STEMventure Programs
Dive into hands-on STEM learning, book a STEMventure!
Enhance education with a Traveling STEMventure Program by bringing the SD Discovery Center to you. Our Museum Educators are standing by with traveling STEMventure programs!
Our STEMventure Programs are for everyone! You can book a program during a group visit to the SDDC Exhibit Hall or as a Traveling STEMventure. STEMventure Programs are led by a SD Discovery Center Museum Educator. With programs like our traveling Journey Beyond the Known Planetarium, deep dive into hands-on STEM learning and share experiences that last a lifetime.
Don’t forget to also look at our STEMventure Explorer Kits—a whole library of STEM opportunities for you to check out!
STEMventures is an important tool for institutions and organizations that need science instruction support. Together, we engage and supplement science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education across the state.
Traveling STEMventure Program Booking Rates:
| P(IE)RRE Science | One Program | $250 |
| Up to 1 hour travel (Under 60 miles) | One Program | $350 |
| Up to 2 hours travel (60-120 miles) | Up to 3 Programs | $700 |
| Up to 3 hours travel (121-180 miles) | Up to 3 Programs | $900 |
| More than 3 hours travel OR Early Set Up (By 8 AM) | Per Night | $161 |
| Each additional Program | $150 |
*Lodging and per diem surcharge (programs more than 180 miles or overnight stays requested)
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Rate Discounts:
SDDC Member Discount: 20%
Nonprofit Organization Discount: 15%
Sponsored Counties Discount (see below): 50%
Please Note: Only one discount can be applied at a time.
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SD Discovery Membership yields BIG savings; become a member today!
STEMventures Special: Sponsored Counties
All schools and groups from the following counties receive 50% off our STEMventures thanks to support from the Bankwest Foundation: Charles Mix, Davison, Douglas, Gregory, Haakon, Hughes, Hutchinson, Jackson, Jones, Lawrence, Lyman, McCook, Pennington, Potter, Stanley, Sully, Tripp, Todd, and Walworth
Please address your thank you note to the following address:
Bankwest
Attn: Charles Burke III
420 S Pierre St.
Pierre, SD 57501
STEMventure Programs
Our Traveling STEMventures bring hands-on science to your community! From exploring the universe with our traveling planetarium to the science of bubbles, there is something to engage everyone in a STEM adventure.
We are working to increase access to STEMventures through our Sponsored Counties efforts, email info@sd-discovery.org to learn more and to suggest potential partners.
Please note:
Our STEMventures Programs are undergoing a BIG overhaul, meaning that this list will continue to change, so please contact us if you have any questions or can’t find what you are looking for. You can also email info@sd-discovery.org to let us know if there is a subject you want us to develop into a STEMventure!
BOOK A TRAVELING STEMVENTURE
Bubble Festival
GRADES K-6 | ONE HOUR
These captivating, bubble-centric tabletop learning stations are packed with math and science content. The unit (a natural lead-in to Bubble-ology) includes detailed teacher assistance with classroom logistics, writing and literature extensions, and tips for setting up an all-school bubble festival.
Science of Flight
GRADES 2-8 | ONE HOUR
In this exciting hands-on program, students will explore the forces of flight and hone their engineering skills by constructing and testing their own fliers. It can be a great spark for science fair projects and Newton's Law lessons.
Moon Murder Mystery
GRADES 5-12 | ONE HOUR
Solve a moon murder mystery inspired by "Among Us" by completing a variety of tasks on an artificial moon base. Tasks include sample testing, map reading, and generating oxygen through electrolysis. Crewmates must complete their tasks and be on the lookout for imposters murdering people as they pass by.
Journey Beyond the Known Planetarium: Programs
We have a BRAND NEW traveling planetarium! Thanks to donor Jan Martin, our Journey Beyond the Known Planetarium can send observers across the universe or help them explore the wonderful, wild planet Earth! With a SD Discovery Center Museum Educator all planetarium programs can be tailored to your needs, below are a few prepared options to get you started!
Large Dome: 20’x20’ space 19’ high minimum. 40 adults or 55 young children.
Small Dome: 17’x17’ space 10’ high minimum. 20 adults or 35 young children.
*Both Domes must be inside and have access to electricity
Share the love of exploration and encourage a love of science, book our Journey Beyond the Known Planetarium today!
REQUEST TO BOOK OUR JOURNEY BEYOND THE KNOWN PLANETARIUM
Greek Constellations & Mythology
ANY AGE | 30-45 MINUTE
Constellations fill the night sky and for eons people have looked up, handing down important myths and legends that tell us about their culture and history. Navigating these brilliant cosmic stories is the central theme of this star show.
Native Skies
ANY AGE | 30-45 MINUTE
The people of the Great Plains have passed down their own star knowledge for generations. Using the power of storytelling, visit the constellations that guided the original inhabitants of the Great Plains.
Moon Phases
ANY AGE | 30-45 MINUTE
On most nights, the most prominent object in our night sky is the moon! It is also usually the first object we notice as young children, starting out on our stargazing journey. Why does the moon change shape? Where does it go when it disappears? This star show explores why the moon seems to change on its journey around the earth.
Tour of the Solar System
ANY AGE | 30-45 MINUTE
Three, two, one—blast off! We are going on a tour of our celestial neighborhood! Together we fly from the sun to Pluto, making a stop to visit everything in between. This star show provides a great overview of our solar system, its planets, our only star, the Sun, the many moons, and more.
What's in the Sky?
ANY AGE | 30-45 MINUTE
Even before the time of telescopes ancient people looked to the sky. Even today, sky watching is still a favorite pastime for many people. This show introduces a few easily identifiable celestial bodies in the night sky that can be seen with or without a telescope.
Journey Beyond the Known Planetarium: Movies
Take a journey beyond the known with a science movie! These films are a great way to introduce STEM subjects.
REQUEST TO BOOK OUR JOURNEY BEYOND THE KNOWN PLANETARIUM
Our Teaching Mission
All SD Discovery Center programs deliver fun, hands-on exploration that builds passion for and knowledge of science across generations; students, teachers, families, citizens.
Our Teaching Framework: The Learning Pathways
Our teaching framework ensures a high-quality class standard that focuses on lasting effects to help students find their path and hone their talents beyond school while developing college and/or career readiness skills (collaboration, creativity, communication and critical thinking) to grow a STEM workforce for South Dakota.
Our programs and kits offer specialty tracks for every age level and allow for age-appropriate lessons that build upon each other along the following paths:
- EXPLORE: Naturalist, Storytelling, Environment
- SCIENCE: Life Science, Physical Science, Space Science
- TECH: Engineering, Coding, Entertainment
- HEALTH: Fitness, Cooking, Gardening
Equity in Education
We believe every child deserves access to hands-on science education! Our nonprofit rates and the generosity of donors and sponsors eliminate barriers to STEM learning and lead to authentic experiences for children and families in need.