High school

Neutrinos are the most abundant matter particles in the universe, yet very little is known about them. This animation shows how the Department of Energy’s Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility will power the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment to help scientists understand the role neutrinos play in the universe. DUNE will also look for the birth of neutron stars and black holes by catching neutrinos from exploding stars.

Neutrino's come in three types, or "flavors." This trihexaflexagon craft is a fun way to model how neutrinos oscillate, or change, from one type to the next as they travel through space. Print out the template and follow along with the video to make your own oscillating neutrino!

What you'll need:

• printer
• clear tape
• colored pencils or crayons or markers
• scissors
• ruler
• ball point pen

Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream is a Neutrino Day favorite. Although we'll miss eating our ice cream cones this year, Micheal Dowding and the Society of Physics Students at South Dakota School of Mines share a bit about the science behind this tasty treat! 

Dr. Raeann Mettler of Black Hills State University created a short tutorial to show youth and/or families how to track flowers that are important to pollinators using the Nectar Connectors program, part of the citizen science project called Nature's Notebook. Get outside and explore how plants and animals are related with Nectar Connectors!

What you'll need: 

• computer with WiFi or smartphone (App required)

In 2024, NASA will land the first woman and next man on the Moon. NASA plans to use innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before, collaborating with commercial and international partners. They will use what they learn to take the next giant leap – sending astronauts to Mars.

Join the Journey Museum in Rapid City to view a recorded discussion with a NASA engineer who is working on the Artemis program to learn more about how this mission will unfold: Preparation, launch structures and sustainable exploration methods.

Please note: All ages are encouraged to participate in this activity. However, the contest portion is open to only Pre-K–12 students.

Got a clever science joke?

Whether it makes your audience laugh or groan, we want to hear it! It might be funny enough to win the grand prize.

Prize? What prize?

In this video, discover how Arup’s engineering team is participating in the collaborative design process for the expansion of the Sanford Underground Research Facility to make room for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, the far site detector for Fermilab's Long Baseline Neutrino Facility—a groundbreaking global effort to unravel the mysteries of neutrinos.

Celebrate our region's rich heritage by learning traditional Dakota and Ojibwe games with Jeremy Red Eagle, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. Jeremy will be sharing a variety of activities including Tahuka canhdeska (hoop and arrow), a game that the men would play to strengthen their hunting skills; Kansu kutepi (dice game), a game played mostly by women; takapsica (shinny), a game played by both men and women and where the modern game of hockey comes from; and some smaller, simple games, such as spinning tops, ring and pin, etc.

Want to put your wit to the test?

The Virtual Scavenger Hunt is a perfect opportunity to investigate these matter mysteries throughout the week. Each day will have its own downloadable worksheet that will challenge science investigators like you to explore answers to the mysteries of the universe... or at least the answers to the worksheets. 

Do I have to be a science wiz?