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Science Technology Engineering & Math

The goal of STEM education at Dickinson State is to increase the capacity of students in science, technology, engineering and math.

Science Olympiad 

Over 100 DSU students come together with faculty to offer this science competition to sixth-12th grade students. Students compete in a wide range of rigorous standards-based science challenges. This program is funded by the university and through team registration fees.

Visit the Science Olympiad page to learn more

Science Lab with Dr. Hewage

Local middle/high school students and their teachers discover the magic of science with Dr. Hewage, DSU Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Physics. In the space of just two hours, students are mesmerized by the demonstrations and experiments that Dr. Hewage and his lab assistants perform. Students are taught about air pressure, heat, gases, chemical reactions, explosions, fire, and more!

Where:
Dickinson State University
Murphy Hall Room 205 and 206

Cost:
FREE!

Transportation:
Transportation to and from DSU is the responsibility of the school and/or district.

For more information or to schedule a show, contact Dr. Hewage at jinasena.hewage@dickinsonstate.edu

Discovery Dome

The Discovery Dome is a portable, full-dome theater. Students are surrounded with roaring dinosaurs, fascinating planets, and explosive storms – all immersive, engaging, and realistic. Developed by the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Rice University, this theater offers a state-of-the-art visual learning experience that can address many different fields of science for any grade level. Most shows are 20-25 minutes long.

Local demonstrations

We will offer area teachers an opportunity to experience the dome, preview the shows, and ask questions.  (1 ½ hours after school)

Request the dome to visit your school

Teachers and administrators can request that the dome be brought to their school. A technician travels with the dome, sets it up, and runs the programs. The dome requires the use of a gymnasium or similar facility which can accommodate the 5-meter circular footprint. The dome seats approximately 25-30 students at a time. Multiple shows can be done the same day for the same school.

Teachers can choose from the shows offered by DSU.

There may be a fee to cover travel costs. Please contact swartandscience@gmail.com for more details. Please contact us for more details.

Learn more about the Discovery Dome

Science Equipment Available to Borrow

STEM and the West River Teacher Center have a collection of equipment available for K-12 educators to use in their classrooms.

  • Vernier LabQuests, various probes and lab books
  • 20 unit iPad II Lab 
  • 10 Garmin GPS units, 20 Garmin eTrex
  • Microscopes
  • 20 Flip Cameras
  • Project WiLD teaching trunk and books
  • Prairie grouse trunk
  • STAR Lab
  • and much more!

Please contact Liz Freedman for more information on available materials. elizabeth.freedman@dickinsonstate.edu