NC Science Festival back for 2021 with virtual and safe in-person events, including star parties

North Carolina Science Festival 2021 is a statewide collection of events during the month of April, intended to ignite an interest in science in both kids and adults. Events normally place at a number of venues in the Triangle, including museums, parks and libraries.

Last year the festival consisted completely of virtual events. This year it’s a combination of virtual and safe in-person events. 

More than 200 events have been announced so far. We will be listing a few of them, below, but make sure to visit the North Carolina Science Festival website for a complete list.

North Carolina Virtual Science Festival

We’ve listed some of the events that have been announced, and you can see all of them online.

Follow each link for more information and to register, if required.

The Great Blue Jay Nature Hunt
April 1st to 3rd, 2021
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Blue Jay Point County Park
3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614

Time for an adventure! Put on your explorer cap and get ready to take part in the 3rd Annual Great Blue Jay Nature Hunt. You’ll be on the hunt to answer various nature questions about things you can see, find, and interact with at the park.

Pick up your scavenger hunt list at the Education Center from 9am to 5pm daily from April 1-3. When you’re all done hunting, turn in your sheet (sheet must be turned the same day to count towards prize drawing) and those who answer the most questions correctly will be put into a random drawing for a prize. Happy Hunting!

Space Explorers: Observing the Moon
Monday, April 5th, 2021
5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Virtual
Free

From Earth, we can look up and see the Moon with our own eyes. Using special tools, we can observe the Moon in even greater detail. Join Marbles STEM experts to learn more about the Moon and conduct your own Moon observations!

Tour Tuesdays at the U.S. EPA in RTP
Every Tuesday in April, 2021
12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Virtual
Free

Did you know that the U.S. EPA in Durham, NC is the largest facility ever built by the agency? More than 2,000 professionals work at this state-of-the-art facility that serves as a model for safe, healthy, and environmentally-sustainable research.

During our April 2021 Tour Tuesdays, we invite you to join us for a virtual glimpse into some of the exciting work that we do to protect human health and the environment.

All tours will be held from 12-12:30 EST on Microsoft Teams, and you must pre-register for each tour by emailing witter.kelly@epa.gov by 8 am the day of the tour to receive the event link.

Engage Trivia with SAS
Tuesdays in April, from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Thursdays in April, from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Virtual
Free

NCSciFest is partnering with SAS, a global leader in data analytics, and partners across the state to launch a weekly trivia series.

Test your knowledge with themed trivia sessions each Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month. Each week features questions and prize packs provided by special hosts from Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, The North Carolina School of Science and Math, the NC Zoo, and NC Aquariums.
All sessions are open to everyone. Schools, individuals, and families are all encouraged to participate!

Ken Burns Presents The Gene-An Intimate History. Screening and panel discussion
Thursday, April 8th, 2021
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Virtual
Free

PBS North Carolina and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences present an online screening of Ken Burns Presents-The Gene, an Intimate History. The screening of selections of the series will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A from viewers. Click on the Eventbrite link to register and receive a link to the screening and discussion.

DPS Real Science: Field Trip Fridays with The Museum of Life and Science
Fridays in April from April 9th to 30th, 2021
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Virtual
Free

Attention Elementary School Parents and Teachers!

The Museum of Life and Science has created a new program for Elementary School students that highlights the amazing innovations and STEM-based work happening our state. Take your students on behind-the-scenes field trips (virtually!), learn STEM content that supports Essential Standards, and inspire kids to imagine themselves in STEM careers. Tune in with your students for a 15-20 minute virtual field trip and stay for a live Q&A with our unique hosts, highlighting real world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math.

The series is produced by the Museum of Life & Science in partnership with Durham Public Schools.

Virtual Art Adventures with Ackland Art Museum
Saturday, April 10th, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Saturday, April 10th, 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Virtual 
Free or $5, depending on means

Join us as the Ackland takes our popular Art Adventures class online with instructor Allison Tierney! This special session will coincide with the North Carolina Science Festival, as we explore Clouding: Shape and Sign in Asian Art.

Class sessions will be limited to 15 participants*. A supply list, printable template, and Zoom meeting link will be distributed to registrants prior to the class session. To use Zoom, students will need access to an internet-connected computer, smartphone, or tablet with a built-in microphone; caregiver assistance may be needed. Art Adventures is geared towards children aged 6-9.

Families with more than one child can participate together and should only register once. Please select the ticket price that you feel comfortable with ($0.00 or $5.00).

North Carolina Science Scavenger Hunt
Tuesday, April 13th, 2021
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Virtual
Free

Do you know the names of the two North Carolinians who invented two of today’s popular soft drinks? Or the name of the North Carolina woman who holds over 49 patents? This virtual scavenger hunt about North Carolina inventions will help you find out and learn about other Tar Heel inventors. You will be able to take part in these exciting endeavors by doing your own STEM inventions projects at home.

Tune in on Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center’s Facebook page and on their Youtube Channel at: Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center – YouTube

Make a Mars Rover
Wednesday, April 14th, 2021
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Virtual
Free

Please join Chapel Hill Public Library and Tina Coyne-Smith, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Volunteer, for this virtual hands-on activity as we learn how to make a Mars Rover with things you have around the house! A materials list will be sent to registrants along with a link to the program.

UNC Science Week: Virtual Expo
Friday, April 16th, 2021
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Virtual
Free

Tune in to a full-day’s lineup of world-class scientists and researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill as they lead virtual activities to share their incredible work.

The slate of appearances includes scientists from UNC’s Center for Galapagos Studies, demonstrations from the Department of Physics and Astronomy, deeper dives into environmental justice data with the Gillings School for Global Public Health, live skywatching with Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and more!

Lean In, Women in Science
Friday, April 16th, 2021
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Virtual
Free

Lean In, Women in Science is a three-part event designed to connect accomplished women scientists with high school girls who are interested in STEM. All ages and genders are welcome but the main target audience is high school girls.

Part One is the Interview and Panel Discussion of 6 prominent women scientists. This is free and open to the public and takes place at 5:00 pm virtually at NCSSM. Panelists will take questions from the audience. No pre-registration is needed for Part One.

Part Two splits into Options A and B. Option A is Conversation with a Scientist which takes place at 6:00 pm in a breakout group. This is by advance sign up only and is limited to 60 people (10 guests per scientist). Guests sign up for casual conversation with one of the featured women scientists in a more intimate setting. Pre-registration is required for Option A (via SignUpGenius) and the event is free and open to the public.

Option B is the Scientist Networking Workshop which also takes place at 6:00 pm. This is free and open to the public and does not require advance sign up. The networking event features women scientists from multiple organizations such as Young Women in Bio, Alpha Chi Sigma, and Neural Connectors.

Statewide Star Party: Old North Durham Park
Friday, April 16th, 2021
8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Old North Durham Park, 310 W Geer Street, Durham
Free

Celebrate this year’s Statewide Star Party by adventuring to the “Moon and Mars.” Our knowledgeable staff will provide high powered telescopes for high-quality viewing and will feature astronomers from the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society (CHAOS), NASA, and our very own Durham Parks & Rec!

Note: Telescopes will be using larger eyepieces that can be viewed through plexiglass barriers without being touched. Plexiglass barriers will be wiped down and disinfected between uses. Mask and social distancing will be followed based on CDC guidelines for this program.

Dress for the weather. This program is free and does not require registration. Children must be accompanied by an adult. In case of a cloud out, the program will be held 4/17/21.

The Science of Archaeology
Saturday, April 17th, 2021
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Virtual
Free

Archaeologists for the State of North Carolina rely heavily on STEM to ensure the long history of North Carolina is preserved. The Office of State Archaeology will host a virtual event, taking place over a week, showcasing the different sciences and technology used on both terrestrial and underwater archaeological sites across the state.

From the mountains to the ocean, archaeologists will present information via blogs, posts, and videos discussing the technology used by the archaeologists and the archaeological and historic technology used by people in North Carolina throughout the state’s rich history.

Please join us throughout the week, culminating with an interview on Saturday, April 17th with a terrestrial archaeologist and an underwater archaeologist comparing and contrasting the different approaches to archaeology located in North Carolina.

Statewide Star Party: TLC Williamson Farm and Nature Preserve
Saturday, April 17th, 2021
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.Bailey and Sarah Williamson Farm and Nature Preserve
4409 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh
Free

Did you know that you can walk the entire solar system at our Preserve? Dart around Mars and the Moon while dodging asteroids by taking just a short scaled solar system walk on one of our trails. You can also complete hands-on activities that range from arts and crafts to having fun with moon phase oreos. We’ll end the night with guided star gazing after exploring the wonders at Williamson. We can’t wait to see you!

Statewide Star Party: White Deer Park
Saturday, April 17th, 2021
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
White Deer Park, 2400 Aversboro Road, Garner
Free

Join us at White Deer Park for a night under the stars! We’ll be enjoying socially distanced stargazing, storytime, and activities, including Build a Cardboard Rover, Make a Paper Mars Helicopter, and Oreo Moon Phases.

Parking will be on the east side of the park where self-led activity stations will be set up throughout the field and in Sweetgum shelter for wheelchair accessibility.

Statewide Star Party: Wilkerson Nature Preserve
Saturday, April 17th, 2021
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Wilkerson Nature Preserve Park, 5229 AWLS Haven Drive, Raleigh
Free

Drop by anytime between 7:30pm and 9:30pm to join us in outdoor stargazing and telescope observing of the Moon and other objects in the evening sky. You may wish to bring a flashlight (with a red light if possible) to aid you in walking after sunset. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Triangle SciTech Expo
April 19th to 24th, 2021
Hours vary by day
Virtual
Free

We’re going virtual! Triangle SciTech Expo is a unique event that assembles scientists and technical professionals from universities, organizations and industry to engage visitors of all ages in the excitement of science and technology. We provide leaders in SciTech fields a prominent opportunity to showcase innovations and research while engaging visitors in interactive programs that actively spark their interest in STEM fields.

Experts, researchers, and specialists developing new technologies will engage with participants; programs are designed for all ages and stages of learning, and families are encouraged to attend.

This year our theme is Diversity in STEM! Join us for six days of fun, interactive, virtual programming! Thursday, April 22nd is Earth Day and programming on that day will be devoted to sustainability and how STEM is helping us create a more sustainable future for the Earth!

Space Explorers: Magnetic Fields
Monday, April 19th, 2021
5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Virtual
Free

Scientists have observed magnetic fields throughout the solar system. Join Marbles STEM experts to learn more about the Earth and Sun’s magnetic fields with a hands-on, play-based activity.

Fly-Thru Raptor Meet and Greet
Thursday, April 22nd, 2021
5:30 p.m. to 7:3 p.m.
Piedmont Wildlife Center
364 Leigh Farm Road, Durham

Join Piedmont Wildlife Center for this FREE unique drive-thru style event! We’re so excited to be able to continue to offer our popular Fly-Thru program for our community from the safety of your car. You’ll get the chance to see some of our raptor ambassadors up close, get your bird questions answered, and have a fun, socially distant outing all while learning how to conserve raptors.

This event is free with a suggested donation of $10 or more. Your support ensures that our raptors and other ambassadors will be able to continue to educate people for generations to come. This event is pandemic-proof so make sure to mark your calendars!

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