Celebrating our 15th year!
Funding from the Duke Energy Foundation allows NC Science Festival staff to produce this program for elementary schools across the state. The program is designed to help schools host a fun STEM event for their K-5 students and families with the use of a resource kit and the guidance of NCSciFest staff. See below for more detail about what’s included in the kit program.
The funding from Duke Energy Foundation sponsors a limited number of NC schools to participate in the program at no charge. Recipients are selected using an application process that includes a detailed review of the school's written statement, need, geography, and past participation. The sponsored kit application opens in August and closes in September. Schools are notified of their status by early October. See below for a more detailed timeline.
Demand for the Duke Energy Science Night program is high. Typically we are only able to award sponsored kits to less than half of the schools that apply. We therefore create an additional number of kits for purchase at a price point that is as low as possible. The 2025-2026 kit price is $670 plus sales tax. The purchased kit preorder process opens in August. We require prepayment so that we can purchase the kit materials. Please note that we cannot ship kits without prepayment or under PO. See below for a more detailed timeline.
What's included in the Duke Energy Science Night Activity Kit program?
- Hands-on activities (9-11) aligned with K-5 Strands and Standards
- Activity guides (detailed instructions, why is this science, and North Carolina connections) in 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)
- Instructional webinars to support your preparation throughout the school year
- Unlimited access to downloadable digital resources
- Promotional materials (including a banner, flyer templates, and giveaways to build excitement)
- Email and phone support throughout the school year
How do i apply for a sponsored Duke Energy Science Night Activity Kit?
We plan to launch the application process on August 11.
how do i purchase a duke energy science night activity kit?
We plan to launch the preorder process on August 11.
What is the 2025-2026 Duke Energy Science Nights Timeline?
- Sponsored Kit Application Timeline:
- Aug 11 - Sep 23: Application period for sponsored kits.
- Oct 1: Schools notified of their status.
- Oct 3: Deadline for selected schools to confirm acceptance of sponsored kit.
- Purchased Kit Preorder and Prepayment Timeline:
- Aug 11 - Oct 15: Preorder and prepayment period for purchased kits. Payments received by Oct 15 will guarantee a program kit for your school.
- Oct 15 - Nov 30: Preorder and prepayment period for any remaining purchased kits.
- Preorders will close once the kit limit is reached.
- Fulfillment will occur in the order that payments are received.
- Program Timeline:
- Nov 2025 (date TBA): Welcome and Overview webinar.
- Dec 2025 (date TBA): Event Planning webinar.
- Jan 2026 (date TBA): Program Resources Overview webinar.
- Feb 2026 (date TBA): Activity Overview webinar.
- Feb 2026 (date TBA): Program Kits ship to schools.
- Apr 2026: Schools use their Activity Kits to host an event as part of the NC Science Festival.
- May 2026: Schools submit their event participation numbers and program feedback.
What can I do if I have questions?
- Contact us by email* (ncscifestschools@mpsc.unc.edu)
- Contact us by telephone (919-962-3274)
*Please add this email address to your contacts to ensure our messages are not caught in your spam filter.