Institute of Technology at the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 21–Sept. 1
A variety of Institute of Technology 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 experts and scholars in a wide range of fields. The Solar Vehicle Project will also be showcased in the Progress Center/Eco Experience Building off Randall Avenue near Commerce Street.
U of M Exhibit Stage Shows
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Scout Robots, Noon and 1 p.m.
This entertaining demonstration features a robot developed in the University of Minnesota's Center for Distributed Robotics that is currently being used by law enforcement and the military in search and rescue missions and reconnaissance deployments. The robot, called the Scout, is only about the size of a soda can, but is durable enough to break through a glass window and land safely and ready to begin its mission. The robot also has impressive technology such as sensors and cameras to help save lives in dangerous situations.
Thursday, Aug. 28
Medical Devices Center, Noon and 1:30 p.m.
Arthur Erdman, director of the U of M Medical Devices Center and Marie Johnson, director of the MDC Fellows Program will lead and 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. Then the presenters will give a brief overview of the historic development, relevance, and impact of those devices. The presenters will remain in the Science and Engineering area of the U of M exhibit after the stage presentation to answer questions.
Monday, Sept. 1
Physics Force, 10 and 11 a.m.
This group of wild and crazy physicists use highly visual and entertaining stunts to teach the elements of physics. 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.
U of M Exhibit Area
Thursday, Aug. 21
Department of Astronomy, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Discover the wonders of the sky in this exhibit from the Department of Astronomy. The exhibit will include many tools used by University of Minnesota astronomers including an infrared camera, 3D simulations and a telescope. Some activities from astronomy labs, information on Department of Astronomy sponsored events, and information about our research will also be part of the exhibit.
Friday, Aug. 22
Engineers Without Borders - University of Minnesota, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
No water, no toilets, no waste removal, no electricity! EWB-UMN provides unique opportunities to interdisciplinary teams of student engineers at the U of M to address these issues in developing countries around the world. Learn how EWB has successfully been working to implement environmentally and economically sustainable projects to improve quality of life of disadvantaged communities in Guatemala, Ghana, Uganda, and Haiti.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics: Minnesota Space Grant Consortium, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
This display by the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium will include items used by the high-altitude ballooning team including payload boxes and computer software for predicting where the balloons will go so they can be recovered. A video camera tethered balloon will be flown outside the building and shown on a monitor inside to demonstrate the capabilities of the technology. Come see the exciting display of spacecraft models, rocket launchers, and other space science activities!
Monday, Aug. 25
School of Earth Sciences, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
In this educational exhibit, find out why Minnesota has so many lakes! Geology expert and University of Minnesota professor Harvey Thorleifson, who also serves as director of the Minnesota Geological Survey, will be on hand to answer questions and help people understand the geology of our state from meteorites that fell from the sky more than a billion years ago to diamonds that may be under our soil.
Tuesday, Aug. 26 and Wednesday, Aug. 27
Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
The hydraulic hybrid passenger vehicle is a promising new concept that could have greatly improved fuel economy, better performance and lower cost than any other approach. In this hands-on exhibit, fairgoers will be able to see how a hydraulic hybrid vehicle captures and reuses energy. The award-winning exhibit was constructed by senior mechanical engineering students and is on loan from the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Thursday, Aug. 28
Medical Devices Center, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Come see the future of medical device research at the U of M. This display will include plasticized body systems, rapid prototyped parts and devices, a visible heart demonstration, and many surgical devices. Test their skill in retrieving kidney stones and experience muscle stimulation. Talk with experts and find out more about the state-of-the-art research that includes designing, prototyping and testing new medical devices.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Chemistry Department Outreach Program, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Chemistry is all around us. Come join the University of Minnesota Chemistry Outreach Program as we explore the everyday chemistry of your home. This exhibit features hands-on experiments to see how chemists have helped shape our lives. With us, you can explore basic polymers, acids/bases, and the chemistry behind some of the foods we eat.
University of Minnesota Solar Decathlon Team, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Imagine if your house and all the appliances in it were powered by nothing but the sun. A team of University of Minnesota students are making this dream a reality as they design, engineer and construct a fully functioning, sun-powered house. The U of M is one of only 20 international teams chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy to compete in the 2009 Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C., where the house will be displayed on the national mall. The U of M's entry “Icon Solar House” is a collaborative effort of students, faculty, staff and industry partners. Images and plans of the house will be on display, and students will explain various aspects of the project.
Sunday, Aug. 31
St. Anthony Falls Lab/National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
This exhibit highlights a dam removal and river restoration project from the world-reknowned University of Minnesota St. Anthony Falls Laboratory and National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics. The exhibit will feature a scale model of the Elwha River in the state of Washington. Come learn how scientists here at the University of Minnesota are researching the best ways to remove the dam without damaging the ecosystem.
University of Minnesota Solar Decathlon Team, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Imagine if your house and all the appliances in it were powered by nothing but the sun. A team of University of Minnesota students are making this dream a reality as they design, engineer and construct a fully functioning, sun-powered house. The U of M is one of only 20 international teams chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy to compete in the 2009 Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C., where the house will be displayed on the national mall. The U of M's entry “Icon Solar House” is a collaborative effort of students, faculty, staff and industry partners. Images and plans of the house will be on display, and students will explain various aspects of the project.
Monday, Sept. 1
Solar Vehicle Project, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
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, which just recently finished a 2,400-mile race across the United States and Canada. See the inner workings of the car and talk to members of the solar car team.
Department of Computer Science & Engineering Robots, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Discover how robots can keep us company, entertain us, and play with us. Interact with robot dogs, see how they follow commands, dance, and explore their environment. Learn about the state of the art in robotics and think about a future where robots will be commonly used.
Progress Center/Eco Experience Building
Thursday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 31
Solar Vehicle Project, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
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, which just recently finished a 2,400-mile race across the United States and Canada.