Get Hands-on With STEM fun at N.C. Science Festival Events

The N.C. Science Festival kicks off March 28. This year’s theme: The Science of Sports.

Events are happening across the state that promote science, technology, engineering and math. Each region of the state is hosting various talks and hands-on exhibits, but below is sampling of events, through April 13, happening in and around the Charlotte area.

Fun With STEM: A live stage performance that features action, magic, comedy, robotic puppets, live music, juggling with national variety performer, Cory the Clown® and an ensemble cast, inspiring children to be interested in STEM and environmental stewardship. The audience participates in kinesthetic learning, using sound to make things happen on stage. March 28-30, and April 4-6.

Reptile and Amphibian Day at Discovery Place: Learn about the differences between reptiles and amphibians, how to help herps living in your own backyard,and come face to face with a multitude of specimens from Discovery Place and other participating organizations. March 29.

A Celebration of the Very Small: During NanoDays 2014 at Discovery Place, join a celebration of the science of the very, very, very, VERY small featuring nanotechnology, tiny particles and more! Activities will include hands-on interactives around nanoscience, as well as a Discovery Place show at The Stage. March 29-April 1.

Statewide Star Party: Join others at Crowder’s Mountain for a star party during the day. Discover the ways you can observe the Sun safely and take a view from the park telescope. April 4.

The Amazing Chemistry of Dry Ice: Ages 5 and older can explore the chemistry of dry ice through hands-on experiments at the Sherrills Ford Library. April 4.

Statewide Star Party at UNCC: See the moon’s surface, Jupiter and star clusters use state-of-the-art telescopes. Space is limited. April 4, 8pm.

Science Family Fun Night: From science story time to fun activities where you can explore your world with cool technology at ImaginOn. April 5.

Science and Superheroes Contest: Ponder the science behind the powers of superheroes and enter the Science and Superheroes Contest. April 6.

Young Veternarians Day: Behind the scenes tours, live bird presentations, owl pellet dissections, biofact tables and raptor medicine themed activities, your kids can learn what it takes to care for animals. April 12.

This is only a sampling of events. For the full list, ncsciencefestival.org.