STEMventure Programs
STEMventure Programs
Dive into hands-on STEM learning, book a STEMventure!
Our programs are led by an experienced STEM Educator for any student grades K-12. Each program is 45-60 minutes and repeatable with multiple groups, containing a unique hands-on activity that scales up participant knowledge and engages them in real world exploration of STEM concepts. Please inquire if you have any questions or if you’d like to explore how to shape your program experience to fit classroom or organization goals and needs.
STEMventures are 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. Don’t forget to look at our STEMventure Exploration Kits—a whole library of STEM opportunities—and our STEMventure Traveling Camps—hours of SDDC STEM Educator led exploration!
Traveling STEMventure Program Booking Rates:
| Zone 1 | within Pierre-Ft.Pierre city limits | One Program | $250 |
| Zone 2 | 60 miles or less one way | One Program | $350 |
| Zone 3 | 61-120 miles one way | 3 repeated programs | $700 |
| Zone 4 | 121 - 180 miles one way | 3 repeated programs | $900 |
| Zone 5 | 180 miles or more one way | 3 repeated programs | $900 +$200 overnight surcharge |
| Overnight surcharge | $200 | ||
| Extra programs | $150 each |
*A program is a presentation, show or class that can be repeated multiple times, for example, 4 planetarium shows on the same day. If you would like multiple topics during the same event - for example, a planetarium show and science of flight class - please contact us at scheduling@sd-discovery.org
*Lodging and per diem surcharge (programs more than 180 miles or overnight stays requested)
RATE DISCOUNTS
Please note: only one discount can be applied at a time.
- SDDC Member Discount: 20% (become a member today!)
- Nonprofit Organization Discount: 5%
- BankWest Sponsored Counties Discount: 50%
All schools and nonprofit educational 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:
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.
BOOK A TRAVELING STEMVENTURE
Robotics Unplugged
Available starting January 2026—book now!
Grades K-3 | 45-60 minutes
An active, hands-on introduction to robotics and coding that builds vocabulary and understanding of fundamental concepts. Starting with pattern recognition and how to use detailed instructions to direct a mechanical mind. Solve problems, play with beebots, build code!
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 | ONSITE ONLY
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.
Rock Show
GRADES K-12 | ONE HOUR | ONSITE ONLY
Introduce your students to the fascinating world beneath their feet. Perfect for Earth science units, this FREE experience lets students explore real rocks, minerals, and fossils through hands-on displays and engaging demonstrations. Topics can vary, and requests might not be filled as the program is hosted on a SDDC volunteer basis.
PLANETARIUM PROGRAMS
Explore the universe and the wonderful, wild planet we call home! Below are our prepared programs to get you started, don’t see what you are looking for? Reach out today, all planetarium programs can be tailored to your classroom or organization's needs. Please note that our planetarium requires access to electricity and space, consider the following when booking:
- The large dome has a 20’x20’ footprint and requires a minimum 19’ ceiling height; it accommodates up to 40 adults or 55 young children per program.
- The small dome has a 17’x17’ footprint and requires a minimum 10’ ceiling height; it accommodates up to 20 adults or 35 young children per program.
Our Journey Beyond the Known Planetarium is made possible through the generosity of donor Jan Martin, along with funding from NASA and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Be a part of space education; help expand our universe today!
Greek Constellations & Mythology
Planetarium Show for any age | 30-45 minutes
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
Planetarium Show for any age | 30-45 minutes
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
Planetarium Show for any age | 30-45 minutes
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
Planetarium Show for any age | 30-45 minutes
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?
Planetarium Show for any age | 30-45 minutes
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
These films are a great way to introduce STEM subjects. Take a journey beyond the known with a science movie!
Support hands-on STEM, bring engaging experiences to children in your community! Reach out to our team to become a sponsor today.
