Science Saturday is a middle school program affiliated with Kenyon College that aims to associate science with fun for the 6th-8th graders in Knox County. So often science is viewed as boring, hard or a “school thing.” We don’t believe that: science can be cool! Science is about asking questions and being excited to figure out the answer.
During the Science Saturday program, students experience a variety of scientific experiments, processes and concepts in a way that is interesting and enjoyable. From glow-in-the-dark fish to fire that changes color, we plan an exciting day for your student!
The 2026 theme is “Glowing in Gambier,” and each experiment will involve things that glow, fluoresce or give off light in some way. If your student is excited by glowing things, is a little nerdy, or wants to spend a day “making stuff happen,” this program is for them.
Science Saturday is 100% free to participants with lunch and a snack provided. Additionally, if transportation is something that might be hindering participation, a free shuttle service can bring your student to and from Kenyon via Mount Vernon Middle School.
9 a.m. Drop-off at Kenyon College and Check-in
9:30 a.m. Activity 1
10:15 a.m. Snack
10:30 a.m. Activity 2
11:15 a.m. Activity 3
12 p.m. Lunch and Recess
1 p.m. Activity 4
1:45 p.m. Closing Activity
2:15 p.m. Pick-up
Registration
Science Saturday will be held October 3, 2026. The program is limited to 80 students and admission is rolling, so we recommend registering early. Once we reach capacity, please contact the program directors to be added to a wait-list.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please email the program directors, Abigail and Camille, whose contact information is listed below. We can’t wait to see you there!
Information for Volunteers
Are you interested in working with kids and running experiments? Do you need volunteer hours or just want to help out? We would love to have help from past participants or students who are too old to participate. If you are interested, please fill out this form. Volunteer hours will be officiated by Kenyon, and all volunteers will be given breakfast and lunch as well as a free T-shirt!
Science Saturday at Kenyon College began in 2011 under director and founder Tom Giblin. Program transitioned leadership in later years to Kerry Rouhier and Ruth Heindel, with a pause in programming in 2025, and the 2026 program is being led by Kenyon students through the Summer Science Scholars program and the Office for Community Partnerships. While Science Saturday has gone through several leadership and branding changes (GSS, LADS, ATHENAS and BLAST) the core mission has remained the same: to show young people that science can be fun and that they can be, and already are, scientists. Kenyon is very excited to host its 14th year of Science Saturday!