North Carolina Science Festival 2015 is a statewide collection of events, from April 10th, 2015, through April 26th, intended to ignite an interest in science in both kids and adults. Events take place at a number of venues in the Charlotte area, including Discovery Place, UNCC, CPCC, libraries and ImaginOn. You can see all the Charlotte area events here. Some events are free, some have a cost, and others are free after admission into the venue, like Discovery Place. Here is a list of some of the free events in the Charlotte area. Follow each link for more detailed information. Some require registration and may be filled up by the time you read this.
UNC Charlotte Graduate Research Symposium
Saturday, April 11, 9:00 a.m.
UNC Charlotte Atkins Library
Presentations of the latest research being presented by graduate students at UNC Charlotte.
Songs of the Deep: Why Whales Sing and Olives Float
Saturday, April 11, 10:30 a.m.
Mt. Pleasant Public Library
Did you know that the blue whale is the loudest creature on earth? Their songs can be heard from hundreds of miles away. How and why do blue whales, and their smaller relatives, communicate? Why do olives float–and how does that have anything to do with whales!? Explore the majesty and mystery of the largest (and loudest) animals on the planet through literature, sound, movement, activities and experiments in this special program for all ages. Families are encouraged to participate together.
Dr. Bob’s Sonic Workshop @ ImaginOn
Saturday, April 11 at 2:00 pm & 3:30 pm
ImaginOn
Drawing from the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog, and from the innovative educational efforts of the Bob Moog Foundation, Dr. Bob’s workshop engages participants ages 7-13 in the fun and physics of sound!
The Bob Moog Foundation Staff of sonic ambassadors will lead an interactive presentation using elements from the Foundation’s lauded Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool curriculum as well as custom graphic animations to teach children about vibrations, sound travel, waveforms, pitch and amplitude.
Program is for children ages 7-13 years old. You must register to attend. Visit website for details.
Bird-Lore and More
Sunday, April 12 at 1:00 pm
Charlotte Nature Museum
Birds are amazing! From their surprising behaviors to their spectacular colors, species of birds tell us a lot about our world — like how well we’re taking care of our home. Hear from local authorities about why birds are important, then get up close and personal with some fine feathered friends.
New Trends in Gaming
Monday, April 13 at 2:30 pm
Independence Regional Library
Join us for an afternoon of exploring technology through video gaming. Discover the world of video gaming with a variety of games and consoles, or learn how to create your own game! Program for teens, ages 12-18.
Rookie Science: Yummy Science
Monday, April 13 at 5:00 pm
West Boulevard Library
Who knew chemistry could taste this good? Learn the effects of chemical reactions by conducting yummy experiments with some of your favorite candies, like gummy bears, mentos and marshmallows to name a few. Program for children of all ages.
Catapult Physics
Tuesday, April 14 at 4:30 pm
Concord Library
Prepare to lay siege! Join us for this medieval exploration of physics as we assemble an army of miniature catapults. Recommended for ages 7 to 12.
STEM 101: BeatLab
Wednesday, April 15 at 3:30 pm
ImaginOn
Participate in a variety of hands-on science experiments, engineering projects, or math puzzles. This week, we’ll explore BeatLab, an online music maker where you can remix and listen to other’s songs. Put together a compilation that can be played at the library.
Blast Off! Rocket Builders
Wednesday, April 15 at 6:00 pm
Charlotte Preparatory School
Blast off into the sky with an evening of rocket construction! Join us to build a variety of rockets from everyday items, including paper, soda bottles, and film canisters. Launch your own model rocket, or watch our model launches. Please contact Angelica Rosen at arosen@charlotteprep.org, if you wish to bring your own rocket!
Free Day at Carolina Raptor Center
Thursday, April 16 at 10:00 am
Carolina Raptor Center
Help Carolina Raptor Center wrap up our yearlong “30 for 30″ celebration, on our 30 years of raptor rehabilitation and science education. We’ve been celebrating all year long in Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. Everyone gets in FREE to the Raptor Trail on April 16.
Inside Interactive Computing Design
Friday, April 17 at 8:00 am
UNCC Woodward Hall
The Interactive Computing folks at UNC Charlotte open their design studio, where they are working on designing smart appliances that can be controlled by gesture. What gesture would you make to ask your fridge for a glass of milk? Come tour the studio, watch students at work on this challenging project, and give them your feedback.
Free, but space is limited so online registration is required at http://ncsciencefestival.uncc.edu
Sound Science on the SALT Block
Friday, April 17 at 2:00 pm
Catawba Science Center, Hickory
Catawba Science Center is happy to present Sound Science on the SALT Block, with our neighbors Hickory Choral Society, P3 (Piedmont Percussion Program) & Western Piedmont Symphony (WPS). Explore the science of sound & music with CSC staff & our partnering musicians. Drum, vibrate & sing while learning physics! Enjoy viewings of Terminal Star in the Millholland Planetarium; this dazzling musical & visual experience combines a new piece by local composer Luke Benton, music by WPS & images by NASA.
Earth Day’s 45th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, April 19 at 1:00 pm
Atomz Lab, 9608 Longstone Lane
FREE community event as a celebration of Earth Day! April 22nd, 2015 marks the 45th Anniversary.
Both indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) stations will boast super fun, hands-on activities related to protecting our planet. Activities include:
Learn about oil spill clean-up and pollution of our oceans.
Make your own jellyfish and recycled paper to take home!
Compete in a recycling game.
Learn the importance of honeybees.
Make a terrarium using recycled materials.
Garden in a Glove
Wednesday, April 22 at 5:30 pm
Harrisburg Public Library
Get your backyard garden off to a great start! Learn how to make a backyard garden as well as how to make it grow!
Rube Goldberg Machines
Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 pm
Kannapolis Library
Join us to build complicated machines to accomplish simple tasks, such as rolling a ball or flipping a light switch. Bring your family and friends and put your creativity to work using household items. All supplies will be provided. This event is for all ages. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tape, Loop, Delay: Science, Technology and Contemporary Percussion Music
Friday, April 24 at 12:30 pm
UNC Charlotte PORTAL Building
Percussionist Scott Christian explores the science of sound and the role of new technologies in contemporary concert music, with a performance and demonstration that features music for percussion as well as live and recorded electronics.
Statewide Star Party: Charlotte
Friday, April 24 at 7:00 pm
Discovery Place parking deck
Join Discovery Place and Charlotte Amateur Astronomy Club for an evening of stargazing, celestial viewing and astronomy activities on the top of the parking deck of Discovery Place.
Statewide Star Party: Cabarrus County
Friday, April 24 at 8:00 pm
Vietnam Veterans Park, 760 Orphanage Road, Concord
Due to park closing times, this is a limited chance to see Vietnam Veterans Park in the dark. At Cabarrus County Active Living and Park’s first star party, participants will make s’mores, create constellation cards, view stars through the telescopes and go on a constellation scavenger hunt.
UNC Charlotte Science and Technology Expo
Sunday, April 26 at 12:00 pm
UNC Charlotte Lower Campus Mall, Student Union and surrounding buildings
An exposition for all ages with more than 100 science and technology activities and demonstrations, games, entertainment and giveaways!
Presented by UNC Charlotte faculty, staff, students and community partners, presentations will include robotics (robots and more robots!), weird physics, chemistry demos, interactive computer activities, environmental and life sciences (live animals and strange plants!), rocketry and space sciences, astronomy, human health, and so much more!
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