Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019, Noon through Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019, 2 p.m.
Telescopes aren’t just for night observing. Bell astronomy staff will have a variety of our solar telescopes out on our observation deck for safe solar viewing. Note: These events are weather dependent (we need clear skies for observing the Sun); if the weather does not allow for solar viewing, events will be canceled.
Free with gallery admission. Tickets are available on site or online.
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019, 4:30 p.m. through Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019, 6 p.m.
Mechanical Engineering Building, Room 1130
Mechanical Engineering Alumni Network: Window on the Brain
Learn how a mechanical engineering faculty member's research could provide new insight for human brain conditions like concussions and dementia.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering invites you to join us for our summer 2019 Mechanical Engineering Alumni Network event, Window on the Brain, featuring the research of Assistant Professor Suhasa Kodandaramaiah. Dr. Kodandaramaiah has developed a unique 3D-printed transparent skull implant for mice that, for the first time, allows researchers an opportunity to watch activity of the entire brain surface in real time.
The device, called a See-Shell, enables brain research that could provide new insight for human brain conditions such as concussions, dementia and Parkinson's disease. Hear about one of their first studies using the See-Shell, which examines how mild concussions in one part of the brain affect other parts of the brain as it reorganizes structurally and functionally.
You Must RSVP To Attend - RSVP HERE!
4:30-5 p.m. - Meet and Greet
5-6 p.m. - Presentation
Questions? Contact Jennifer Clarke at jclarke@umn.edu or 612-626-9354.
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, 5 p.m. through Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, 8:30 p.m.
Bell Museum Extended Hours: August 21
Take in the Bell Museum at night!
Our late/extended hours offer additional viewing time to check out the museum’s fascinating galleries and special exhibits all included with general admission.
Visit the far reaches of the universe, see a glimpse of the diversity of life on Earth, travel back in time to meet a woolly mammoth, tour the entire state of Minnesota, and learn about University of Minnesota researchers and citizen scientists imagining a better future.
Solution Studio
Scientists use creativity every day. Meet researchers from the University of Minnesota who are using their imagination to solve real challenges facing people and the planet.
In the Solution Studio, let your creativity run wild as you work to solve challenges inspired by this cutting edge research. We provide the materials and tools, you bring the big ideas and a willingness to explore, create, experiment, and share!
Join Joe Knight and Dan Heins from the University’s Remote Sensing & Geospatial Analysis Labratory to learn about drones.
Planetarium
You can also take an immersive journey in the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium (planetarium ticket fees apply).
6 pm: Minnesota in the Cosmos
7 pm: Minnesota Night Sky
Click here for tickets and availability.
Advance tickets for planetarium shows are available up to three weeks ahead of time via the link above. If you are a current Bell member, please log in first, to receive your discounted tickets.
Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, 9 a.m.
CSE at the Minnesota State Fair
A variety of College of Science and Engineering exhibits will showcase the relevance of science, engineering, and mathematics to people’s everyday lives at the 2019 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 Dan Patch Park, the Eco Experience Building, and the U of M's Driven to Discover research building.
- Minnesota Geological Survey/Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
At this educational exhibit, you can learn how geology not only explains why Minnesota has so many lakes, but also controls our drinking water supply and shapes our landscape as a whole. University of Minnesota Professor and State Geologist Harvey Thorleifson will be on hand at selected times throughout the day to answer questions and help people understand the geology in their back yard, as well as statewide.
- University of Minnesota Energy Club
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Learn about energy efficiency by creating your own electricity using the Energy Club's Power Bike and see how many light bulbs you can power. The group will also be showcasing a solar powered miniature city!
- Innovative Engineers
3 p.m.-9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Learn how to design effective wind turbine blades by building them hands on! Test different forms and shapes to see which blades will spin the fastest and produce the most energy. Learn how wind, a renewable energy source, can be generated into electricity that powers anything from a toaster in your home, to charging electric vehicles.
- STEM Day at the Fair
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Dan Patch Park—next to the Grandstand
Fair guests get an up-close look at intriguing, interactive adventures through 35 science, technology, engineering, and math education providers and business supporters brought to the Fair by SciMathMN, Minnesota’s STEM education advocacy organization. Several University of Minnesota science and engineering faculty, staff, and students are involved in STEM Day at the Fair. You can program robots, design features for a State Fair building, explore bioremediation, track wild animals, learn about the physics of flight, play with air pressure and rocketry, challenge your math skills with hands-on activities, and more! The stage entertainment includes performances by the U of M Physics Force and Raptor Center along with The Bakken Museum, and others.
- "CoRobotic Printing: Can you outperform a surgeon?"
9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets
This project seeks to understand how humans interact with autonomous handheld robots at high speeds and precision.
- Center for Sustainable Polymers
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Eco Experience Building—Randall Avenue and Cosgrove Street
Learn about bioplastics at this interactive exhibit. Plastic products are a major part of everyday life but are plagued with problems including their petroleum-based origins and end-of-life pollution. This new exhibit at the Eco Experience building showcases the work of the Center for Sustainable Polymers by illustrating the differences between traditional plastics and bio-based plastics. The multi-faceted exhibit includes displays highlighting the latest research and hands-on activities for fair visitors.
Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, 9 a.m.
CSE at the Minnesota State Fair
A variety of College of Science and Engineering exhibits will showcase the relevance of science, engineering, and mathematics to people’s everyday lives at the 2019 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 Dan Patch Park, the Eco Experience Building, and the U of M's Driven to Discover research building.
- Minnesota Institute for Astrophyics (MIfA) and Observational Cosmology Lab
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Discover the wonders of the Universe! This exhibit will demonstrate tools and techniques that astronomers use in their work. Highlights include demonstrations with an infrared camera, spectral tubes, real meteorites, and more! In addition, the Observational Cosmology Lab will showcase various technologies and techniques used by EBEX, a telescope which flew around Antarctica on a helium balloon to help us understand the beginning of the Universe.
- National Society of Black Engineers
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Enjoy some family fun and learn about the chemistry behind making ice cream. Make your polymer putty and experience some magical tricks using math!
- Center for Sustainable Polymers
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Eco Experience Building—Randall Avenue and Cosgrove Street
Learn about bioplastics at this interactive exhibit. Plastic products are a major part of everyday life but are plagued with problems including their petroleum-based origins and end-of-life pollution. This new exhibit at the Eco Experience building showcases the work of the Center for Sustainable Polymers by illustrating the differences between traditional plastics and bio-based plastics. The multi-faceted exhibit includes displays highlighting the latest research and hands-on activities for fair visitors.
Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, 9 a.m.
CSE at the Minnesota State Fair
A variety of College of Science and Engineering exhibits will showcase the relevance of science, engineering, and mathematics to people’s everyday lives at the 2019 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 Dan Patch Park, the Eco Experience Building, and the U of M's Driven to Discover research building.
- MnDRIVE Robotics, Sensors, and Advanced Manufacturing
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Everybody loves robots! This interactive exhibit will include robotic demonstrations featuring a humanoid robot, robots for search and rescue, and robots you can program with a pen and paper! Meet with researchers and learn about the State of Minnesota's initiative in supporting advanced robotics, sensing, and advanced manufacturing as part of the MnDRIVE initiative.
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
In this interactive exhibit, you will learn about the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering’s research related to topics including soil liquefaction and design of structures to withstand earthquakes. The American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter will have displays describing student activities including the Steel Bridge and Concrete Canoe competitions.
- Food and Bioproducts Engineering Student Organization
9 a.m.-9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Stop by the FaBEO booth for hands-on environmental activities! Experiment with renewable energy and learn about bio-based plastics. Chat with students about the intersections of chemistry, biology, and physics in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering.
- "Why did the chicken cross the RCI?"
9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.–9 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets
This project proposes developing clear and reproducible methods for engaging community members regarding upcoming road treatments for greater stakeholder support. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four conditions—basic education, video education, testimonial, or driving simulation to learn about restricted crossing u-turn intersections and provide feedback.
- Center for Sustainable Polymers
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Eco Experience Building—Randall Avenue and Cosgrove Street
Learn about bioplastics at this interactive exhibit. Plastic products are a major part of everyday life but are plagued with problems including their petroleum-based origins and end-of-life pollution. This new exhibit at the Eco Experience building showcases the work of the Center for Sustainable Polymers by illustrating the differences between traditional plastics and bio-based plastics. The multi-faceted exhibit includes displays highlighting the latest research and hands-on activities for fair visitors.
Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019, 9 a.m.
CSE at the Minnesota State Fair
A variety of College of Science and Engineering exhibits will showcase the relevance of science, engineering, and mathematics to people’s everyday lives at the 2019 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 Dan Patch Park, the Eco Experience Building, and the U of M's Driven to Discover research building.
- She is MechE (SME)
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Design high performance paper airplanes with the women in the mechanical engineering student group She is MechE (SME). This interactive exhibit will include folding demonstrations, conversations about fluid flow, and the option of competing with your airplane for prizes! Meet SME board members and learn about their initiatives to support women in mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota.
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE), University of Minnesota Chapter
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Enjoy fun, hands-on activities to explore science and engineering with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), a student organization at the University of Minnesota. Experiment with a robotic prosthetic hand and snap circuits!
- IEEE Women in Engineering, University of Minnesota Student Chapter
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Play specialized video games that women from the University of Minnesota Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have programmed. The group will have a variety of student-made games that can be played on phone apps and through wired circuit boards.
- Alpha Chi Sigma-Professionals in the Chemical Sciences, University of Minnesota Student Chapter
3-9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
The world of chemistry surrounds us every day! Stop by to participate in interactive, hands-on experiments exploring how chemistry plays a vital role in our daily lives. See beautiful color changes, vanishing Styrofoam, and more while discovering the science behind each demonstration. There's something to learn for everyone!
- "Why did the chicken cross the RCI?"
9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 2:30 –9 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets
This project proposes developing clear and reproducible methods for engaging community members regarding upcoming road treatments for greater stakeholder support. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four conditions—basic education, video education, testimonial, or driving simulation to learn about restricted crossing u-turn intersections and provide feedback.
- "Guided Navigation in Virtual Reality"
2:30–9 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets
We are exploring how two people using virtual reality communicate when one person has to guide another person through a virtual environment.
- Center for Sustainable Polymers
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Eco Experience Building—Randall Avenue and Cosgrove Street
Learn about bioplastics at this interactive exhibit. Plastic products are a major part of everyday life but are plagued with problems including their petroleum-based origins and end-of-life pollution. This new exhibit at the Eco Experience building showcases the work of the Center for Sustainable Polymers by illustrating the differences between traditional plastics and bio-based plastics. The multi-faceted exhibit includes displays highlighting the latest research and hands-on activities for fair visitors.
Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, 9 a.m.
CSE at the Minnesota State Fair
A variety of College of Science and Engineering exhibits will showcase the relevance of science, engineering, and mathematics to people’s everyday lives at the 2019 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 Dan Patch Park, the Eco Experience Building, and the U of M's Driven to Discover research building.
- Tesla Works
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
The Tesla Works student group will showcase projects that include building rocket engines, electric bikes, and an R2D2; launching a weather balloon; and making fire dance to music. Learn about the CSE Winter Light Show the group organizes on campus every year. See cool demos and join in the science!
- Center for Sustainable Polymers
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Eco Experience Building—Randall Avenue and Cosgrove Street
Learn about bioplastics at this interactive exhibit. Plastic products are a major part of everyday life but are plagued with problems including their petroleum-based origins and end-of-life pollution. This new exhibit at the Eco Experience building showcases the work of the Center for Sustainable Polymers by illustrating the differences between traditional plastics and bio-based plastics. The multi-faceted exhibit includes displays highlighting the latest research and hands-on activities for fair visitors.
Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, 9 a.m.
CSE at the Minnesota State Fair
A variety of College of Science and Engineering exhibits will showcase the relevance of science, engineering, and mathematics to people’s everyday lives at the 2019 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 Dan Patch Park, the Eco Experience Building, and the U of M's Driven to Discover research building.
- Chemistry Outreach Program
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Chemistry is all around us! Join the University of Minnesota Chemistry Outreach Program and explore chemistry in your everyday life. You'll participate in some hands-on experiments while understanding how chemists shape the world.
- Engineers Without Borders–University of Minnesota Chapter
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Learn how student engineers are implementing environmentally and economically sustainable international projects. The group will highlight partnerships with communities in Guatemala and Ethiopia, where students source, treat, and distribute safe water.
- "Top Drone"
2:30–9 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets
Explore the power of augmented reality! Plan a path for a drone through a mixed reality obstacle course using some of the latest technology. Help us discover which interface is the most effective!
- Center for Sustainable Polymers
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Eco Experience Building—Randall Avenue and Cosgrove Street
Learn about bioplastics at this interactive exhibit. Plastic products are a major part of everyday life but are plagued with problems including their petroleum-based origins and end-of-life pollution. This new exhibit at the Eco Experience building showcases the work of the Center for Sustainable Polymers by illustrating the differences between traditional plastics and bio-based plastics. The multi-faceted exhibit includes displays highlighting the latest research and hands-on activities for fair visitors.
Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, 9 a.m.
CSE at the Minnesota State Fair
A variety of College of Science and Engineering exhibits will showcase the relevance of science, engineering, and mathematics to people’s everyday lives at the 2019 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 Dan Patch Park, the Eco Experience Building, and the U of M's Driven to Discover research building.
- Earl E. Bakken Medical Devices Center
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
See the future of medical device research at the University of Minnesota. This display will include a Da Vinci Surgical Robot, rapid prototyped parts and devices, interactive displays and 3D visualization using 3D glasses. Talk with experts and find out more about the state-of-the-art research that includes designing, prototyping and testing new medical devices. Medical doctors running the Da Vinci Surgical Robot, Minnesota Supercomputing Institute and the Medical Devices Center will be on-site throughout the day.
- Center for Sustainable Polymers
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Eco Experience Building—Randall Avenue and Cosgrove Street
Learn about bioplastics at this interactive exhibit. Plastic products are a major part of everyday life but are plagued with problems including their petroleum-based origins and end-of-life pollution. This new exhibit at the Eco Experience building showcases the work of the Center for Sustainable Polymers by illustrating the differences between traditional plastics and bio-based plastics. The multi-faceted exhibit includes displays highlighting the latest research and hands-on activities for fair visitors.