Engaging Communities: Duke Energy Grants Bring Science to Life in Greene County Middle School

Amy Pitts, a Senior Geologist for Education and Outreach, recently visited 8th graders at Greene County Middle School as part of the NC Science Festival Sci Match program. During her visit, she engaged students in hands-on science activities that sparked their interest in the field. At West Greene, the school organized a special science night for families, made possible by a grant from Duke Energy. This event aimed to provide students and their families with an opportunity to engage in science-based activities together.

The school’s Assistant Principal, Samantha Haislip, expressed her excitement about the event, noting that the grant from Duke Energy allowed them to host a Duke Energy Science Night. The grant provided materials for ten different science-based activities that families could enjoy. In addition to the hands-on activities, the school also offered science read-aloud sessions, parent EOG sessions, and even a green screen experience. Families were given stamp cards upon arrival, with the opportunity to earn stamps by participating in various activities.

One highlight of the evening was a hot dog dinner for families, which fostered a fun and relaxed environment for interaction with teachers and staff. To encourage participation, families could enjoy dinner once they accumulated 5 stamps, and those who collected 10 stamps received a free Lego Education kit. The event was a success, with 53 Lego kits distributed and approximately 150 people in attendance. Overall, the Science Night at West Greene provided a memorable and educational experience for families in the community.