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ESU July Outreach Features STEM-focused ‘Creature of the Night,’ ‘Cosmic Colors’ Events

Summer is in full swing, and Emporia State University’s STEM outreach programs are offering activities for all ages, with options for daytime and evening. Children 7 and under are invited to Science Storytime at the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 8, or at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 11. Parents and caregivers must accompany them, and seating is limited. Both sessions will explore the world of trees.

PAROC invites everyone to an after dark exploration of “Creatures of the Night” at a Science Saturday event on Saturday, July 13 at 8:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a firefly hike, explore a bat cave, gaze at the moon through a telescope, participate in fun crafts and roast s’mores by the fire.

Science Saturday and Science Storytime are free. Register online for PAROC events at esuparoc.com.

Journey through the world of color in a presentation of “Cosmic Colors” at Peterson Planetarium at 2 p.m. on July 3, 10, 24 and 31. Viewers will discover why the sky is blue, Mars is red and even the actual color of a dinosaur. Attendance is free and online registration is available by visiting emporia.edu/planetarium.

PAROC is hosting mini science camps in July with available openings. “Exploring Science,” from July 9 to 11, will engage campers in science fundamentals, microbiology and hands-on experiences. The cost is $50 per camper.

A second camp, “Aquatic Adventure Camp,” is set for July 29 and 30, from 9 a.m. to noon. Campers will engage in hands-on activities such as seining, fish identification and electroshocking boat trips. Targeted at ages 10 to 14, the “Aquatic Adventure Camp” is free.

Both mini science camps require registration. For more information, visit esuparoc.com or email Alexandra Gentry, PAROC outreach director, at agentry1@emporia.edu.