Media representatives are invited to experience hands-on science activities aboard one of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Destiny traveling science laboratories at the 26th annual Bright Leaf Hoedown in Yanceyville.
Saturday (Sept. 29)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Caswell Bright Leaf Hoedown
Historic Town Square, Yanceyville
Hoedown attendees will be invited to participate in various science activities, which will include performing an electrocardiogram (EKG), taking blood pressure readings, extracting DNA from strawberries, working with digital micropipettes, using beads to create inheritance bracelets that will reflect genetic traits and building models of DNA.
The Destiny traveling science learning program is a science education outreach initiative of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at Carolina that serves pre-college teachers and students across the state. Destiny develops and delivers a standards-based, hands-on curriculum for students and professional development for teachers with a team of educators and a fleet of vehicles that travel throughout the state.
The Destiny program’s activities in Caswell County are federally funded by the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program. SEPA’s goals are to engage the public in medical research, stimulate interest in science and encourage the next generation of health professionals.
The Caswell County Bright Leaf Hoedown is a two-day family festival that attracts over 30,000 people each year. It features a variety of food, local crafts, music and competitions. Admission and entertainment are free.
Note: The Destiny traveling science laboratory will be parked by the post office in Yanceyville on Main Street.
Destiny Web site: http://www.moreheadplanetarium.org/go/destiny
Caswell County Chamber of Commerce Web site: http://www.caswellnc.com
Destiny contact: Claire Ruocchio, (919) 843-5915 or clr@unc.edu
News Services contact: Susan Houston, (919) 962-8415 or susan_houston@unc.edu