Monday, November 09, 2020

Registration is open for “The Future is Intense,” a week of online STEM activities leading to the celebration of Youth Climate Action Day on Dec. 5, 2020. The free program is presented by UNCW MarineQuest and sponsored by the NC Science Festival.
 
Join scientists, engineers and educators online as they lead hands-on, family-friendly STEM activities Nov. 30-Dec. 4 from 6-7:30 p.m. to build knowledge of our changing climate and how it affects us. Discover connections between the ocean and climate, and learn about the impacts of climate change on important marine habitats.
 
The activities lead up to the virtual Youth Climate Action Day celebration on Dec. 5 at 3:30 p.m. Register for the week of activities at this link. All events will be held via Zoom, so families who wish to participate should download the application and create an account. Interested families should register soon so that there is time for them to receive their STEM activities kits.
 
The keynote speaker for the virtual event will be Danielle Lawson ’12, ‘15M, an assistant professor at Penn State University in recreation, park and tourism management and science education. She will share her research into how children and teens can affect their parents’ views on climate change.
 
“The purpose of the event is to encourage families to talk about climate change with each other while educating them on some of the science related to it. Our hope is that kids will feel empowered to engage in climate action,” said Sue Kezios, director of youth programs. “Additionally, the program will help make the community aware of research and outreach by UNCW faculty and staff to address the problem.”
 
The family STEM activities are appropriate for children as young as 6 through middle school. Teens, especially, are encouraged to participate. Participants are also invited to submit poetry, songs and artwork inspired by our changing climate. Select works will be featured during the event.
 
-- Tricia Vance
 
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