Registration to begin soon for free summer science program

The half-day programs are designed for rising second graders to rising eighth graders, who participate in three different levels. The program for middle schoolers runs for just three days. The other two levels run for an entire week.

Each summer, the program centers around a theme. This year, it's electricity and magnetism. Kids will learn lessons and take part in lots of activities that focus on the theme.

Certified teachers lead the classes, which are designed to get kids excited about science. My older daughter has participated in this program for several years and has learned so much during each of the weeks. I've especially been impressed with the teachers who have run the programs.

Science in the Summer takes place at libraries, schools and other venues in 10 counties in North Carolina, including Wake, Durham, Johnston and Orange counties.

Registration begins March 7. And, as you can imagine for a free program, these fill up very quickly ... like sometimes minutes after registration opens. If you want your child to participate, I recommend you get online a few minutes before registration opens and start hitting refresh so you can capture the registration page as soon as it goes live and sign your child up. If you have multiple children, get somebody to help you. (I'm serious ... this fills up very quickly).

The program is held in partnership with Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Chapel Hill, but is completely unrelated to Morehead's popular summer camps.