Local fifth and sixth graders will be able to see firsthand why science is cool with the 9th annual Science Rocks! event taking place at St. Cloud State University.

Wednesday’s event will allow more than 700 students from across the area the chance to explore a variety of science and nature elements through presentations and hand on learning activities. Students will be able to attend session including mapping, learning how roads and trails are designed, and how the state’s Department of Natural Resources manages fish populations.

The all-day event starts at 9 a.m. and lasts until 2:30 p.m. and will take place in SCSU’s Wick Science Building, Brown Hall, and the Integrated Science Engineering Laboratory Facility, or ISELF.