Earth is the focus of April STEM programs at Emporia State University
Emporia, KS (03/31/2025) — Many exciting events in April focus on Planet Earth at Emporia State University. Events at the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center use outdoor education for the celebration of Earth Day. For science enthusiasts who prefer to explore Earth indoors, the Peterson Planetarium show explores Earth as an interconnected world significantly impacted by human activity.
Five April shows at the planetarium will feature "Climate Change in our Backyard." The show lets viewers discover how carbon dioxide, natural temperature variations and human actions shape Earth's climate and learn about the global efforts to protect its future. The 20-minute, all-dome program is appropriate for all ages.
Before the show, the public can join Mark Brown, Peterson Planetarium director, for a live night sky presentation as he introduces the stars, constellations and planets over Emporia.
The show is free, but just like a regular movie theatre, each attendee must register individually at emporia.edu/planetarium.
Planetarium showtimes:
- Thursday, April 3 at 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 9 at 6 p.m.
- Saturday, April 12 at 10 a.m.
- Thursday, April 17 at 4 p.m.
- Thursday, April 24 at 4 p.m.
On Friday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon, PAROC will host a free community Earth Day Celebration. The event includes hands-on interactive activities and outdoor fun designed to inspire a love for nature and environmental stewardship. No registration is required.
Highlights include:
- A guided nature hike led by Emporia Spanish Speakers and bilingual StoryWalk provided by Emporia Public Library.
- Fishing fun in King Lake with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Poles are provided.
- ESU Art Outreach presents all-ages nature-themed crafts.
- Emporia Arts Council Art Mobile will be on hand with artistic fun.
- Pond exploration and learning about fish, invertebrates and tiny critters under a microscope.
- ESU Wildlife and Fisheries Club presents an educational table and bake sale.
Other activities include trash pick-up led by the ESU Green Club, recycling stations, face painting, hot chocolate and a giveaway with prizes for kids and adults!
For younger students, PAROC features Science Storytime on Monday, April 7 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. with a second opportunity on Thursday, April 10 from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. The April topic takes a deep dive into the ocean as attendees learn about sea turtles with plenty of crafts, dancing and fun activities. The event is free and open to the public, but each student must be registered at esuparoc.com.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
As the sole public university in Kansas to be recognized as a College of Distinction for eight consecutive years, ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
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