Option to purchase kits
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. The preorder process opens in early August of each school year. We require prepayment so that we can procure the kit materials and begin the fulfillment and program year. Please note that we cannot ship kits under PO or without prepayment.
The purchased kits all ship in February so that schools can hold their science event during April as part of the North Carolina Science Festival. A more detailed timeline can be found below.
The 2024-2025 kit price is $625 plus sales tax.
This program is now in its 14th year!
Funding from the Duke Energy Foundation allows NC Science Festival staff to produce this program for elementary schools across the state. The Duke Energy Science Night program is designed to help schools host a fun science event for their students and families with the use of a resource kit that includes hands-on activities, 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 2024-2025 funding will also enable kits to be provided at no cost to 180 NC schools. These will be awarded using an application process and review of the school's statement, need, demographics, geography, and past participation.
The sponsored kit application opens in early August and closes in September of 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.
A more detailed timeline can be found below.
What's included in the Duke Energy Science Night Activity Kit program?
- Hands-on activities (9-11) aligned with K-5 Science Standards
- Activity guides (detailed instructions, why is this 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 build excitement)
- Instructional webinars to support your preparation throughout the school year
- Email and phone support throughout the school year
How do i apply for a sponsored kit?
The application period has concluded. Schools that applied for sponsored kits will be notified of their status on Sep 30.
How do i preorder a purchased kit?
We still have some kits available for purchase! Fulfillment of these will occur in the order that payments are received.
What is the 2024-2025 Duke Energy Science Nights Timeline?
- Sponsored Kit Application Timeline:
- Aug 7 - Sep 25: Application period for sponsored kits.
- Sep 30: Schools that applied for sponsored kits notified of their status.
- Oct 4: Deadline for selected schools to confirm acceptance of sponsored kit.
- Purchased Kit Preorder and Prepayment Timeline:
- Aug 7 - Oct 23: Preorder and prepayment period for purchased kits. Payments received by Oct 23 will guarantee a program kit for your school.
- Oct 23 - 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:
- November (date TBA): Program Welcome and Overview webinar.
- December (date TBA): Event Planning webinar.
- January (date TBA): Program Resources Overview webinar.
- February (date TBA): Activity Overview webinar.
- February (date TBA): Program Kits ship to schools.
- April: Schools use their Activity Kits as part of the NC Science Festival.
- May: Schools submit participation numbers and program feedback.
What can I do if I have questions?
Please contact the NCSciFest team by email* (ncscifestschools@unc.edu) or by telephone (919-962-3274).
*Please add this email address to your contacts to ensure our messages are not caught in your spam filter.