Topics Related to Earth and Space Science

How do hurricanes affect weather patterns in coastal and inland areas of NC?

Phenomenon Description: Hurricane Impacts on Coastal and Inland NCLocation: Carteret County, Morehead CityGrade Level or Course: 7th grade

Why does water quality vary along the Neuse River from Raleigh to New Bern?

Phenomenon Description: Variations in water quality in the Neuse River BasinLocation: Wake County, Raleigh  Grade Level or Course: 8th grade 

Why do you find water rapids and other unique hydrological and geological features at Raven Rock State Park?

Phenomenon Description:  The fall line is a geologic boundary between the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain. Location: Cumberland, Harnett and surrounding Counties, Raven Rock State ParkGrade Level or Course: Earth and Environmental Science 

Why does North Carolina experience earthquakes?

Phenomenon Description:  North Carolina often experiences minor earthquakes, but the state is not located near a tectonic plate boundary. Location:  North Carolina Grade Level or Course: Earth and Environmental Science 

Why does this bear-shaped shadow only appear during certain times of the year?

Phenomenon Description: The Shadow of the Bear is a seasonal optical illusion observed around sunset in mid-October through early November and late winter.Location: Jackson County, near Cashiers, NC, Whiteside Mountain Grade Level or Course: Grade 3   

Why do leaves change color in the fall?

Phenomenon Description:  In the fall, the green color in the leaves goes away, and we start to see the bright reds, oranges, and yellows that were hiding inside all along. Location: Wake County, Wake Forest Grade Level or Course: Kindergarten

How can a panel made of glass and silicon turn invisible sunlight into usable electricity?

Phenomenon Description: Solar panel farm in Robeson County, NCLocation: Robeson CountyGrade Level or Course: Earth and Environmental Science 

What’s the difference between a tilled field and a no-till field after a heavy rain or a long drought?

Phenomenon Description: Tilled vs Non-tilled SoilLocation: Rockingham County, Reidsville  Grade Level or Course: Earth and Environmental Science Other Related Questions:How does tilling affect erosion, runoff, and the health of nearby rivers and streams?Why do some farmers say that not tilling the soil actually makes it healthier over time?Why have farmers tilled their fields for centuries and what made some start questioning it?