Science Saturdays
Every month, PAROC hosts a FREE event where the community can come spend an hour learning about science and doing hands-on activities. Each month is a new theme so there is something for everyone! ALL ages are welcome, caregivers must attend with children. Sign up for our Science Saturdays below!
February 7th, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Location: David Traylor Zoo, Education Center
This year our state, Kansas, is turning 165 years old!
What's a better way to commemorate this important day other than a Kansas-themed Science Saturday?!
Join us on February 7th from 10am-12pm at the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia for a Kansas Day Celebration! This event will take place in the Zoo Education Center.
This PAROC and Emporia Zoo collaboration will allow guests to interact with many live animals that are native to Kansas! Additionally, guests will learn all about native plants, ecosystems, and how Kansas has changed over the last few centuries. After interactive booth presentations from a variety of organizations and a tour through the zoo, guests can take part in a FREE live concert performed by Annie Wilson of the Tallgrass Express Band.
Annie is known for her bluegrass songs about the Flint Hills and sings about our native homeland. She was recognized as the Flint Hills Balladeer of Kansas in 2013. Come enjoy this wonderful opportunity to learn about and truly appreciate all of the plants and animals that call Kansas their home.
This event will require proof of registration at the door. As this event will take place indoors, it will be capped at 50 people. Register each attendee at PAROC Bookings!
Quick reminder: Science Saturday is a family learning experience — we love when parents and kids explore together! Please be kind and respectful to our speakers and staff so everyone can enjoy the program. We also may take photos during the event for PAROC Outreach — just let us know when you arrive if you’d rather not be in pictures!
February 21st, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Location: Cram Science Hall
On February 21st from 10am-12pm, at the Emporia State Cram Science Hall, PAROC will host Signals From Space, our February Science Saturday. Throughout the event, guests will participate in hands-on activities about amateur radio, the International Space Station, and aerospace engineering. Activity stations will be led by planetarium director, Mark Brown, Emporia Amateur Radio Society members, and PAROC.
This event is in preparation for ARISS. This acronym stands for Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, a unique opportunity that the Emporia community will get to participate in the spring of 2026! Through this program, students from all over Lyon County will get to talk directly to astronauts on the International Space Station using amateur radio. 🛰️🚀
This Science Saturday will help answer any questions and curiosities surrounding the upcoming ARISS event. What is amateur radio and how does it work? What is the International Space Station and what are the astronauts doing there? How will the ARISS contact date work?🧑🚀📻
We hope to see you there! Register each member of your party here. Registration is required.
Quick reminder: Science Saturday is a family learning experience — we love when parents and kids explore together! Please be kind and respectful to our speakers and staff so everyone can enjoy the program. We also may take photos during the event for PAROC Outreach — just let us know when you arrive if you’d rather not be in pictures!
