Come see the College of Science and Engineering at the Minnesota State Fair

Contact:

Rhonda Zurn, College of Science and Engineering, (612) 626-7959, rzurn@umn.edu

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (08/06/2014)—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. 21—Monday, Sept. 1

Green Chemistry and Engineering, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Eco Experience Building—Randall Avenue and Cosgrove Street
From the development of safer chemical products and processes to the creation of chemicals and materials from renewable resources, energy efficiency initiatives, and efforts to minimize waste and prevent pollution, a new exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair will focus on green chemistry and engineering. The multi-faceted exhibit, featuring the University of Minnesota’s Department of Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and the Center for Sustainable Polymers, includes informative displays highlighting the latest research and teaching, and hands-on activities for young people.

Thursday, Aug. 21

Solar Vehicle Project, 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 a solar car built by University undergraduate students that finished second in the cross-country American Solar Challenge race last month. See the inner workings of the car and talk to members of the solar car team. Also hear about plans for the team's new two-seated car that will compete in the 2015 World Solar Challenge.

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. Exhibitors will include University of Minnesota students with the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium and the UMN GOFIRST student robotics team. The main stage events include the University of Minnesota's Physics Force show and demonstrations by the University's student chapter of the professional chemistry fraternity Alpha Chi Sigma (AXS).
UMN Physics Force: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
UMN Chemistry Shows: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 22—Sunday, Aug. 24

International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM), 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Education Building—V21 Cosgrove Street
iGEM is a team of University of Minnesota undergraduate students interested in synthetic biology, an emerging field that combines biology and engineering. At the exhibit, you will learn about the dangers of mercury found in water around mining areas and see a device prototype the iGEM team made to help solve the problem. iGEM will also have a photo booth where you can dress up as a microbiologist and take pictures with plush microbes! UMN College of Science and Engineering students will be among students from throughout the University staffing the exhibit.

Friday, Aug. 22

Women in Mathematics, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
This exhibit is focused on helping us appreciate math in our everyday lives. Interactive card tricks will teach "outside-the-box" thinking that is needed when approaching math problems. Hands-on origami paper folding will also help bring geometry to life in fun and interesting ways.

Saturday, Aug. 23

Tesla Works, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
We all love science! But can it be used to surprise or entertain us? This exhibit has physics demonstrations such as the Ruben's Tube and Slayer Exciter that have both entertained and surprised spectators for years. Through these demonstrations you will see physics concepts come to life.

Gopher Motorsports, 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 undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota. Come see the latest vehicle which took 21st place in Michigan against 120 other international Formula SAE teams. Visit with team members and learn more about performance engineering at the University!

Sunday, Aug. 24

Engineers Without Borders, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Engineers without Borders (EWB) provides unique opportunities to interdisciplinary teams of students to address issues in developing countries. Learn how the University of Minnesota chapter of EWB has successfully implemented environmentally and economically sustainable projects. Students are currently focusing on issues within communities in Uganda, Guatemala and Bolivia.

Department of Chemistry Outreach Program, 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 Chemistry Outreach Program and explore the chemistry in your everyday life. You’ll participate in hands-on experiments that explore acids and bases, and learn about the chemistry of the foods you eat, all while understanding how chemists shape the world. We look forward to exploring chemistry with you!

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.

Monday, Aug. 25

GOFIRST, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
GOFIRST, a robotics-oriented student group at the University of Minnesota, will display various robots, including one that flies and one you can drive yourself! Visit the GOFIRST booth to see student-built robots and to learn how you and your children can get involved with robotics.

Tuesday, Aug. 26

Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Civil, environmental, and geo- engineering fields encompass issues associated with the built and natural environment. This includes transportation networks, buildings, bridges, water/wastewater systems and the development of geo-resources. Important issues that these types of engineers address include health and safety of the public, hazard prevention and mitigation. This interactive exhibit features demonstrations on water treatment, quicksand, earthquake effects and transportation networks.

Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Discover the wonders of the sky in this exhibit from the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics at the University of Minnesota. The exhibit will include many tools used by University of Minnesota astronomers including an infrared camera, 3D simulations and a telescope. Meteorites, activities from astronomy labs, and information about our astronomy events and research will also be part of the exhibit.

Wednesday, Aug. 27

Minnesota Geological Survey/ Department of Earth Sciences, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
At this educational exhibit hosted by the University of Minnesota School of Earth Sciences and Minnesota Geological Survey, you can learn about how geology not only explains why Minnesota has so many lakes, it also controls our drinking water supply while shaping 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.

Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
This interactive exhibit will feature various technical projects including a high-pressure water turret, electroluminent suits and more. The exhibit also includes hands-on tutorials on the basics of electrical engineering using Snap Circuits. Be sure to get your photo taken with our stuffed panda mascot, Kiki, in the photobooth!

Thursday, Aug. 28

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 University of Minnesota. This display will include body part models, rapid prototyped parts and devices, a visible heart demonstration with a video showcasing the Atlas of Human Heart Anatomy, a laparoscopic trainer with various instruments, demo 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. Experimental Surgical Services, Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, The Visible Heart Lab, Center for Research in Education and Simulation Technologies, and the Medical Devices Center will be on-site throughout the day.

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.

Medical Devices Center, STAGE SHOW: Noon and 1 p.m.
U of M Stage—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Medical Devices Center Medical Devices Center Innovation Fellow John Ballard 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. 29

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 visitors. You can also learn how the IMA is among the world's most influential math institutes and meet a few of the visiting mathematicians.

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, Aug. 30

Alpha Chi Sigma, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Ever wonder how a lava lamp works or why oil and water just won’t mix? Chemistry is all around us, and it can help answer these questions. Come join University of Minnesota’s student chapter of the professional chemistry fraternity Alpha Chi Sigma (AXS) as they explore chemistry in our daily lives. This exhibit features hands-on experiments that relate chemistry to your life as they explore the chemical principles of density and polarity.

Alpha Chi Sigma, STAGE SHOWS: 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.
U of M Stage—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Some call it “magic”…they call it chemistry. Come join University of Minnesota’s student chapter of the professional chemistry fraternity Alpha Chi Sigma (AXS) in exciting—and rather explosive—live demonstrations of basic chemical principles. During the show they will explain the science behind these seemingly magical feats by taking what you see and applying these basic chemical principles in an easy-to-understand way.

Sunday, Aug. 31

MnDRIVE, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
U of M Exhibit Building—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Everybody loves robots! This interactive exhibit will include a robotics demonstration featuring a humanoid robot and an interactive motion sensing game. Learn about the State of Minnesota's new initiative in supporting advanced robotics, sensing and advanced manufacturing as part of the MnDRIVE initiative. Meet with researchers at the University of Minnesota who are working toward advances in robotics, sensing and advanced manufacturing.

Monday, Sept. 1

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 a solar car built by University undergraduate students that finished second in the cross-country American Solar Challenge race last month. See the inner workings of the car and talk to members of the solar car team. Also hear about plans for the team's new two-seated car that will compete in the 2015 World Solar Challenge.