Experience science like never before — talk to robots, witness honeybees in action, dive into colorful chemistry, and explore the fascinating science of anesthesia using a live cricket model.
These are just a few of the fun activities available to visitors who attend this year’s Science Everywhere Festival at UNC Greensboro. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. It features over 50 stations of interactive experiments, tours of science research labs, presentations by student and faculty scientists, a cardboard robot parade, food trucks, and more.
UNC Greensboro has hosted Science Everywhere for 12 years. The event contributes to the North Carolina Science Festival, a month-long, statewide celebration of science in April designed to engage youth with interactive activities and experiments and to encourage their pursuit of science-related careers.
“Science Everywhere is an opportunity for UNCG to welcome neighbors of all ages to our university to experience hands-on science and technology,” says Dr. Jerry Walsh, UNCG professor of chemistry and biochemistry and director of Science Everywhere. “Active engagement in science activities has been shown to lead young people to consider careers in science. We want kids to get involved, to perform experiments, and to learn some of the accomplishments of science — to inspire the next generation of scientists.”
Something for everyone
The Science Everywhere Festival draws thousands of attendees to campus each year and includes activities and exhibits for all ages and interests. Activities cover fields of study representing nearly all of UNCG’s colleges and schools including biology, chemistry, earth science, health, nursing, kinesiology, human development and family studies, art, and nanoscience.
Middle school and high school students enjoy designing and programming robots and touring chemistry or biology labs. The event also gives older students a taste of a college campus and the resources available to UNCG students. Favorite activities for elementary school children include taking part in an obstacle course that teaches them how their muscles work, learning about “creatures of the night,” and bringing home origami from a DNA learning activity or seeds to attract honeybees to their yards.
A particularly popular activity over the last four years has been the Cardboard Robot Parade, run by Teaching Resources Center Assistant Director Matt Fisher in the School of Education. In this arts experience, kids engineer wearable cardboard robot costumes with the help of UNCG students and then take part in a parade and a robot dance party at the end of the festival.
Festival attendees receive stamps for participating in activities in different sections on campus. Those with fully stamped cards receive t-shirts as prizes.
The UNCG Native American Student Association will also host its annual Spring Powwow on campus on the same day this year. The free event, which includes intertribal dancing and indigenous vendors selling crafts and food, will include its own Science Everywhere display.
While most Science Everywhere activities take place April 11, Greensboro residents will have one more opportunity on April 17 to get their science on at the Star Party at the Three College Observatory, where participants will get to peer through the 32-inch telescope, listen to a one-of-a-kind storyteller, and learn about the night sky.
Science Everywhere would not be possible without hundreds of UNCG faculty, staff, and student volunteers. Fourth-year chemistry student Jasmin Grillo, who is completing her third year as the festival’s student co-director, says the big lift is worth it.
“I’m one of the kids who went to programs similar to Science Everywhere, and it’s the reason I chose chemistry as my career goal. I’m giving back to the community something that will literally carry me throughout my lifetime.”
She says it is important for kids to engage with science outside of the classroom, in a more approachable context.
“We must give kids opportunities to see how science isn’t this super daunting thing. It’s everyday life, and it’s cool and fascinating.”
UNCG Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement Sherine Obare agrees, adding that the rich community event is particularly important in Greensboro. “As STEM and advanced manufacturing companies expand in our region, investing in workforce development is key to driving economic growth, strengthening communities, and preparing the next generation for high-impact careers,” says Dr. Obare.
“Inspiring kids by giving them hands-on opportunities with science and introducing them to working scientists is the first step in a pipeline that goes from elementary and high school to college education to careers in STEM. Building and strengthening that pathway is one of the reasons UNCG exists.”
by Sangeetha Shivaji and Becky Deakins, University Communications
photography by Sean Norona, Martin Kane, and Jiyoung Park, University Communications
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