Local FREE Events: Discovery Place Announces the North Carolina Science Festival; Kicks off Friday, April 13

 
The 2012 North Carolina Science Festival is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and Discovery Place is proud to be a strategic partner.  The statewide Festival puts the spotlight on the educational, cultural and financial impact of science by making hundreds of fun, accessible and engaging opportunities available to the public. Launched in 2010 as an initiative of UNC Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, the Festival will offer events spanning 500 miles and examine the impact of science on North Carolina – including its use in our everyday lives, the exciting potential it holds, and how it drives our economic engine. More than 100 total events are set for the Charlotte region.

 

Friday, April 13 –Try On Science:  Take a stroll down Tryon St. and Try On Science! Spend your lunch hour in the heart of Uptown as you experiment with science that touches everyday lives. Wander from station to station getting a taste of the exciting events planned for the North Carolina Science Festival.

·         11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

·         Corner of Trade and Tryon Sts.

·         Free to the public

 

Sunday, April 15 – Life is Your Lab and Your Studio...Full STEAM Ahead:  Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Parent University will host an afternoon of educational and fun experiences for families along Uptown Charlotte’s Cultural Mile promoting the scientific study of visual and performing arts that includes student performances and hands-on activities.

·         Sunday, April 15; 1:00–5:00 p.m.

·         Free to the public; targeted towards CMS students and families

·         Present STEAM wrist band or bag at Discovery Place for $2 off Museum admission (valid April 15 only)

 

Saturday, April 21 – Science and Superheroes:  The “Science and Superheroes” contest challenged students in grades K-8 to invent their own fantastic characters by giving these superheroes STEM-based powers for the betterment of mankind. Winners will be recognized April 21 at Discovery Place and their STEM-powered superheroes will be showcased at Spandex City Comics on May 5 (Free Comic Book Day).

·         Recognition ceremony takes place Saturday, April 21; 4:00–5:00 p.m.

·         At Discovery Place, free to attend ceremony

·         See http://spandexcity.com/ScienceSuperheroes for more information

 

Saturday, April 21 – Neighborhood Science: Backyard Discoveries: Charlotte Nature Museum and Queens University present a day of Backyard Discoveries, beginning with a morning at Charlotte Nature Museum discovering the wildlife that live just outside your door. Ever wonder what made that buzz or chirp when you were walking through the park? A whole community of insects, crustaceans and other amazing finds dwell under rocks and on stream banks all around us. Join animal and plant experts in the field to explore the sights and sounds of the Greenway and Little Sugar Creek. Then, wrap up your day of fun with a sneak peek tour of nearby Queens University’s Rogers building, the first platinum LEED-certified science lab on the East coast.

·         10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; Charlotte Nature Museum activities (Admission required to go into Museum, but free events will be taking place on the Freedom Park Greenway behind Charlotte Nature Museum)

·         1:00 p.m.; Queens University Rogers building tour (meet at 12:45 p.m. at Diana Fountain, central campus) - Free

·         704.372.6261 x300; charlottenaturemuseum.org

 

Tuesday, April 24 – Nature on the Move: How Important Are We?  Join Patrick McMillan, host, co‐creator and writer of the popular and award‐winning ETV nature program Expeditions with Patrick McMillan, for a tour across the Carolinas, the Arctic, and into the Mayan culture for a look at how humanity’s hand is visible across the globe.

·         6:00–7:30 p.m.

·         At Discovery Place, free event;

·         Registration recommended:  call 704.372.6261 x516 or email maryb@discoveryplace.org

 

Thursday, April 26 – Avian Adventure:  Have you ever wanted to fly like a bird? Get a bird’s-eye view of what life is like for our feathered friends. See live birds and meet experts from local bird-centered organizations including Carolina Raptor Center, Mecklenburg Audobon Society, Wing Haven, Companion Parrots Re-homed and more.

·         5:30 p.m.

·         At Discovery Place, free event

·         Registration recommended:  call 704.372.6261 x516 or email maryb@discoveryplace.org

(Thanks Logan)