KelvinThe NC Science Festival is a statewide series of events that showcase science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  The Festival, which takes place each year during the first two weeks of April, includes hands-on activities, science talks, lab tours, nature experiences, exhibits, performances, and many other programs.

As part of this year’s NC Science Festival, SciWorks will host several more special events this weekend and early next week:

Star Party

On Saturday, April 12, from 8-10:30 pm, SciWorks Planetarium and Forsyth Astronomical Society will offer a free astronomy observation in the SciWorks parking lot.  Participants will have the opportunity to view the night sky using professional-grade telescopes while they learn about the spring constellations, several deep-sky objects, and next week’s lunar eclipse.

SciFest

lop_rabbit_easterOn Sunday, April 13, SciWorks will present its annual SciFest from 1-5 pm.  Visitors will enjoy a variety of activities including live animal programs, hands-on chemistry demonstrations, wildflower ID hikes, planetarium shows and more, including:

  • There will be a sheep-shearing demonstration and the opportunity to meet some adorable baby chicks.
  • The NC Rabbit Breeders Association will display a variety of rabbit breeds including Holland Lops, a Flemish Giant, Dutch, Mini Satins, Rhinelanders, Mini Lops, Jersey Wooleys, and Fuzzy Lops.  Visitors will be able to pet the rabbits and take photos.
  • The Wake Forest Museum of Anthropology will be onsite with hands-on activities, including a mock archaeological dig.
  • Volunteers from Wildlife Rehab Inc. will display live birds of prey.  All activities are included with museum admission.

Lunar Eclipse

During the overnight hours of Monday, April 14 (until early morning Tuesday, April 15), SciWorks Planetarium and Forsyth Astronomical Society will again be on hand in the SciWorks parking lot to offer the adventurous astronomy aficionado an up-close look at the first total lunar eclipse in more than two years.  Staff and volunteers will have telescopes available beginning at 11 pm on Monday evening.  The eclipse itself starts at 1:58am and ends at 5:33am (with the “instance of greatest eclipse” taking place at 3:46am).

Preschool Program

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAPre-registered preschoolers can enjoy a special program on Tuesday, April 15, from 10 am-Noon.  The new PIPP (Parent-involved Preschool Program) Squeaks monthly series is just for children ages 3-5 and an accompanying parent or adult caregiver.  This month’s theme is “Seed Need.”  Pre-registration and fee ($7 for SciWorks members/$15 for non-members) are required.  (Fee includes museum admission.)  Call (336) 714-7105 for more information or to register.