THOMASVILLE — Young minds are preparing to be challenged with an upcoming academic event geared toward the sciences.

The fourth annual “Super Science Saturday” will be held Sept. 18 at Jerger Elementary School.

“‘Super Science Saturday’ is a family day of fun that places an emphasis on science and parent involvement,” Principal Melanie Chavaux said. “The hands-on science event is for Jerger students in pre-k through fifth grade.”

The event is coordinated by Jerger’s STEM teacher, Emily Newman, and Jerger’s gifted teacher, Faith Shiver.

“Super Science Saturday is the type of activity that fits nicely with Georgia’s Race to the Top grant program, where an emphasis will be placed on science,” Shiver said.

In an effort to address the national concern for students to become proficient in STEM fields, Jerger Elementary is dedicated to cultivating skilled scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians who will become tomorrow’s leaders, Chavaux said.

“To achieve this goal, an emphasis has been placed on problem solving, critical thinking, and creating independent products which demonstrate mastery of the concepts,” she said.

“Daily lessons at Jerger are designed to extend and enhance the Georgia Performance Standards at each grade level.”

“Super Science Saturday” activities begin 9:45 a.m. and wrap at 1 p.m.

The event includes Science Olympiad competitions for third through fifth grade students, all of which will require teamwork, group planning and cooperation, organizers said.

“The focus is on learning, participation, interaction, having fun and developing STEM skills and awareness,” Chavaux said.

Local sponsors will provide a free T-shirt to all student participants and Thomasville City Scholars Academy students will conduct the competitions and hands-on activities.

These students are sponsored by Laura Kornegay, who also coaches many of the students involved with the middle and high school Science Olympiad team.

A short awards program will be held after all activities are complete in order to give Olympic style medals to the first through 10th place winners for most of the events.

Fifth-grader Jackson Singletary has participated in past “Super Science” events and looks forward to the upcoming one.

He previously enjoyed building towers out of plastic bowls, cups, clay, toothpicks and tape.

“I also liked receiving awards at the end of the day,” he said.

Currently, parent volunteers are needed for both event preparations and day-of responsibilities, including registration and lunch.

For more information or to inquire about volunteering, call 225-2625.