Dissecting a frog in high school can be a traumatizing experience. Not only do you have to worry about your own personal feelings, but there's also a process to cutting open the dead animal (you know, so no bodily fluids spew) and it's all done under the pressure of high school peers. Ouch! Probably not the fondest memory for most folks. But second chances are a charm, right?

Those willing to give it another try, can do so during the North Carolina Science Festival, which kicks off today and continues at Discovery Place through April 21. If dissecting still isn't your thing, there's plenty more to do. There will also be demos about stars and constellations, meet and greets with amphibians and reptiles, and a special talk about the science behind the "powers" of some of pop-culture's leading superheroes. Geared towards children, but cool enough to entertain adults. Free with museum admission ($10-$12). Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261. www.discoveryplace.org.