Important Parking Update

The UNC-owned Morehead parking lot is currently under reconstruction. Visitors must now pay using ParkMobile (Zone Code 4468). Find more updated parking information on our Plan A Visit page.

Schedule Update

Due to UNC’s Spring Holiday, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will be closed on Friday, March 29.

Duke Energy Science Nights

Duke Energy Science Nights—for Elementary Schools

a North Carolina Science Festival initiative

Sponsored by Duke Energy Foundation, Duke Energy Science Nights is designed for schools across North Carolina to host an interactive community science event for students and their families with the use of a education kit that includes hands-on activities, a planning guide, activity instructions, materials for up to 200 participants, and the support of the NCSciFest staff.

The 2022-2023 Duke Energy Foundation funding sponsors 150 kits to award at no charge. These are awarded using an application process that includes a review of the school’s statement, need, demographics, geography, and past participation. The sponsorship application opens in early August and closes in September of each school year. The kits ship in early February. Schools hold their science event during April, bringing families together as a community to explore the amazing world of science as part of the North Carolina Science Festival.

Creedmoor Elementary, April 2022. Duke Energy Science Nights is a program of the North Carolina Science Festival.
  • Ten hands-on activities aligned with K-5 Science Standards
  • Activity guides (detailed instructions, explanations of the science, and North Carolina connections)
  • Activity supplies (materials for 200 students to perform each of the activities)
  • Planning guide (helpful instructions on how to organize a science event)
  • Unlimited access to downloadable digital resources (including Spanish versions of documents)
  • Promotional materials (including a banner, flyer templates, and giveaways to build excitement)
  • Instructional webinars to support your preparation throughout the school year
  • Email and phone support throughout the school year
  • Cost of materials procurement, packing and shipping
  • Applications for subsidized Duke Energy Science Night kits open at the start of the academic year (August and September)
  • Kits are available for purchase while supplies are available (pre-orders open in August/September )
  • 2022-2023 Duke Energy Science Night Kit applications and orders are now closed

For more information on NCSciFest and Duke Energy Science Nights, please contact the NCSciFest team: