Educators from the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) brought hands-on science learning directly into SFSD classrooms this week, engaging students across multiple grade levels in interactive STEM experiences.
During visits to Jefferson High School, R.F. Pettigrew Elementary, and Ben Reifel Middle School, SURF educators led presentations introducing students to the work happening at the underground lab in Lead, South Dakota. Following the presentations, students participated in short scientific experiments designed to spark curiosity and deepen their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math concepts. From learning about structural integrity to understanding how gravity affects the movement of light particles, students learned how research done at SURF can be used in the everyday understanding of the world around us.
The outreach is part of SURF’s broader commitment to education and SFSD's commitment to community partnerships. Each year, the facility’s educators connect with thousands of students and hundreds of teachers across South Dakota through hands-on learning opportunities and professional development. Their mission is to inspire the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers while highlighting real-world research in fields like physics, biology, geology, and engineering.
It’s sometimes easy to overlook that South Dakota is home to one of the nation’s leading scientific research facilities, where groundbreaking work is shaping multiple fields of discovery. Opportunities like this help bring that work to life for students, showing them the possibilities that exist right here in their home state. Experiences like these not only enrich classroom learning but also inspire students to see themselves in future STEM careers.
