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.