Parking Lot Update

The UNC-owned lot in front of our building will not be available for public use on Saturday, December 7. For alternative parking options, please visit our Plan A Visit page.

Duke Energy Science Nights

Duke Energy Science Nights—for Elementary Schools

a North Carolina Science Festival initiative

Funding from the Duke Energy Foundation allows NC Science Festival staff to produce STEM activities and resource kits for use by elementary schools across the state. This program is designed to help schools host a fun science event for their students and families with the use of a kit that includes hands-on activities aligned with NC Science Essential Standards, a planning guide, activity instructions (in both English and Spanish), materials for up to 200 participants, and the support of NCSciFest staff.

The Duke Energy Foundation sponsorship funds a number of kits to award at no charge. These are awarded using an application process and review of the school’s statement, need, demographics, geography, and past participation.

Demand for the Duke Energy Science Night program is high. As a result, we are only able to award sponsored kits to less than half of the schools that apply for them. We therefore create a limited number of spots in our kit program for purchase.

Kit preorders and sponsorship applications open starting in early August each school year. The kits all ship in February so that schools can hold their science event during April as part of the North Carolina Science Festival.

Duke Energy Science Night at Bethesda Elementary School, April 2024. This program is an initiative of the North Carolina Science Festival.
  • Hands-on activities (9-11) aligned with K-5 Science Standards
  • Activity guides (detailed instructions, explanations of the science, and North Carolina connections) all in both English and Spanish
  • Activity supplies (materials for 200 students to perform each of the activities)
  • Planning guide (step by step instructions on how to organize a science event)
  • Unlimited access to downloadable digital resources
  • Promotional materials (including a banner, flyer templates, and giveaways to help build excitement)
  • Instructional webinars to support your preparation throughout the school year
  • Email and phone support throughout the school year

Learn more about kit contents, application and preorder deadlines, and program timeline at www.ncscifest.org/desn. 

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

Email : ncscifestschools@unc.edu

Phone : 919-962-3274