After months of planning, organizers of Sunday’s UNC Charlotte Science and Technology Expo were able to witness the results of their work. More than 5,000 people filled the plaza in front of the Student Union to explore the 100-plus activities for the science-curious of all ages.
UNC Charlotte faculty members, in conjunction with community organizations, provided hands-on science activities, engineering demonstrations, as well as computer and software explorations, lab tours in the life sciences and STEM education activities.
“Our free, public Science and Technology Expo was the finale for UNC Charlotte’s participation in the 2014 North Carolina Science Festival,” said Jim Hathaway from the Research and Economic Development Office, which sponsored the University's participation, along with five colleges. “It was definitely a group effort that was organized and executed by a large committee of 23 representing academic units in science and technology, as well as community affairs and University communications from the Division of University Advancement.”
Hathaway added that nearly 300 expo staff and student volunteers were on hand Sunday to present activities during the event.
In addition to the Student Union Plaza, expo exhibitors used space in the area around Woodward Hall and the colleges of Education and Health and Human Services and the upper area near Halton Arena.
The University’s participation in the statewide Science Festival also included seven lectures, four films/discussions and a festival "star party."
Photos by Aaron Cress