On September 24, GO-Science and East Carolina University (Division of Research and Graduate Studies, The Center for Science, Math, and Technology Education, and RENCI) partnered to host the Eastern Region NC Science Festival. It was held at the East Carolina Heart Institute at the ECU Medical School near the PCMH.

Over 50 exhibitors had hands-on fun programming from a Segway Human Transporter, to building a brain, creating your own hurricane, exploring biodiversity, a working steam engine, various live wildlife exhibits, DNA extraction, electrolysis and artifacts, and making your own biodiesel

BARC members participated with construction and radio demonstrations. Margaret McGuire, 12, KJ4RQG, was the BARC star. She demonstrated circuit board soldering techniques by building an AM/FM receiver. Cheryl McGuire, KJ4RQP, assisted Margaret with the demonstration. About 1500 young visitors from the Pitt County elementary schools with their parents and teachers attended the 3 hour fair.

Taylor Millar, W4WTM, operated the VHF/UHF radios and Murray Merner, K4MHM, demonstrated his Elecraft transceiver. Paul Fletcher, KS4YF, operated the HF radio in the Renic van while Doug Ferris, K4ROK, demonstrated digital modes. Dave Langley, W4YDY, assisted where needed and along with others, answered questions and explained Amateur Radio licensing requirements. John McCoy, K4KBB, also helped set up the BARC table but wasn’t able to stay for the Festival.

Margaret McGuire, KJ4RGQ, building an AM/FM radio.  Taylor Millar, W4WTM, operated the radio.

John McCoy, K4KBB, (with hat of course) checks out the working steam engine.  In the background is the BARC display.

The crowds started and are watching Margaret at work.

Taylor Millar, W4WTM and Margaret McGuire, KJ4RGQ

Taylor, W4WTM, explains Amateur Radio to visitors.

School children watching Margaret, KJ4RGQ, assembling the circuit board.  Cheryl, McGuire, KJ4RQP, explaining the process.

A view of the crowds from the BARC display area

Margaret, KJ4RGQ,   and Cheryl, KJ4RGQ, talking to visitors

Margaret, KJ4RGQ, demonstrating soldering techniques.

The crowds are getting larger in numbers!   Margaret, KJ4RGQ,  and Cheryl, KJ4RGQ, stayed very busy with the demo.

Some very interested students listening intently.

A bit of hands-on soldering by a visitor with close supervision by Cheryl, KJ4RGQ, and Margaret, KJ4RGQ.

More hands-on by a visitor.

Paul Fletcher, KS4YF, and Doug Ferris, K4ROK, demonstrated the Renaissance Computing Institute (Renci) at East Carolina University van at the festival.