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First Saturday Science

First Saturday Science, against a green backdrop with icons of DNA, beakers, test tubes, an atom, and fire surrounding it

Calling all little scientists! Come explore science with fun laboratory experiments and hands-on activities that cover multiple disciplines. Kids of all ages are invited to these events that are free and open to the public.

Join us on the first Saturday of each month October to May from noon to 2 p.m. at the Jason R. Carter Science Education Center, 664 East Sixth Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106. For more information, email first.saturday.science@metrostate.edu.

2023–2024 Programming

October 7—Soil Science: the World Beneath our Feet
November 4—Evolution
December 2—Natural Disasters
February 3—Ocean Life: Plenty of Fish in the Sea
March 2—Electronics
April 6—Atoms and Elements: They Make Up Everything
May 11*—Insects: What’s Bugging You?

*Moved to second Saturday to avoid conflict with May 4 Commencement ceremonies

Remote access

Can’t make it in person? We offer virtual content so you can still learn at home! View highlighted program activities and scientist interviews on our YouTube channel.

Contact us!

Join our email list to get event reminders, copies of the activity guides and links to theme related book readings. Contact us at first.saturday.science@metrostate.edu to request to join.

Previous event activities guides archive

October 2022 Hydrosphere—tinyurl.com/FSS-Hydrosphere

November 2022 Biosphere—tinyurl.com/FSS-Biosphere

December 2022 Cosmetic Chemistry—tinyurl.com/FSS-CosmeticChem

February 2023 Microbiology & You—tinyurl.com/FSS-Microbio-And-You

March 2023 Migration & The Seasons—tinyurl.com/FSS-Migration-Seasons

April 2023 Engineering—tinyurl.com/FSS-Engineering

May 2023 Rainbows & Optics—tinyurl.com/FSS-Rainbows

A group of children participating in a First Saturday Science activity

For Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Community Partners

The workshops are led and planned by university student workers, university STEM students, faculty, staff, and other community partners. Reach out to elizabeth.hinds@metrostate.edu if interested in becoming involved in the program.

Ways to get involved

  • Become an event volunteer
  • Integrate designing activities into your course
  • Give a scientist interview for the YouTube channel
  • Help spread the word! Invite your scout, church or other youth group to come to an event
  • Donate to the program
  • Are you a scientist or organization? Present at an event or host us to come to one of yours over the summer! Email first.saturday.science@metrostate.edu to get connected!