Students from the greater Allendale, South Carolina, area recently enjoyed the inaugural “All in Allendale” event, which offered fun, food, and music, as well as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities. U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) Savannah River Site contractor Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), a major sponsor for the event, also offered a popular hands-on STEM activity pictured here. SRNS employee Lydia Boynton, right, provides advice to fourth grade student K-Jenae Cunningham, who is attempting to create a geodesic dome out of toothpicks and gumdrops. The event was developed primarily for kindergarten through 12th grade, with an emphasis on easing the intimidation students often feel when undertaking STEM subject matter, according to April Cone, dean, University of South Carolina Salkehatchie. “STEM should be fun, and there’s certainly a high demand in the workplace for this knowledge, especially at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions,” she said. “One day, these children may be working there.” 

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