KANNAPOLIS — Scientists and staff members from the research centers at the N.C. Research Campus will join the fun Saturday at the annual Jiggy With a Piggy Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Kannapolis.

The NCRC Science Stop will be in front of the University of North Carolina Nutrition Research Institute building near the Kids Zone. Free, hands-on activities focused on nutrition and science will be provided, with healthy snacks as prizes.

They include:

• Eat Uniquely: At the UNC Nutrition Research Institute table, visitors can make a MyPlate meal plan using stickers and guess how much sugar is in  favorite snacks versus healthy fruits and vegetables.

• Healthy Eating: To encourage families to eat nutritious meals and snacks, the Duke Clinical & Translational Science Institute is sponsoring healthy eating activities.

• DNA Origami: Scientists from UNC-Charlotte will use origami to fold a DNA double helix and show how they use computers to analyze DNA.

• Fitness Fanatics: The vertical jump, sprint station and strength test at the Appalachian State University Human Performance Laboratory Fitness Fanatics area will show how fit you are.

• Nerve Center: Race neurons to learn how multiple sclerosis affects 2.5 million people worldwide and how Discovery MS, located in the David H. Murdock Research Institute, is finding ways to help people with the disease lead better lives.

• Future Scientists: At the N.C. Research Campus-Murdock institute table, children can dress up as a future scientist. Parents can take advantage of the photo op and pick up healthy recipe cards.

“We are very excited to have several of our research centers join together to host the NCRC Science Stop,” said Jennifer Woodford, N.C. Research Campus director of communications. “This is a great way for people to learn about health and nutrition and get a behind-the-scenes look at the research going on across our campus.”

The N.C. Research Campus is a scientific community of eight universities, the David H. Murdock Research Institute, global companies and entrepreneurs. Research and development focuses on safer, more nutritious crops, healthier foods and nutrition. Learn more at www.ncresearchcampus.net.