KANNAPOLIS — A number of free, science-oriented events are offered this month at the N.C. Research Campus (NCRC) and in Kannapolis:
• Live and Learn Film Series
A free showing of the movie “Living Proof” will be held on April 16 at 7 p.m. in the DHMRI events room, 150 Research Drive. After the film, NCRC scientists will discuss the cancer research being conducted on campus. “Living Proof” stars Harry Connick Jr. as Dr. Dennis Slamon. The movie tells the story of the development and clinical trials of the breakthrough cancer treatment Herceptin that Slamon developed. More details on the movie and Herceptin are at http://ncresearchcampus.net/media-center/learn-and-live-film-series.aspx.
• State of the Studies
On Tuesday, April 17, from 2 to 7 p.m., the public is invited to an open house showcasing the clinical research at the NCRC. Tables, displays and activities will allow visitors to talk to representatives of the companies and institutions on campus. Panel discussions at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. will give visitors more insight into the importance of clinical studies to the development of new treatments for disease. The event is sponsored by the NCRC, Duke Translational Research Institute, the MURDOCK Study and Carolinas Medical Center NorthEast. More information is available at www.murdock-study.org.
• STEM Open House
On Friday, April 20, from 2 to 5 p.m., Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is sponsoring a STEM open house at its Biotechnology Training Center on the NCRC campus. Free, hands-on activities include forensic investigation mock-up, DNA isolation, the chemistry of making ice cream, building a radio station or robot and interactive computer demonstrations. Other demonstrations will feature a firetruck, energy generating bicycle and the school’s state-of-the-art Nursing SIM lab.
• Roger Day Sing Along
The Cheatham Nutrition and Cognition Lab at the UNC Chapel Hill Nutrition Research Institute on the NCRC is sponsoring Brain Train, a sing-along with award winning children’s entertainer Roger Day, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28.
• Events for Schools
Two events at the NCRC are specifically for school groups. Eighth-graders from Kannapolis City, Richmond County, Cabarrus County and Rowan County schools that are part of the BioMoto STEM Challenge are returning to the NCRC throughout April to have a second round of fitness testing at the Appalachian State University Human Performance Lab. The UNC Chapel Hill Nutrition Research Institute welcomes all Kannapolis City Schools kindergarteners for their annual Kindergarten Expo that will be held from April 17 to April 24.
• Community Events
Throughout Kannapolis even more events are taking place:
Plant Fun, Kannapolis Branch of the Cabarrus County Library;
Viva Verde Earth Festival, North Cabarrus Park;
STEM in the City, City of Kannapolis;
Rookie Science, Kannapolis Branch of the Cabarrus County Library;
A Moment of Science, Kannapolis City Schools.
A full listing of events is available at http://www.cityofkannapolis.com/celebratescience/.