PINEHURST — A month-long celebration of science will include an event at Sandhills Community College in April. The North Carolina Science Festival presents events across the state and this year Pinehurst will host a hands-on event titled “Designer Genes.”
The event will take place Wednesday, April 6, from 11am to 1pm in the Dempsey Student Center on the Pinehurst campus. “Designer Genes” is a partnership of the SCC Science Department and Student Government Association and is an official event of the 2022 North Carolina Science Festival.
“Designer Genes” will include multiple hands-on activity stations to engage participants in learning about DNA, cellular components, organismal genetic make-up, viruses, gene editing and genetically modified organisms. Participants may post reflections on what they learned on a Gene Graffiti Board and each will receive a Gene Passport.
The festival features hundreds of community events and is the first statewide science festival in the United States. Founded in 2010 by Morehead Planetarium, the festival is celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2022. With a strong focus on science, technology, engineering and math, the festival showcases the economic, educational, and cultural impact of science in North Carolina.
The theme of this year’s festival is “Engineering Tomorrow”— a celebration of the “E” in STEM and chance to explore how science can help solve the challenges ahead.
“We continue be amazed by the incredible work our partners are doing to celebrate science,” says Jonathan Frederick, the Festival’s Director. “From storytelling at events at local libraries to nighttime skywatching extravaganzas, there really is something for everyone.
Beyond Pinehurst, there are several nearby events exploring different topics.
The N.C. Zoo in Asheboro is hosting “Tinkering for Tomorrow” — an exploration of recycling, reuse and conservation. The zoo event will take place April 1-3 from 10am to 2pm for zoo visitors.
Town Creek Indian Mound is hosting the “Statewide Star Party.” This event will happen in two separate events on April 9. The daytime event — from 10am to 3pm — includes activities that help participants better understand the University and celebrates the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. The nighttime event starts at 7:30pm and provides a guided tour of the night sky, including sky lore from cultures around the world. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and binoculars.
There is no cost to participate in the event and the public is invited to attend.
PHOTO COURTESY Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Children participate in an escape room event at UNC during the N.C. Science Festival
on April 15, 2018.
