South Dakota
Neutrino Day combines science and fun for families
LEAD, S.D. – Neutrino Day took place in Lead this past Saturday, giving visitors a chance to tap into their inner scientist with various experiments and activities.
This year marked the 18th year of South Dakota’s largest free science festival. On top of the Sanford Underground Research Facility, other notable institutions such as South Dakota Mines and Black Hills State University were on-hand to engage with the public. Colorado State University’s “Little Shop of Physics” returning for another year. And while kids seemed to be enjoying the activities, adults were also encouraged to participate right alongside. “There’s something really beautiful about that. Interacting with things and watching those discoveries be made, and you know, it’s not just the kids’ mind that’s blown; it’s the parents as well,” Colorado State University’s Cherie Bornhorst said. “And I just think it’s all those shared memories and and building all those positive associations with science.”
I love it when they when they realize something is like happening when they move or push or shake something, and you see them like, like oh my goodness, I did that,” CSU student Alexandra Sequeros said. “Anyone can do science anywhere.
The day’s list of events were spread out across several locations, including the Homestake Opera House and the Homestake Visitor Center. Tours were also available for the public to see the Yates Hoistroom, which is used to take people and equipment down nearly a mile below the surface.