Initial Publication Date: October 8, 2015

Sanford Science Education Center

The Sanford Science Education Center will be a leader, a resource, and a catalyst for the improvement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. The work of the Center will help to realize the vision of Mr. T. Denny Sanford to transform the way that science is taught.

Black Hills State University
Established: 2014

http://sanfordlab.org/educators

Profile submitted by Ben Sayler

Vision and Goals

The mission of the Sanford Science Education Center is to develop and facilitate rich, innovative learning experiences that

  • deepen understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,
  • engage and connect diverse audiences, and
  • inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and educators.
In support of its mission, the Center draws upon and leverages the science and engineering of the Sanford Underground Research Facility, the educational resources of Black Hills State University, the capacity for public engagement of the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, the human resources and unique facilities of all three institutions, and their setting within the Black Hills.

Center/Program Structure

The Sanford Science Education Center is an umbrella linking education activities of three distinct institutions. Two co-Directors of the SSEC report to the Provost of BHSU. The SSEC is closely affiliated and connected with another unit at Black Hills State University called the Center for the Advancement of Mathematics and Science Education. The SSEC has 4.3 professional staff and 0.7 support staff. One of the co-Directors is also chair of BHSU's School of Natural Sciences. The other is a professor of physical sciences and mathematics at BHSU.

Description of Programming

  • Developing K-12 curricular materials that feature the science of the Sanford Underground Research Facility
  • Providing opportunities for K-12 school groups to visit Sanford Lab
  • Offering K-12 assembly programs within schools across the state of South Dakota.
  • Connecting the science of Sanford Lab with public audiences.
  • Facilitating undergraduate research experiences.

The SSEC reached approximately 7,000 K-12 students, undergraduates, and members of the general public in FY2015.

Successes and Impacts

The Center is quite new and serves primarily as a mechanism for linking previously disconnected science education efforts between partner institutions.

Elements Contributing to Success

The Center's successes are tied closely with the successes and stature of the Sanford Underground Research Facility.

Supplemental Materials