Raleigh science museum explores Pokemon with natural sciences twist

The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh will host Pokemon Day on Saturday, featuring lots of hands-on activities and two presentations focused on internet safety and the science behind the popular game.

The free event is 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, at the museum. At 10:30 a.m., Natalie Wood Riche, outreach specialist for the N.C. Department of Justice, will talk about internet safety for those playing the game on their smartphones with WiFi service.

And, at 11:30 a.m., Dr. Jason Cryan, the museum's deputy director and chief of research and collections, will talk about the science of Pokemon. He'll explore the science behind the augmented reality craze.

Visitors also can attempt to match the Pokemon monsters to their real-life counterparts at a live animal table; make Pokemon crafts; and learn about citizen science projects that use apps similar to Pokémon Go to track real animals for research and conservation purposes.