Koontz Elementary School was filled of energy and enthusiasm as more than 100 parents and students participated in Duke Energy Science Night.

Koontz families kicked off the evening with Cici’s pizza, then rotated through 10 hands-on science activity stations that explored science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Community volunteers, along with Koontz teachers, organized the activities.

Families shared the experience of learning more about STEM topics. The stations included:

• Gas-Powered Rockets.

• Light the Way.

• Sound Sandwiches.

• Capillary Flowers.

According to a news release, several students have already asked when the next science night will be held.

Koontz teachers said the festivities gave them opportunities to work closely with students and get to know their families better, all while completing engaging projects.

Duke Energy Science Nights are an educational initiative of the 2019 North Carolina Science Festival.

Koontz was one of 170 schools across North Carolina selected to host the Science Night from among 350 that applied. Diane Davies helped lead the activities.

The Duke Energy Foundation seeks to invest in initiatives that emphasize STEM, including programs that increase access to and participation in STEM-related out-of-school education programs.

The North Carolina Science Festival is produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For more information about the Festival, visit www.ncsciencefestival.org.