Science and Technology Enrichment Program (STEP)

The Science and Technology Enrichment Program (STEP) provides K-12 teachers and students with hands-on science, mathematics and technology opportunities through real-world, issues-oriented investigations that focus on responsible environmental stewardship. This program is offered to teachers and students in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).

STEP lessons are designed in accordance with state and national standards to reinforce and enhance the classroom teacher’s mathematics and science curricula. Classes are taught primarily in outdoor settings at the Silver Bluff Audubon Center or at the Savannah River Site. Higher order thinking skills and environmental decision-making are an integral part of each hands-on, minds-on lesson. Students are given a safety briefing and instructions at the beginning of each visit, and they are taught to use the equipment and record dates properly. The lessons involved in a variety of “real” math and science activities that also happen to be fun! After a short wrap of the day’s lesson, the students return to their school to anticipate their next visit.

The program is a cooperative effort by DOE-Savannah River, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, National Audubon Society and the U.S. Forest Service.