The 2021 program has ended.
We invite you to visit the Student Photography Exhibit.
Aiken Center for the Arts / July 29 - Sep.3
North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center / October 18 - November 12
Through the Eyes of a Child
A Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM ) Program
April 12-May 31, 2021
The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at the University of South Carolina (UofSC) Aiken in partnership with the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary, and the North Augusta Brick Pond Park is offering a new comprehensive STEAM program for children in the community. “Through the Eyes of a Child” provides an opportunity for students to learn about and document the nature they see around them. The goal is to inspire children to get outside to discover their natural world and take digital photos of their discoveries using a cell phone, tablet, or camera.
Registered participants will receive an eco-friendly backpack including a nature discovery guide, water bottle, pencil and additional guides for three discovery locations. The “Through the Eyes of a Child” nature discovery guide will help direct participants adventures, photos, and activities while helping identify organisms and objects that can easily be photographed in a yard, neighborhood, park, etc. The guide will lead students into Hitchcock Woods, Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary, and the North August Brick Pond Park to photograph plants and animals, learn about patterns in nature, and more.
Participants will also have opportunities to join in on specialized FREE guided tours of Hitchcock Woods, Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary, and the North August Brick Pond Park. In addition, the program will offer a chance to "Meet the Professional" to learn more about digital photography, nature conservation, ecosystems and more!
Generous funding for this program provided by Dr. Rose Lee Hayes, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, SRP Credit Union and Quality Printing And Graphics.
Step 1:
SIGN-UP AND RECEIVE YOUR MATERIALS
--Registration for 2021 is CLOSED--
Register to join the adventure. Once you have registered and paid, you will be directed where to pick-up your discovery backpack.
-Official start date is April 12
Students will have until May 31st to complete their adventures and take their photos.
Cost: $5.00 per participant
Step 2:
GUIDED TOURS &
"MEET THE PROFESSIONAL” SESSIONS
FREE guided tours and “Meet the Professional” sessions will be scheduled throughout April and May.
Check out the schedule.
Step 3:
STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
This initiative will culminate in an exhibit that will highlight the student photographs.
Select your favorite photo from your image gallery to submit to be represented in the “Through the Eyes of a Child” STEAM student photography exhibit.
-Instructions to be sent via email.
Photographs will be displayed at the North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center and the Aiken Center for the Arts later in the summer after the program concludes.
REGISTRATION FOR 2021 IS CLOSED
Through the Eyes of a Child
Discovery Locations
SILVER BLUFF AUDUBON CENTER AND SANCTUARY
Audubon’s Silver Bluff Sanctuary is a 3,400-acre woodland overlooking the Savannah River. Here you’ll find extensive pine forests and bottomland hardwood forests; beautiful walking trails; 50 acres of lakes and ponds; 100 acres of grassland; and all manner of birds and wildlife. And that’s just above ground — underfoot are archaeological sites from nearly every period in American history.
Visitors can access the walking trails 365 days a year from dawn to dusk!
HITCHCOCK WOODS
Located in the heart of Aiken, South Carolina, the Hitchcock Woods is one of the largest urban forests in the nation. With 2,100 acres of forestland and 70 miles of sandy trails, the Woods are a haven for hikers, equestrians, dog walkers, runners, bird watchers and nature lovers and history buffs. The extraordinary beauty of the Hitchcock Woods with its stunning variety of ecosystems is protected forever by a conservation easement held by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. In addition, the Hitchcock Woods has been designated as a South Carolina Heritage Trust site.
We ask that visitors stay on the trails.
Please review safety guidelines for visitors found in kiosks at each entrance.
Please yield to horses.
Maps are available at kiosks or via phone apps Alltrails or Maplets.
NORTH AUGUSTA BRICK POND PARK
Brick Pond Park is a forty acre restored wetland and wildlife habitat located in the heart of the City of North Augusta along the Savannah River front. The park trails are easy and allow visitors to travel through shaded forested wetlands, along open sunny paths, or to comfortable seating to stop, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the varied wildlife that live within or visits the park. The park is part of the North Augusta Greeneway Trail network where you can walk or bike along the Savannah River banks or travel through the hills and valleys across the City of North Augusta for over twelve miles. Brick Pond Park is a free public park open from dawn till dusk every day.
Parking is provided at the North Augusta Municipal Center, the North Augusta Greeneway Trail Entrance off Riverside Boulevard or within the Park at two designated parking areas off of Railroad Avenue.
Thank You Funders
Generous funding for this program provided by:
PORTRAIT SPONSOR LEVEL:
Dr. Rose Lee Hayes
SHUTTER SPONSOR LEVEL:
Thank You Partners
Call Us (803) 641-3313
471 University Parkway, Aiken, South Carolina 29801
Copyright © 2021 by the Board of Trustees of The University of South Carolina. All Rights Reserved
