2012 North Carolina Science Festival Underway in Research Triangle Region

The 2012 North Carolina Science Festival kicked off this past weekend with numerous events across the region and continues for two weeks across the state. The Festival, April 13-29, 2012, highlights the educational, cultural and financial impact of science in our state. More than 500 events will take place across N.C. to celebrate science in new, exciting ways.

The Research Triangle region of North Carolina is participating in the Festival with more than 100 events in the area. Events are being held in Apex, Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Research Triangle Park and more. Among the events:

• On Friday, April 20, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center hosts “Skywatching at Little River Regional Park” in Rougemont. Take a bird walk at Mason Farm Biological Reserve in Chapel Hill on Saturday, April 21.

• The N.C. Executive Mansion in Raleigh hosts a “Green Garden Open House” on Saturday, April 21. Tour the more than four acres of flower and vegetable gardens at the Executive Mansion, where trained docents will answer questions and share information about the sustainable, green gardening practices in use.

• Flyleaf Books of Chapel Hill will host “Groove Music: The Art and Culture of the Hip-Hop DJ” on Friday, April 27.

Numerous communities throughout the Research Triangle region will be hosting official North Carolina Science Festival events over the next two weeks. For more information about these and other events in your area, and events in your area, visit the Festival’s website <www.ncsciencefestival.org>. Follow the Festival through a Facebook page <www.facebook.com/ncsciencefestival> and through Twitter <www.twitter.com/ncscifest>.

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The North Carolina Science Festival is a two-week statewide series of events showcasing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Festival highlights the educational, cultural and financial impact of the STEM disciplines on North Carolina. It includes hands-on activities, science talks, lab tours, nature experiences, exhibits, performances and other events, and engages a wide range of audiences while inspiring the next generation. It serves as a vehicle for encouraging students to pursue STEM careers and for businesses to invest in North Carolina. The 2012 Festival Champion is Time Warner Cable. 2012 Platinum sponsors include Burroughs Wellcome Fund, NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation and SAS. 2012 Gold Sponsors include Biogen Idec Foundation, Duke Energy and News 14 Carolina. The Festival is proudly produced by UNC-Chapel Hill’s Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Charlotte’s Discovery Place is a key strategic partner.