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Program guide 

To view or download our complete program guide for Summer 2019 click here.


We want all children to benefit from the camps and classes offered at the SD Discovery Center! Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, such as the Central Chapter of the SD Engineering Society and United Way, we may be able to offset the cost of our programs for families in need. No forms to fill out. Simply inquire by contacting Rhea.


Upcoming events

  • Starry Saturday Planetarium Show

    • 14 Sep 2019
    • 25 Jan 2020
    • 10 sessions
    • SD Discovery Center

    Our digital planetarium is open to the public the second and forth Saturday of each month!  Show topics vary depending on the presenter (Greek or Lakota constellations, the moon, deep space objects, etc.).  It’s fun for the whole family. All ages welcome!

    Free with paid admission.  Members free. 


    Show details

  • Saplings - Space Science: Astrophysicist

    • 21 Oct 2019
    • 3:15 PM
    • 25 Nov 2019
    • 5:00 PM
    • SDEA, 411 E Capitol Ave
    • 14
    Register

    Space Science: Astrophysicist


    Age: Grades 6-8

    Time: Mondays, October 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25 from 3:15 PM - 5:00 PM

    Location: SDEA Auditorium (411 E Capitol Ave, next to GMMS)

    Fee: $35 (members $30)

    Limit: Max 15 Participants


    Explore nontraditional careers that take you beyond our Solar System! Come on a spacewalk to explore the depths of the known Universe and push the boundaries of the unknown! Follow a stars life cycle through stellar explosions and the formation of black holes. Meet NASA scientists and use astronomer tools to see the unseen!

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  • (Aberdeen) Librarian Workshop: Space Science Resources in SD

    • 22 Oct 2019
    • 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    • K. O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library, 215 4th Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401
    • 5 registrants
    Register

    The SD Discovery Center of Pierre with the K. O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library invites you to this very fun and hands-on workshop designed to introduce you to unique space science activities available to SD libraries.  The resources include hands-on kits for youth activities or space science series, storytime ideas and visiting scientist (virtual or in-person) opportunities.  This workshop is paid for by the Space Science Institute's NASA@MyLibrary program and the SD Space Grant Consortium.  All participating libraries will have access to a membership to the SD Discovery Center that helps reduce, sometimes eliminate, the cost of using these resources.

    Call Kristie Maher at the SD Discovery Center, 224-8295, if you have questions.

    Show details

  • Early Release Day - Witches and Wizards

    • 23 Oct 2019
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center

    Don your cloak as witches and wizards are transforming the SD Discovery Center into a wizarding school for an afternoon! The sorting hat will place you into your wizard house and you get to create your own magic wand. Explore the chemistry behind potion making, discover fantastic plants in herbology, and learn about mythical creatures. Don’t miss out on the magic!

    Time: Wednesday, October 23, 1:00 – 4:00 PM

    Location: SD Discovery Center

    Fee: members: $5, non-members: $7

    Large Groups, please call 224-8295 to reserve a visit time


    Show details

  • Developing and Using Models

    • 28 Oct 2019
    • 27 Apr 2020
    • 6 sessions
    • Online
    • 6
    Register


    Can You Model?

    South Dakota's science standards call for students to be able to develop and use models. Our monthly 2 hour PD delivered via an in person, interactive hangout will give you an overview of the different ways to develop and use models using our most popular curricula: GLOBE, GEMS, Project WET and more! Learn multiple ways to integrate modeling into your teaching. Get informed! Get inspired! All from the comfort of your classroom or home.

    We meet the 4th Monday of the month, October through April except for December in an interactive, online meeting space. Chrome or Firefox browser required as is a recent version of Windows 10 or MacOS. We'll do a tech check before class to make sure you can connect.

    During our session you will have time to review your standards and start planning on how to integrate developing and using models into your instruction. Teaching an activity using models with a short reflection is required for credit.

    The class is free. Credit (pending) will have a fee.

    Questions? Contact Anne at annelewis@sd-discovery.org or call 605-224-8295.

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  • Itty Bitty Einsteins

    • 2 Nov 2019
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 20
    Register

    Itty Bitty Einsteins

    Ages: 3-5 years with parent or grandparent
    Time: Saturday, November 2 from 10:30-11:30 AM
    Location: SD Discovery Center
    Fee: FREE, members only

    These free, members-only events introduce preschoolers and their parents to fun, hands-on SD Discovery Center science. 

    - enjoy hands-on science with your child(ren)
    - meet other preschool parents
    - get to know the SD Discovery Center

    Show details

  • Itty Bitty Einsteins

    • 7 Dec 2019
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 20
    Register

    Itty Bitty Einsteins

    Ages: 3-5 years with parent or grandparent
    Time: Saturday, December 7 from 10:30-11:30 AM
    Location: SD Discovery Center
    Fee: FREE, members only

    These free, members-only events introduce preschoolers and their parents to fun, hands-on SD Discovery Center science. 

    - enjoy hands-on science with your child(ren)
    - meet other preschool parents
    - get to know the SD Discovery Center

    Show details

  • Itty Bitty Einsteins

    • 4 Jan 2020
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • SD Discovery Center
    • 20
    Register

    Itty Bitty Einsteins

    Ages: 3-5 years with parent or grandparent
    Time: Saturday, January 4 from 10:30-11:30 AM
    Location: SD Discovery Center
    Fee: FREE, members only

    These free, members-only events introduce preschoolers and their parents to fun, hands-on SD Discovery Center science. 

    - enjoy hands-on science with your child(ren)
    - meet other preschool parents
    - get to know the SD Discovery Center

    Show details

  • Elks Aviation and Technology Day

    • 29 Jan 2020
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • SD Discovery Center

    Be a pilot for a day and join us for a day filled with fun activities! Step into the cockpit and test your skills at the flight simulator! Fly a drone and discover what it takes to be a pilot with the air force personnel from Ellsworth Air Force Base! Build and test your own satellite or flier like a real aerospace engineer. See for yourself what else you can explore!

    Time: Wednesday, January 29, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
    Come and go. Plan to stay about 2 hours.
    Location: SD Discovery Center
    Fee: FREE, thanks to our sponsors: Mustang Aviation, Pierre Elks Lodge, Radio Controlled Airplane Club
    Large groups, please call 224-8295 to reserve a visit time.


    Show details

Past events

10 Oct 2019 POSTPONED - STEM SAVVY: Bridging the Gap
5 Oct 2019 Itty Bitty Einsteins: Hiding in Plain Sight
7 Sep 2019 Itty Bitty Einsteins: Flower Power
13 Aug 2019 Tacos for the TreeHouse! Rotary Fundraising Dinner
12 Aug 2019 Sprouts - Science: Physical Science - Archaeologist
5 Aug 2019 Shoots - Health: Cooking - Baker
5 Aug 2019 Phenomenal Water Education for Teachers
3 Aug 2019 Itty Bitty Einsteins
29 Jul 2019 Sprouts - Tech: Entertainment - Animator
29 Jul 2019 Connecting Research to the Classroom
22 Jul 2019 Saplings - Health: Fitness - Kayaker
19 Jul 2019 Science Takes Flight in Gettysburg
15 Jul 2019 Shoots - Tech: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
13 Jul 2019 Dueling Duo Benefit Concert
9 Jul 2019 Seedlings: Think Like An Engineer
8 Jul 2019 Sprouts - Health: Junior Master Gardener - Gardener
6 Jul 2019 Itty Bitty Einsteins
28 Jun 2019 Creating 3-D Structures with Dick Termes
27 Jun 2019 Spherical Art from Geometry with Dick Termes
27 Jun 2019 Expanding Field Education
24 Jun 2019 Shoots - Explore: Environment - Search and Rescue
18 Jun 2019 Science and Storytelling in the Badlands
17 Jun 2019 Saplings - Explore: Storytelling - Filmmaker
13 Jun 2019 STEM SAVVY - A Teen Science Cafe: Mind Control
10 Jun 2019 Sprouts - Explore: Naturalist - Tracker
4 Jun 2019 Seedlings: Growing Up Healthy
3 Jun 2019 Shoots - Science: Life Science - Forensics
1 Jun 2019 Itty Bitty Einsteins
28 May 2019 POSTPONED:Librarian Workshop: Space Science Resources in SD (Hot Springs)
28 May 2019 Librarian Workshop: Space Science Resources in SD (Watertown)
24 May 2019 Meet a Scientists!
11 May 2019 Starry Saturday Planetarium Show
8 May 2019 Girl Scout Badge Day - Space Science Adventurer
4 May 2019 Itty Bitty Einsteins - Mmmm...Mandarins.
3 May 2019 CANCELLED: Girl Scout Badge Event - Outdoor Journey
24 Apr 2019 Administrative Professionals' Day Lunch
16 Apr 2019 Girl Scout Badge Day - Entertainment Technology
6 Apr 2019 Itty Bitty Einsteins - Dumbo...Your Ears!!!
30 Mar 2019 "We want to Build a Treehouse!" Fundraising Mardi Gras Dinner by Rotary
28 Mar 2019 STEM SAVVY - A Teen Science Cafe: Come to the dark side - we have unicorns!
27 Mar 2019 The World Beneath Your Feet
20 Mar 2019 Science Communication Crash Course
2 Mar 2019 Itty Bitty Einsteins
23 Feb 2019 Engineers Day
21 Feb 2019 Girl Scout Badge Day - Space Science Investigator
12 Feb 2019 TECH - Coding: App Developer
2 Feb 2019 Itty Bitty Einsteins
31 Jan 2019 CuriosiTeens
23 Jan 2019 Elks Aviation and Technology Day
16 Jan 2019 Girl Scout Badge Day - Mechanical Engineering: Race Car
15 Jan 2019 National Geographic Educator Certification
14 Jan 2019 National Geographic Educator Certification - Phase One
28 Dec 2018 Educator Resource Day!
14 Dec 2018 CANCELLED: Preschool Fridays: Relief for the reef.
9 Dec 2018 STEM SAVVY - A Teen Science Cafe: Pole to Pole
1 Dec 2018 Maker Day Workshop: Paper Model Building
30 Nov 2018 CANCELLED: Preschool Fridays: Hey, what's happening to the coral reef?
29 Nov 2018 CuriosiTeens - From Pole to Pole
15 Nov 2018 Best for Last
29 Oct 2018 Teaching Phenomenally
26 Oct 2018 Preschool Fridays: Who lives in a coral reef?
24 Oct 2018 Early Release - Chemistry is Out of this World!
20 Oct 2018 Google Mapping
18 Oct 2018 CuriosiTeens - SD Clam Fossils & Our Environment
18 Oct 2018 Meet a Scientists!
28 Sep 2018 CANCELLED Preschool Fridays: What is coral? Is it alive?
27 Sep 2018 CuriosiTeens - Ocean Currents & Microplastic
22 Sep 2018 Starry Saturday Planetarium Show
16 Sep 2018 Teen Science Cafe Youth Leadership Meeting
25 Aug 2018 Maker Day Workshop: Telescopes
6 Aug 2018 Daisy Badge Day: How Robots Move
1 Aug 2018 Made by Teachers for Teachers: Education Portal – Connecting Research to the Classroom
30 Jul 2018 Robotics Camp - Advanced
30 Jul 2018 Robotics Camp - Basic
27 Jul 2018 Mom/Pop and Tot in the Garden
27 Jul 2018 Science Fridays - Thinking cap
26 Jul 2018 Science Thursdays - Thinking cap
25 Jul 2018 Preschool Tracks and Traces - PM
25 Jul 2018 Great Explorations in Math & Science for K-5 Teachers
25 Jul 2018 Preschool Tracks and Traces - AM
23 Jul 2018 Earth and Space Camp - Middle School
23 Jul 2018 Earth and Space Camp - Elementary
21 Jul 2018 Little Wings on the Prairie
20 Jul 2018 Cancelled--Science Fridays - Recipe for a human body
19 Jul 2018 Science Thursdays - Recipe for a human body
18 Jul 2018 Preschool Science Let's Go Camping - PM
18 Jul 2018 Preschool Science Let's Go Camping - AM
16 Jul 2018 Daisy Badge Day: Design a Robot
16 Jul 2018 Cancelled-- Earth and Space Camp - Middle School
16 Jul 2018 CANCELLED: Earth and Space Camp - Elementary
13 Jul 2018 Mom/Pop and Tot in the Garden
13 Jul 2018 Science Fridays - Where have all the flowers gone?
12 Jul 2018 Science Thursdays - Where have all the flowers gone?
11 Jul 2018 CANCELLED: Cowboys Overnight Camp
11 Jul 2018 Preschool All About Owls - PM
11 Jul 2018 Preschool All About Owls - AM
9 Jul 2018 Cowgirls Overnight Camp
9 Jul 2018 Advanced Outdoor Explorer Camp
9 Jul 2018 Junior Outdoor Explorer Camp
29 Jun 2018 Science Fridays - Build-a-Beast- Cancelled
28 Jun 2018 Science Thursdays - Build-a-Beast
27 Jun 2018 Preschool What's Wild? - PM
27 Jun 2018 Preschool What's Wild? - AM
25 Jun 2018 Junior Outdoor Explorer Camp
22 Jun 2018 Mom/Pop and Tot in the Garden
22 Jun 2018 Science Fridays - Diggin' Fossils
21 Jun 2018 Science Thursdays - Diggin' Fossils
20 Jun 2018 Preschool Little Legos - PM
20 Jun 2018 Preschool Little Legos - AM
18 Jun 2018 CANCELLED: Garden to Table Camp - High School
18 Jun 2018 GLOBE in the Field
15 Jun 2018 CANCELLED - Science Fridays - Are we made of stardust?
14 Jun 2018 Science Thursdays - Are we made of stardust?
13 Jun 2018 Preschool Mini chefs - PM
13 Jun 2018 Preschool Mini chefs - AM
12 Jun 2018 Game Design Class
11 Jun 2018 Garden to Table Camp - Middle School
11 Jun 2018 Garden to Table Camp - Elementary
8 Jun 2018 Mom/Pop and Tot in the Garden
8 Jun 2018 Horse Day Camp
7 Jun 2018 Horse Day Camp
6 Jun 2018 Horse Day Camp
4 Jun 2018 Daisy Badge Day: What Robots Do
19 May 2018 Flat Fixing - Maker Space
3 May 2018 Outdoor Journey: Animal Habitats - CANCELED
2 May 2018 Preschool Science 321 Blast Off!
28 Apr 2018 Starry Saturday Planetarium Show
28 Apr 2018 Maker Day: Sewing Buttons and Hems DATE CHANGED!
17 Apr 2018 Jane the Movie
14 Apr 2018 Starry Saturdays Planetarium Show
11 Apr 2018 Outdoor Journey: Archery CANCELED
4 Apr 2018 Preschool Science Wiggly Worms
28 Mar 2018 Bird Festival
24 Mar 2018 Starry Saturdays Planetarium Show
24 Mar 2018 Maker Day: Cooking Eggs with LaMinestra
20 Mar 2018 Game Design Class
10 Mar 2018 Starry Saturdays Planetarium Show
7 Mar 2018 Preschool Science Animal Defenses
1 Mar 2018 Healthy Cooking: Simple Meal
17 Feb 2018 Maker Day: Fly Tying with Fishing Buddy & the Tuesday Tyers
15 Feb 2018 Robin Watch
10 Feb 2018 Starry Saturdays Planetarium Show
7 Feb 2018 Preschool Science Colorful Rainbows!
27 Jan 2018 Starry Saturdays Planetarium Show
24 Jan 2018 Elks Aviation and Technology Day
17 Jan 2018 Meet a Scientist
13 Jan 2018 Starry Saturdays Planetarium Show
11 Jan 2018 Healthy Cooking: Snacks
10 Jan 2018 Preschool Science Our Amazing Bodies
9 Jan 2018 Healthy Cooking: Snacks
31 Dec 2017 Healthy New Year's Eve Party
18 Dec 2017 Big Science at Sanford Lab
17 Nov 2017 Basic GLOBE
20 Oct 2017 Girl Scout Halloween -- Darkness Engineer

PROUD TO BE A
UNITED WAY AGENCY!

Upcoming events

Thank you to the 
Friends of the South Dakota Discovery Center. 
Friends provide on going support so that the
children and families in our community have access to hands-on science learning, now and in the future.

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