2019 CSE at the Minnesota State Fair

Child at State Fair interacting with test tube from CSE

More than 20 CSE exhibitors will be featured throughout the fair

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (08/14/2019) — 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.

Thursday, Aug. 22–Monday, Sept. 2

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.

Thursday, Aug. 22

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.
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.
"CoRobotic Printing: Can you outperform a surgeon?"
9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets

This project presented by Timothy Kowalewski, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and research assistant Rebecca Smith seeks to understand how humans interact with autonomous handheld robots at high speeds and precision.

Friday, Aug. 23

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!

Saturday, Aug. 24

Minnesota Robotics Institute/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 presented by mechanical engineering researchers Nichole Morris and Curtis Craig 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.

Sunday, Aug. 25

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 presented by mechanical engineering researchers Nichole Morris and Curtis Craig 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

Assistant professor of computer science Evan Suma Rosenberg explores how two people using virtual reality communicate when one person has to guide another person through a virtual environment.

Monday, Aug. 26

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!

Tuesday, Aug. 27

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

Evan Suma Rosenberg, assistant professor of computer science, along with graduate fellow Courtney Hutton, 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!

Wednesday, Aug. 28

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.

Thursday, Aug. 29

Women in Mathematics
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street

This exhibit is focused on helping all of us appreciate math in our everyday lives. We have interactive activities, games, and tricks for fair-goers to learn about symmetry and pattern in mathematics. Highlights include origami paper and spirographs!
University of Minnesota Robotics
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street

This exhibit features a variety of robots built by college students, including Bot Shot, a basketball-shooting robot featured during the Final Four college basketball championship weekend. Also, see Lego robots that you can drive yourself and learn about STEM opportunities for students of all ages.
"Guided Navigation in Virtual Reality"
2:30–9 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets

Assistant professor of computer science Evan Suma Rosenberg explores how two people using virtual reality communicate when one person has to guide another person through a virtual environment.
"Create you own 3D avatar"
9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 2:30–9 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets

Join Hyun Soo Park, assistant professor of computer science, and learn to dance while artificial intelligence creates a 3D avatar for you.

Friday, Aug. 30

Gopher Motorsports: University of Minnesota Formula SAE
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street

Visit the Gopher Motorsports booth to see, touch, and sit in the student-designed and built race car. Ask the team about the simulation, testing, and design process and learn more about how STEM education can be applied to your passions.

Physics Force
10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
U of M Stage—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street

Join the Physics Force, a group of wild and crazy physics teachers, who use highly visual and entertaining demonstrations to educate and entertain. Their blend of slapstick comedy and science is fun and educational for audiences of all ages. Learn a thing or two while you laugh!
"CoRobotic Printing: Can you outperform a surgeon?"
2:30–9 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets

This project presented by Timothy Kowalewski, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and research assistant Rebecca Smith seeks to understand how humans interact with autonomous handheld robots at high speeds and precision.
"Create you own 3D avatar"
9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 2:30–9 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets
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Join Hyun Soo Park, assistant professor of computer science, and learn to dance while artificial intelligence creates a 3D avatar for you.

Saturday, Aug. 31

Gopher Motorsports: University of Minnesota Formula SAE
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street

Visit the Gopher Motorsports booth to see, touch, and sit in the student-designed and built race car. Ask the team about the simulation, testing, and design process and learn more about how STEM education can be applied to your passions.
Physics Force
10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
U of M Stage—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets

Join the Physics Force, a group of wild and crazy physics teachers, who use highly visual and entertaining demonstrations to educate and entertain. Their blend of slapstick comedy and science is fun and educational for audiences of all ages. Learn a thing or two while you laugh!

Sunday, Sept. 1

Solar Vehicle Project Team
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads 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. See the inner workings of a solar car built by University undergraduate students that competed in the World Solar Challenge and the American Solar Challenge.
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM)
9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets

Have you ever wondered about the intersection of the LGBQIA+ community and STEM, or how the University of Minnesota is welcoming LGBTQ+ diversity in STEM? Come learn all the answers and win some prizes during trivia with Out in Science, Technology, and Math (oSTEM), a University of Minnesota student group that empowers LGBTQ+ people in STEM to succeed personally, academically, and professionally.
"Toys Designed and Tested by Kids for Kids"
9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets

Children between 18 months and five years can test toys designed by engineering students at UMD and others used in the Early Problem Solving Indicator (EPSI) test, a standard measure of cognitive child development. The child, with parents present, will play with each toy for two minutes while being videotaped to see how they use their hands in play. The child also can work with a design engineer to create their ideal toy out of re-moldable foam that they can take home.

Monday, Sept. 2

Solar Vehicle Project Team
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads 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. See the inner workings of a solar car built by University undergraduate students that competed in the World Solar Challenge through the Australian Outback
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street

Make paper airplanes and check out a variety of student-designed vehicles with students from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) - University of Minnesota Student Branch. Talk with students and learn more about aerospace engineering!
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers-University of Minnesota Student Chapter
3-9 p.m.
U of M Crossroads Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street

Learn about science and technology in our world in a fun and exciting way! This exhibit features a variety of engaging and educational scientific activities for curious visitors of all ages, including electrostatics, weather, and much more.
"Toys Designed and Tested by Kids for Kids"
9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Driven to Discover Building—Cooper and Cosgrove Streets

Children between 18 months and five years can test toys designed by engineering students at UMD and others used in the Early Problem Solving Indicator (EPSI) test, a standard measure of cognitive child development. The child, with parents present, will play with each toy for two minutes while being videotaped to see how they use their hands in play. The child also can work with a design engineer to create their ideal toy out of re-moldable foam that they can take home.