VSU’s Chemistry Department will begin hosting Science Saturdays Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. in the Bailey Science Center.

This upcoming Saturday, the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Initiative will have its first event to start off this year’s Science Saturdays in the BC Atrium consisting of science demonstrations and exciting hands-on activities for not only middle grades students to enjoy, but VSU students as well.

All Science Saturday occasions will begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon.

There is no fee to attend.

Parents are to bring their children to partake in events such as making slime, glucose testing, putting Ivory soap in microwaves, mixing diet Coke with Mentos, robotic activities, and more.The first 100 children who attend will be able to receive free white lab coats.

Some VSU science and math majors will assist at the event.

After the kick-off event from the Chemistry Department, “Health: Our Life, Our Future,” The Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice Department will bring students their event titled “Science in Criminal Justice and Anthropology.” This, too, will be in the BC Center.

Science Saturdays is sponsored by TTL Incorporated. STEM is a program, led by Dean Connie Richards, dedicated to encouraging students to major and succeed in the aforementioned areas of study.

The primary majors that fall under this program include Biology, Physics, Geosciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, Astronomy and Computer Science.

Dr. Gary L. Wood, inorganic chemistry professor and coordinator for the Center of Applied Research, said that the STEM Initiative aims to “stimulate kids’ interest [in the various sciences] and keep it.”

Dr. Donna L. Gosnell, professor of biochemistry and physical chemistry, also feels that shaping more future scientists raises a concern.

“We need more young people to go into STEM-related careers, but we also need a public and leaders that understand science enough to be able to make sound political decisions on issues that involve science,” Gosnell said.

Dr. Gonsell and Dr. Wool agree that though last year was a huge success, this year will be even bigger.