Science Saturday is a free monthly program facilitated by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources that has provided science education to the Virgin Islands community for over eight years. The program has evolved to become a key resource for learners of all ages.
The program began as an in-person initiative where children and parents gathered to learn and explore. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kitty Edwards, director of the Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas within the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, transitioned it to a virtual format. According to Special Projects Coordinator Chantelle Quiñones, this shift was significant. “This shift provided the community with a consistent monthly connection to science education without the need to venture outside,” Quiñones said.
The program addresses current environmental priorities. “Over the past few years, an increased focus on climate change has transformed how our community views human impacts on the environment. Science Saturday consistently emphasizes the connection to climate change, the importance of being mindful about how we interact with the world around us, and strategies to make our communities more resilient,” Quiñones said.
Each session is an informal interview between the host and scientists, researchers, or students. From the moment the host goes live, audiences can expect an energetic and dynamic interview. Guests are encouraged to provide specific details about their work and use demonstrations or images to make technical information accessible to a wide audience. Planned topics for 2026 include meteorology, entomology, and hydroponics.
The program encourages community participation. “Our team is always looking for community volunteers to join us on the second Saturday of each month to share their research, initiatives, and projects,” Quiñones said.
The goal is to inspire action. “Following a Science Saturday event, if even one student decides to play in the mud down in a ghut, search for insects while walking a trail, or ask a question in the live chat, Science Saturday has done its part,” Quiñones shared.
Science Saturday is held on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. The public is invited to watch the program live on the DPNR Facebook page or view the recordings later on YouTube.
St. Croix Source
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