Baseball fans and science enthusiasts are in for a real treat on April 29 as the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) pairs up with the NC Science Festival to host NCRC STEM Night during a Kannapolis Cannon Ballers game. The evening at Atrium Health Ballpark is set to blend the thrill of the game with the marvels of science, providing attendees with both a sporting spectacle and an interactive educational experience.
As part of this special event, the ballpark will become a dynamic classroom with a variety of hands-on science exhibits. Patrons can look forward to engaging with STEM kits and receiving insights from real scientists on the premises. Carsyn Patton, UNC Nutrition Research Institute’s Event and Program Coordinator, enthusiastically endorsed the impact the event is seeking to make, telling City of Kannapolis, "This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible work happening at the NCRC and inspire the next generation of scientists."
In an effort to make science more accessible and fun, the NC Science Festival's sponsorship has allowed 100 free tickets to be distributed among local students and community organizations in Kannapolis. Selected for their achievements in STEM academically, students from Shady Brook Elementary School, AL Brown High School, Concord Lake STEAM Academy, and Northwest Cabarrus STEM program are among the beneficiaries. The distribution included Big Brothers Big Sisters program, encouraging community-wide participation in this combined effort of education and entertainment.
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity in education, Megan Bame, an Extension associate at NC State University Plants for Human Health Institute, noted the significance of the event's venue and setting, saying, "STEM should be engaging and accessible for everyone," "Bringing science to the stadium will provide a memorable experience that will spark curiosity in young minds and provide a shared experience for families." The science activities are scheduled to take place between innings and all around the concourse, with contributions from knowledge-harboring institutions such as UNC Nutrition Research Institute, NC State’s Plants for Human Health Institute, UNC Charlotte, NC A&T, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and NC Central University, as per the City of Kannapolis.
For those looking to combine their love for home runs with homemade experiments, NCRC STEM Night promises to turn a day at the ballpark into an opportunity to dive headfirst into the world of science. With key institutions taking the field to educate and inspire, the crossover between sports and STEM on April 29 may just be the perfect pitch for families seeking to hit a home run in learning while rooting for their team.
