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Contact:
Rhonda Zurn, College of Science and Engineering, (612) 626-7959, rzurn@umn.edu
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (08/14/2012)—A variety of College of Science and Engineering exhibits will showcase the relevance of science, engineering, and mathematics to people's everyday lives at this year's Minnesota State Fair. The University of Minnesota exhibit on Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street will feature students and faculty in a wide range of fields. College of Science and Engineering faculty and students will also be featured during STEM Day at the Fair in Carousel Park and in the Eco Experience Building.
Thursday, Aug. 23—Monday, Sept. 3
Center for Sustainable Polymers, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Eco Experience Building—Randall Avenue and Cosgrove Street
We see the ads for compostable chip bags or plastics made from plants, but did you know that the University of Minnesota is leading the way in sustainable plastic research? These plastics are part of a transition our society is experiencing as we move from petroleum-based plastics toward more sustainable plastics. In this exhibit running throughout the State Fair, professors, students, and staff affiliated with the University's Center for Sustainable Polymers will discuss how plants are an important new resource for plastics, packaging, and products we use every day.
Thursday, Aug. 23
GO FIRST Robotics Team, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Robots everywhere! GO FIRST, a student group at the University of Minnesota that works with robots of all shapes and sizes (even some that fly!) They will be showcasing some of their favorite robots. Come see the flying robot and play with a variety of other robots!
The Physics Force, STAGE SHOWS: 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
U of M Stage—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Jack and Hank are wild and crazy physicists who are original members of The Physics Force. They use highly visual and entertaining demonstrations to teach elements of physics. The Physics Force goes above and beyond (literally) to educate and entertain. Their blend of slapstick, prop comedy and science is fun and educational for audiences of all ages.
STEM Day at the Fair, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Carousel Park—front of the Grandstand
Experience science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in a fun and interactive environment at the annual STEM Day at the State Fair in Carousel Park. Visitors will be able to engage in hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations. The main stage events include the University of Minnesota's Physics Force show and demonstrations by the University's Alpha Chi Sigma Chemistry Fraternity.
UMN Physics Force: 9 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.
UMN Chemistry Shows: 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 24
Center for Distributed Robotics, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
This entertaining and interactive exhibit features a variety of robots developed at the University of Minnesota's Center for Distributed Robotics, including an underwater robot that is currently being used in the Gulf of Mexico to monitor the water quality after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This robot takes samples of water at different depths and carries them back to complete its mission. Also see other robots that can climb stairs, tumble and fly!
Saturday, Aug. 25
Polar Geospatial Center, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Penguins, polar regions, and pictures. You'll get this and much more when visiting the Polar Geospatial Center (PGC) exhibit. Come marvel at maps, collages and videos of our research in places like Antarctica, the coldest, highest, and driest place on Earth. PGC research helps us understand the extreme geography and climate of the continent on the bottom of the globe. Learn how the North Pole is more than just Santa Claus. Meet a dynamic region of glaciers, permafrost and sea ice. All this and much more will be a part of the exhibit.
Sunday, Aug. 26
Innovative Engineers, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Come and see how Innovative Engineers is extending the reach of renewable energy to the developing world. The exhibit includes an interactive display which invites visitors to spin a 1kW wind turbine and generate electricity. The exhibit also includes informational displays and handouts of the work that Innovative Engineers is currently doing around the world.
Monday, Aug. 27
Department of Civil Engineering, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
You heard about the major earthquakes in recent years in Japan and New Zealand, now you can make your own earthquake at the Minnesota State Fair! Come and get a printout of the ground motion that you can generate at this interactive booth and learn about how the vibrations that you generate compare to a real earthquake. Find out what the University of Minnesota is doing to better design structures to withstand the devastating effects of earthquakes through research at the College of Science and Engineering's Department of Civil Engineering National Science Foundation NEES Multi-axial Subassemblage Testing Laboratory on campus.
Center for Transportation Studies, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
The Center for Transportation Studies and the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Institute exhibits transportation-related attractions at the Minnesota State Fair. Play Gridlock Buster, an interactive traffic-control game and Distraction Dodger, an online game designed to help teens and young adults understand the importance of concentrating on driving. Also play Transportation Jeopardy! which will be emceed by Don Theisen, Washington County public works director.
Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE)–Professional Chemistry Fraternity, STAGE SHOWS: 10-10:45 a.m. and 11-11:45 a.m.
U of M Stage—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Chemistry is an experimental science. Come join the University of Minnesota student chapter of the professional chemistry fraternity Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE) for a series of live demonstrations that illustrate just how exciting chemistry and science can be. During the show they will also explain the “magic” behind these visually stunning feats by connecting what you see with basic principles of chemistry in an easy-to-understand way.
Tuesday, Aug. 28
Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE)–Professional Chemistry Fraternity, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Chemistry is all around us. Come join the University of Minnesota student chapter of the professional chemistry fraternity Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE) as they explore the everyday chemistry of your home. This exhibit features hands-on experiments to see how chemists have helped shape our lives. In this exhibit, you can explore basic polymers, acids/bases, and the chemistry behind some of the foods we eat.
Center for Transportation Studies, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
The Center for Transportation Studies and the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Institute exhibits transportation-related attractions at the Minnesota State Fair. Play Gridlock Buster, an interactive traffic-control game and Distraction Dodger, an online game designed to help teens and young adults understand the importance of concentrating on driving.
Wednesday, Aug. 29
Eolos Wind Energy Research Station at St. Anthony Falls, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Come see the latest in wind energy research by the Eolos Wind Research Consortium, part of the University of Minnesota. The Eolos exhibit includes a model wind farm, animated data analysis, and live footage of the Eolos wind turbine. Meet real scientists and researchers, and learn about the complexities of wind turbine technology including blade deformation, ice build-up, wake effects, and biological influences.
Thursday, Aug. 30
Medical Devices Center, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Come see the future of medical device research at the U of M. Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, The Visible Heart Lab and the Medical Devices Center will be on-site throughout the day. This display will include body part models, rapid prototyped parts and devices, a visible heart demonstration and interaction with 3D anatomical models. Talk with experts and find out more about the state-of-the-art research that includes designing, prototyping, and testing new medical devices.
Medical Devices Center, STAGE SHOW: 5 p.m.
U of M Stage—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Medical Devices Center Innovation Fellow alumnus David Amor will lead an interactive presentation on how medical devices help the human body. Audience members will have an opportunity to match specific medical devices with their proper location in the human body and suggest the proper function of that device using a life-sized "Operation" game replica.
Friday, Aug. 31
Observational Cosmology Lab, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
This amazing exhibit by the University of Minnesota's Observational Cosmology Lab in the School of Physics and Astronomy showcases various technologies and techniques used by the University of Minnesota to examine the beginning of the Universe. Exhibitors will demonstrate the levitating properties of superconductors as well as the polarization properties of light in the visual and millimeter bands.
Saturday, Sept. 1
Formula SAE Car Team, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
In this exhibit you will see a high-performance race vehicle capable of nearly 2 Gs designed and built by undergraduates at the University of Minnesota. Come see the latest vehicle designed for a competition in Michigan against 120 other Formula SAE teams. Visit with team members and learn more about becoming a part of performance engineering on the Formula SAE team at the University!
Engineers Without Borders-UMN Student Chapter, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
No water, no toilets, no waste removal, no electricity! EWB-USA provides unique opportunities to interdisciplinary teams of students to address these issues in developing countries around the world. Learn how the UMN chapter of EWB has successfully implemented environmentally and economically sustainable projects. The students have partnered with disadvantaged communities to improve sanitation and recycling in Haiti, fix water distribution pipelines in Honduras, and provide a clean water supply in Guatemala and Uganda.
Institute for Mathematics and its Applications, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Math is the answer to understanding our world, making new discoveries, and addressing the challenges facing our society, our industries, and our planet. In this Institute for Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) exhibit there will be fun, hands-on activities for you to crack a code, play the infamous Traveling Salesman game, and more. Learn how the IMA is among the world's most influential math institutes and meet a few of the visiting mathematicians.
The Physics Force, STAGE SHOWS: 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
U of M Stage—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Jack and Hank are wild and crazy physicists who are original members of The Physics Force. They use highly visual and entertaining demonstrations to teach elements of physics. The Physics Force goes above and beyond (literally) to educate and entertain. Their blend of slapstick, prop comedy and science is fun and educational for audiences of all ages.
Sunday, Sept. 2
Solar Vehicle Project team, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
A car that can travel on power from the sun may sound like science fiction, but it is a reality at the University of Minnesota. Come see the latest solar car built by University undergraduate students that competed in the 2012 cross-country American Solar Challenge race. See the inner workings of the car and talk to members of the solar car team.
Monday, Sept. 3
Solar Vehicle Project team, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
A car that can travel on power from the sun may sound like science fiction, but it is a reality at the University of Minnesota. Come see the latest solar car built by University undergraduate students that competed in the 2012 cross-country American Solar Challenge race. See the inner workings of the car and talk to members of the solar car team.
