Gaston County Schools offers 17 magnet schools and academies that focus on careers, college prep, leadership, healthcare, the fine arts, and STEAM education. Applications accepted from January 12 through March 6, 2026, with lottery scheduled for April 2, 2026.

The annual North Carolina AQ-IQ Contest for seventh grade combines S.T.E.A.M. education and project-based learning with student creativity to teach air pollution science to students across the state. Students create projects that educate others about an air quality challenge and provide solutions. Projects can be artistic, online/interactive, posters, or videos. Special topic categories for 2025-2026 include Open Burning, Celebrating Ten Years of Success, and Adventures of the Air Avenger. Best projects in each of seven regions will be selected in early May and invited to the Air Expo and AQ-IQ Recognition Ceremony in July 2026. Open to all seventh-grade students in North Carolina including home, charter, and private schools. Students can work in groups of up to four.

Dive into Spring Break fun at our award-winning camps designed for future scientists grades pre-k to 6th. Join us March 16 - 20, 2026.

A day-long workshop focused on using information about solar and wind energies to teach state standards. Teachers who participate will receive STEAM lesson plans for teaching about renewable energy and supplies including solar and wind energy education kits.

Adult trivia night event at Wonderscope children's museum. Evening filled with laughter, playful competition, and prizes. All proceeds support the Wonderscope Wonder Fund, which provides underserved families access to STEAM-rich programs, exhibits, summer camp scholarships, and field trip funding for Title 1 schools. Sponsorship opportunities available.

The 11th Annual Curiosity and Learning Conference is a gathering of educators passionate about transforming STEAM learning for ALL students of all ages. The conference features hands-on activities, innovative workshops, and inspirational talks from incredible leaders in education, highlighting how curiosity drives learning across disciplines including robotics, art, math, and creative inquiry. Described as a 'farmers market of innovative & inspiring learning,' attendees will have conversations with amazing educators and engage in immersive and joyful learning experiences. The event includes multiple agenda items: The Curiosity Lab sessions (9:00-10:00 AM and 10:40 AM-12:50 PM), and a group panel on 'How to Support Sensemaking for ALL Learners' (10:10-10:40 AM). Duration is 4 hours, suitable for all ages, and held in person. Refunds available up to 7 days before the event.

Teen-led art and mathematics program for elementary students (grades 1-4, ages 6-11). Teens in grades 9-11 can apply to lead hands-on art and math sessions. Application period: February 1-28, 2026. Materials provided by library including Brainflakes, Snap Circuits, paper and glue products, and various art and math supplies.