2012 North Carolina Science Festival Underway in Western North Carolina

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.

Western North Carolina is participating in the Festival with 50 events in the region. Events are being held in Asheville, Boone, Bryson City, Cullowhee, Lenoir, Morganton and more. Among the events:

• The Health Adventure in Asheville will host several events during the Festival, including “Shocking Science!” on April 18 and “Extreme Cold!” on April 25. “Go Green: All About Earth Science” will be held April 21.

• Appalachian State University will host multiple events on their campus in Boone, N.C. On Saturday, April 21, attend “Planet, Star and Galaxy Viewing” at ASU’s Dark Sky Observatory. On Monday April 23,Will Canu, Ph.D., will present a lecture, “ADHD: Myths, Truths and Uncertainties” to discuss his research on ADHD.

• The Nantahala Outdoor Center will host “The Science of Water Hydraulics” in Bryson City on April 22.

Numerous communities throughout western N.C. 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>.

###

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.