Ruth Patrick Science Education Center

✨ Palindrome Dates 2026! ✨🔄

Math lovers and pattern enthusiasts, get ready! June 2026 brings a fun series of palindrome dates—dates that read the same forward and backward when written in the M/DD/YY format.

📅 Palindrome Dates:
• June 2, 2026 (6/2/26)
• June 20, 2026 (6/20/26)
• June 21, 2026 (6/21/26)
• June 22, 2026 (6/22/26)
• June 23, 2026 (6/23/26)
• June 24, 2026 (6/24/26)
• June 25, 2026 (6/25/26)
• June 26, 2026 (6/26/26)
• June 27, 2026 (6/27/26)
• June 28, 2026 (6/28/26)
• June 29, 2026 (6/29/26)

It's a rare pattern of number symmetry that only comes around when the calendar aligns just right. Whether you're a STEM enthusiast, teacher, student, or just someone who appreciates cool number patterns, June 2026 is one to remember!

🔍 Which palindrome date is your favorite?

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/

🍎 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.
💙📚

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

📣 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

📣 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

🚀 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

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/

✨ 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! 🚀💫

Family Earth and Sky Night will be April 25 - Augusta Good News 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.