February 15, 2025

Discover Engineering Day with UNCC

Enjoy activities throughout the Full Museum—all included with General Admission!

In celebration of National Engineers Week, Discovery Place Science and the William States Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte present Discover Engineering Day on February 15.

From addressing global challenges to driving technological advancements, engineers use their creativity and expertise to make our lives more efficient, comfortable and connected.

To highlight engineering, UNC Charlotte faculty and students will lead interactive, drop-in workshops and presentations at Discovery Place Science.

Activities

Seeing Sound Through Fire | Morning (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) & Afternoon (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
At the intersection of Science, Engineering, and Art, a Ruben’s Tube is used to display wavelength and frequency by sending sound waves through ignited gas, creating beautiful peaks of fire! Interact with the display by playing music on a keyboard and see how the wavelengths change with each key press.

Build a Straw-cture | Morning (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) & Afternoon (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
“Build a Staw-cture” is a fun and creative activity where kids use straws to build structures. From simple towers to intricate designs, this hands-on experience encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and imagination. A great way to explore engineering concepts while having a blast!

Colorful Coders | Morning (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) & Afternoon (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Colorful Coders event features a playful robot that senses different colors and performs unique movements based on what it detects. Watch as it jumps, spins, and reacts to each color in a fun and exciting way!

How Computer Programs Work | Morning (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) & Afternoon (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Explore how a computer runs a program with a hands-on experience where you take on the role of a computer processor! You will learn how a computer receives it’s instructions and stores data in memory using mailboxes and letters.

ASCE Concrete Figurines | Afternoon (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Representatives from ASCE will show off the different material components of the steel bridge and concrete canoe projects that the organization works on and competes with. There will be a hands-on activity where the members will make small figurines/models out of concrete, to show how working with these construction materials goes!

Regenerative Neural Engineering | Morning (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) & Afternoon (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
UNC Charlotte students and researchers demonstrate the science behind regenerative neural engineering.

Neural Engineering | Morning (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) & Afternoon (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Join us for exciting neural engineering activities where you can control objects with your brain! Experience claw control, person-to-person control, and DIY neural prosthetics for an unforgettable adventure.

3D Printing Explorers: Discover the Future of Making | Morning (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Step into the fascinating world of 3D printing and uncover how innovative technology turns ideas into reality. In this hands on experience, guests will explore the basics of 3D design, see cutting edge printers in action, and learn how this transformative process is shaping the future of manufacturing, art, and engineering. Perfect for curious minds ready to create and discover!

Explore Wind Power | Morning (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Discover the power of wind energy through an interactive demonstration by UNC Charlotte’s collegiate wind competition team. Build your own turbine and see the prototype the team has been working on!

Hydropower Demonstration | Morning (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Water can be used in many ways, even the unexpected. See how the force of water can be used to create electricity!

Taking Engineering to New Heights: Rocketry at UNC Charlotte | Morning (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Come check out our most recent rocket, a 6’2″ high powered rocket that was launched in November. The entire rocket was designed, built, and launched by members of the Charlotte Rocketry Club. The group will also share prototypes of different rocket parts, electronics from the rocket, and a trifold to give even more information about how YOU can get into rocketry.