Free activities highlight a summer of science at ESU
Emporia, KS (06/02/2025) — Emporia State is hosting a series of free summer activities for those interested in STEM, offering opportunities to explore the cosmos, learn about creatures of the night and receive firsthand career advice from a local scientist and educator.
The Peterson Planetarium will feature a different presentation at each show beginning Thursday, June 5 through Thursday, July 31. From volcanoes and earthquakes on Earth to breathtaking journeys through our solar system to deep dives into exoplanets and beyond, there is a show for everyone. Education and excitement come together to make the perfect summer activity for families, space enthusiasts and curious minds alike, providing a front-row seat to discovering the cosmos like never before.
Before the show, Mark Brown, Peterson Planetarium director, will host a live night sky presentation that introduces attendees to the stars, constellations and planets over Emporia.
Space is limited and each attendee must register for their ticket individually at emporia.edu/planetarium. Tickets are free and open to the public.
Show dates include:
- Thursday, June 5 at 2 p.m.: Space Explorers - The ISS Experience
- Wednesday, June 11 at 6 p.m.: Seeing
- Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m.: Max Goes to the Moon
- Wednesday, June 18 at 2 p.m.: Our Violent Planet
- Thursday, June 26 at 3 p.m.: Earthquake
- Wednesday, July 2 at 2 p.m.: Cosmic Colors
- Wednesday, July 9 at 6 p.m.: Exoplanets
- Thursday, July 10 at 2 p.m.: Super Volcanoes
- Thursday, July 31 at 2 p.m.: We Are Stars
The upcoming Science Saturday at the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center on June 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. is a unique experience for aspiring scientists or those interested in a STEM career. The event will feature a career spotlight of Erika Martin, associate professor at ESU and an aquatic ecologist. Martin will offer a career talk and Q&A including her work and interests, followed by a pond ecology activity that observes fish, crustaceans and invertebrates that live in the waters of King Lake. Guests will create a fish craft and get a free coloring book written and illustrated by Martin. A final activity will allow participants to take part in an active riparian restoration community service project, led by Martin, that aims to improve the ecosystem health of the Neosho River.
The July Science Saturday, taking place July 19 from 8:30 to 10 p.m., will mark the return of the Creatures of the Night theme. The event invites attendees to discover the animals that come out after dark, including a firefly hike, a bat cave setup with reading materials about bats, learning how the moon impacts nocturnal animals, engaging crafts and roasting s'mores by the fire.
Both Science Saturday events are open to all ages, free and available to the public. Seating is limited. Those planning to attend should register at esuparoc.com.
For younger children, PAROC is hosting Science Storytime events on June 18 and July 24, featuring reading, games and science-themed arts and crafts. Registration and more information about Science Storytime are available 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.
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.