Photo, left, courtesy of Eric Valarde, The Daily Tar Heel.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s Family Science Day series invites children and adults to join in the fun of investigating the world around us. Led by science educators and research scientists, Morehead Family Science activities promote cooperative discovery of basic scientific principles, current science happenings and science-based careers.

How do art and science collide? In more ways than you might think!

Explore the common ground between art and science at this steampunk-inspired Family Science Day! Discover the science of art and the art of science with activities for the whole family.

What is steampunk? It's a subculture that fuses 19th century style with technology from today. The style has spread to fashion, music, design and more. Fans interject steampunk style into their lives by modifying (or “modding”) everyday objects with polished brass or iron to fit the trends of the 1800s. Subcultures like steampunk highlight how blurry the line between art and science can become.

Join scientists, artists and steampunk enthusiasts at this first-of-its-kind family affair, featuring activities for all ages!

Pictured right: Steampunk musician Jay Cartwright and his modded keytar.

In the NASA Digital Theater, view short films, such as Edison's "Frankenstein." Discussions or activities following the films will emphasize the fusion of art and science in the movies.

Find traveling musician Jay Cartwright throughout the building during the day. Check out the catchy music he crafted on his steampunk modded keytar! (pictured above)

Adventure on a "dimension-spanning musical journey" with Atlanta-based steampunk band The Extraordinary Contraptions.

Explore the work of UNC's artist-in-residence David Colagiovanni in the GlaxoSmithKline Fulldome Theater. Drop into the theater between 2:15–3:15 p.m. to see his show. Short presentations will also be given before each planetarium show during Family Science Day.

Children ages 4–6 can listen to a story and make a craft at a special Storytime Science program.

Throughout the day, celebrate art and science with hands-on, family-friendly activities!

• Make steampunk jewelry
• Examine a pendulum clock to learn how gears work
• Race steam-powered boats
• Travel back in time in Morehead's portable planetarium
• Collaborate to create an illustrated periodic table, inspired by the Periodic Table Printmaking Project
• Explore an exhibit featuring images of both science and art

Time to bring out those goggles! Steampunk attire is welcome!

All Family Science Day activities are free. No registration required.

The Duke Energy Foundation has funded a special opportunity for teachers attending Family Science Day April 17.

In addition to enjoying the numerous events planned for the public, teachers can:

• Receive materials that will help them integrate what they have experienced into their classrooms
• Attend a lunch and discussion about the day's themes with special guests (12–12:30 p.m.)
• Receive travel funding if they live beyond the Chapel Hill area

This Family Science Day has an art and science theme, so we strongly encourage science teachers AND non-science teachers (art, theater, English, and more) to participate. Many of the activities included in this event can be translated into your classrooms.

If you are a pre-college teacher who will be attending Family Science Day and would like to take advantage of this additional opportunity, please complete and fax this form to Amber Vogel at (919) 962-1284. If you are not able to fax the form, please e-mail your information to Amber at vogel@unc.edu.

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