years leading accreditation efforts as a JRCNMT site evaluator.
October 2025
Ruth Patrick Science Education Center – University of South Carolina Aiken
The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center is a cooperative effort between University of South Carolina Aiken, business, industry, and Central Savannah River Area schools. Its student programs challenge the present and inspire the future to effect systemic change in science and mathematics education. Its hands-on approach to teaching is designed to help people experience the beauty, order, and power of science and mathematics, as well as the interest and fun of discovery. For elementary, middle and high school students. A total 53 student programs will be offered.
University of South Carolina Salkehatchie
September, October, November 2025
STEM Bags will be delivered to 33 schools in five counties impacting almost 12,000 students. There will be many nuclear science activities involving K-12 schools that will focus on educational tools and activities in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton Counties of South Carolina.
- Mini Rutherford Activity Modeling Atoms
- Making Atoms Visible
- Make an Electroscope
- Personal Dose Totally Rad
- Half Life of Paper
- Decay Chains
- Transporting Nuclear Waste
- Radioactive Waste Disposal
- Critical Mass
- Nuclear Popcorn
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, University of South Carolina Aiken 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Invitation only event! Presented by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Education Outreach Programs. The ”STEM Like a Girl – Introduce a Girl to Engineering & IT” event will give 8th grade girls an opportunity to get excited about engineering and other science, technology, engineering & mathematics (STEM) careers. Volunteers from Savannah River Site that come from engineering, information technology, and other STEM fields will be facilitating the various activities with the girls.
October 2025
Need a subject matter expert to help in your classroom? The Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) has speakers available that can come to your classroom to discuss atomic and nuclear fundamentals, nuclear energy, nuclear technologies and applications, careers in nuclear, and a wide range of other topics. Hands-on demonstrations and activities are conducted.
October 2025
The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) Education Outreach Program has FREE STEM kits for teachers.
We understand the value of hands-on experiences in sparking lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The STEM kits (Bohr Model of Atoms) will be delivered to 6th – 12th grade classrooms. Each kit will have materials for each student and lesson plan. These kits can be used at your discretion throughout the school year.
October 2025
The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) Education Outreach Program will send an SRNL volunteer to a classroom in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) for a one-hour STEM demonstration. Available to K-12 classrooms.
Spaces are limited and filled on a first come, first served basis. Volunteers will come for about an hour, or one class period, for the demonstration.
October 2025
Looking for STEM Experts? Classroom Demonstrations? Science Fair Judges? Mentors? Career Presentations?
Savannah River Site experts will explain STEM concepts, conduct STEM demonstrations, mentor, judge and/or offer career information for teachers and students to bring science to life in K-12th grade classrooms. Engagement with the education community is intended to spark an interest in STEM fields with emphasis on Department of Energy mission critical skills and careers.
SRS experts in the classroom partner with educators to build a pipeline of college/career ready students who graduate with the technical skills necessary to support a capable workforce.
Explore Local Careers
October 27 – November 14, 2025
(Available for 3-weeks for students to watch)
Video Hosted By: Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization
Where: Virtual Event (pre-recorded video)
Who: GA/SC regional high school students considering a career pathway that involves science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills.
What: Pre-recorded video of local industry professionals discussing career & education pathways. Students will gain valuable insights into the diverse career pathways, regardless of whether they hold a high school diploma or advanced degrees.
Industries featured in the video include Hammond Hills Animal Hospital (Animal Science/Veterinary) – Nutrien (Manufacturing) – PC Techware (IT/Cybersecurity) – Savannah River Mission Completion (Nuclear) – Titan Farms (Agricultural/Agribusiness)
Why:
* Discover local companies.
* Get behind-the-scenes tours.
* Learn about exciting career paths.
* Gain valuable career advice.
How: Video link and post event survey link given to educators. Information and details will be coordinated through educators.
Cost: FREE
CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE: All students and educators who watch the video and complete the post-event survey will be entered for a chance to win an APPLE WATCH!
BONUS EDUCATOR PRIZE: All educators who participate will also be entered for a chance to win a $250 AMAZON GIFT CARD just for watching and completing the survey! (Sponsored by: PC Techware)
Many thanks to our sponsors.
GOLD: Nutrien – Savannah River Mission Completion – Savannah River National Laboratory – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions – Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization
SILVER: Aiken Technical College – Applied Research Center – Augusta Technical College – Southern Nuclear
IN-KIND: Hammond Hills Animal Hospital – Titan Farms
Thursday, October 16, 2025 (TEAMS Virtual Meeting)
Explore the world of opportunity at Savannah River National Laboratory during a unique virtual tour designed for Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) students in grades 6-12!
The Savannah River National Laboratory is giving CSRA students the opportunity to look Behind the Science and learn about the many opportunities at the lab.
Embark on an extraordinary tour without leaving your classroom. Our virtual tours take students on an immerse adventure, exploring scientific wonders and business functions from the comfort of their seats. Students will hear from scientists, a meteorologist, a drone scientist, and a finance representative.
Students will have an opportunity to participate in a live question and answer session with each member.
October 2025
Presented by: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) & Ruth Patrick Science Education Center (RPSEC).
SRNS Education Outreach invites you and your students on a virtual field trip to explore math in nature in the forests of the Savannah River Site! Use your 5 senses to explore shapes, solve math problems, and observe changes in nature!
Complete a short form (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SRSNatureMath) to receive a link to the virtual field trip, student worksheet, teacher key, and vocabulary terms within 1-3 business days.
October 2025
Created for Virtual Reality, take a video journey with us as we follow a sample through a mass spectrometer. The recreation of the instrument in the video was produced from a laser mapping inside a mass spec used in Savannah River National Laboratory. R&D Engineering, imaging robotics engineers created the experience.
Attention Educators: To provide the virtual experience of the atomic world inside mass spectrometers to students, teachers may complete a short form ( https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/INTHEBEAM) at to receive a free video and educator’s guide.
October 2025
Joining our team as ecologists, you will assess two different forests to determine which forest meets the habitat requirements of the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW). Experience up-close Savannah River Site conservation efforts by the US Forest Service as they work to preserve the RCW’s home.
Attention Educators: For keys to the bus, complete the short form (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCWvirtualfieldtrip2)
October 2025
Your journey takes you to on a “Wet Wonders” adventure at Savannah River Site to study biotic factors that determine the health of a pond.
Attention Educators: For keys to the bus, complete the short form ( https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VirtualTripWetWondersSRS) Upon submission, within 1-3 business days, you will receive a link to the video, and a Student Activity Sheet with Answer Key.
October 2025
Discover the science of soil and the mysteries beneath our feet as students take A Trip Down Under at the Savannah River Site.
Investigate soil, layer by layer, in the Sandhills Region of the Carolinas and Georgia, learn of weathering and the role it plays in soil creation, understand the effects of soil quality on the characteristics of an ecosystem, take a look at how the earth’s materials, as natural resources, are used for common products in society and learn of an archeological find at the Savannah River Site that remembers history through an artist known as “Dave.”
Click (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/tripdownunder) to request the free resource that includes Student Activity Guide and Teacher Answer Key.
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Topic: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) – Building on a Legacy; Preparing for the Future
Speaker: Dr. Jeffrey Griffin, SRNS President & CEO
Hosted by Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA)
October 2025 (Also, available throughout the year)
The Savannah River Site Women in Nuclear has a fantastic educational virtual jeopardy game.
“Let’s Get Radioactive!” Jeopardy Game
The game has 5 categories of questions and answers:
1. Radiation
2. Fact or Fiction
3. Medical Uses
4. Radiation in Home & Workplace
5. Avoiding Radiation
Each category has a point range from 100-500. Person/team selects the category and the point range they would like then answers the question. The person/team with the highest points at the completion of the round wins Nuclear Jeopardy.
Click the link to start the game https://jeopardylabs.com/play/lets-get-radioactive
Host an event
Here are just a few suggestions on activities and recognizing Nuclear Science Week in your school, workplace or hometown.
- Host an essay-writing or poster contest for local students on the topic of clean air energy.
- Hang banners or promotional signs around the office announcing Nuclear Science Week.
- Select local elementary schools to distribute free samples of items with the Nuclear Science Week message on them. (Items such as pencils, highlighters, notebooks, etc.)
- Host a Boy Scout Nuclear Science merit badge or Girl Scout Get to Know Nuclear patch workshop.
- Develop a trivia contest and give prizes to staff who demonstrate the most knowledge about your group’s history and community activities.
- Hold a membership celebration during Nuclear Science Week.
- Draft a resolution to your city, county council or state government requesting official recognition of Nuclear Science Week. Host a ceremony, photography, video or news opportunity out of the proclamation.
- Did your practice win an award, reach an important milestone or add new services? Use Nuclear Science Week as a springboard to spread the news about your organization.
- Hold your chapter’s annual meeting or awards’ banquet during Nuclear Science Week.
- Take a picture with your President as he or she signs an organization proclamation recognizing Nuclear Science Week and the organization’s commitment to the involvement in the week.
- Sponsor a community event during Nuclear Science Week, such as a walk for charity, a local junior sports team or a blood drive.
- Ask staff to contribute to a bake sale or garage sale, and donate proceeds to a local charity in recognition of Nuclear Science Week.
- Gather fellow staff or organization members and volunteer your time at a local non-profit during Nuclear Science Week.
