IT goes to the State Fair

Institute of Technology at the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 23–Sep. 3

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 new Science and Engineering area of the University of Minnesota exhibit on Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street will feature experts and scholars in a wide range of fields from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. each day. The schedule of exhibits and stage shows from Institute of Technology departments and centers includes a hydraulic hybrid car exhibit, dam removal model, everyday chemistry experiments, astronaut training, sample meteorites, quicksand display, magnetic levitation, robot demonstrations, and much more.

Stage Shows

Wednesday, Aug. 29

Physics Force, 10 a.m. 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.

Scout Robots, 11:30 a.m. and 12:15 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.

Friday, Aug. 31

Astronaut Training – Minnesota Space Grant Consortium, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Learn a little bit about becoming an astronaut in this "Astronaut Training" session by the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium. See a one-person hovercraft that is used to simulate the friction-free aspect of being in orbit. Selected audience members will have an opportunity to ride the hovercraft to try various tasks while "on-board," including using gyroscopes (spinning bicycle wheels) for orientation control and rocket engines (CO2 fire extinguishers) for thrust.

Science and Engineering Exhibit Area

Thursday, Aug. 23

School of Earth Sciences, 9 a.m.-noon
Learn about what geology tells us about the formation of our state or find out why Minnesota has so many lakes in this educational exhibit from the University of Minnesota School of Earth Sciences. 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 from the public 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.

Institute of Technology Center for Educational Programs, noon-5 p.m.
Learn math while having fun with shapes. This exhibit from the Institute of Technology Center for Educational Programs features math-related activities using puzzle-like educational tools called tangrams and polydrons. Students of all ages will enjoy this activity. Pencil sharpeners given away, while supplies last.

Department of Chemistry, 5-9 p.m.
Chemistry is happening all around us every day. Join the University of Minnesota Chemistry Department as we unlock some of its secrets. This exhibit will feature hands-on experiments for chemists of all ages. Examine common chemistry in the kitchen, the chemical content of different beverages, everyday polymers, and much more. Use chemistry to write secret messages, solve mysteries, compare sunscreens, and make hampster toothpaste! Pencils given away, while supplies last.

Friday, Aug. 24

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 simulation and a telescope. Some sample meteorites, activities from astronomy labs and information about research will also be part of the exhibit.

Saturday, Aug. 25

Department of Chemistry, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Chemistry is happening all around us every day. Join the University of Minnesota Chemistry Department as we unlock some of its secrets. This exhibit will feature hands-on experiments for chemists of all ages. Examine common chemistry in the kitchen, the chemical content of different beverages, everyday polymers, and much more. Use chemistry to write secret messages, solve mysteries, compare sunscreens, and make hampster toothpaste! Pencils given away, while supplies last.

Monday, Aug. 27

Department of Civil Engineering, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
This engaging exhibit from the University of Minnesota's Department of Civil Engineering geared toward middle and high school students gives young people an inside look into the exciting world of intelligent transportation systems, earthquake research, structural engineering, transportation planning and design, groundwater mechanics and environmental engineering. The exhibit will feature a quicksand display, smoke tunnel, and model bridges.

Tuesday, Aug. 28

Minnesota Space Grant Consortium/Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
This exciting display from 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. For children, the display will feature spacecraft models, rocket launchers and other space science activities.

Department of Chemistry, 3-9 p.m.
Chemistry is happening all around us every day. Join the University of Minnesota Chemistry Department as we unlock some of its secrets. This exhibit will feature hands-on experiments for chemists of all ages. Examine common chemistry in the kitchen, the chemical content of different beverages, everyday polymers, and much more. Use chemistry to write secret messages, solve mysteries, compare sunscreens, and make hampster toothpaste! Pencils given away, while supplies last.

Wednesday, Aug. 29

Observational Cosmology Laboratory, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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.

Center for Distributed Robotics, 1-3 p.m.
Find out more about robots by asking questions from experts who have developed the Scout and Loper robots at the University of Minnesota. The Scout robot is currently being used by law enforcement and the military in search and rescue missions and reconnaissance deployments. This soda-can-sized robot is durable enough to break through a glass window and land ready to begin its mission, but also has impressive technology such as sensors and cameras to help protect soldiers and police officers in dangerous situations. Also see the Loper, a unique robot that loves climbing steps.

School of Earth Sciences, 3-9 p.m.
Learn about what geology tells us about the formation of our state or find out why Minnesota has so many lakes in this educational exhibit from the University of Minnesota School of Earth Sciences. 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 from the public 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.

Thursday, Aug. 30

St. Anthony Falls Laboratory/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. After the dams were built in the early 1900s for hydroelectric power and flood control, it became apparant that they devasted the river’s salmon population. In 1994, it was decided that removal of the dams was the best option. Scientists here at the University of Minnesota are researching the best ways to remove the dam without damaging the ecosystem. Pens and key chains given away, while supplies last.

Friday, Aug. 31

St. Anthony Falls Laboratory/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. After the dams were built in the early 1900s for hydroelectric power and flood control, it became apparant that they devasted the river’s salmon population. In 1994, it was decided that removal of the dams was the best option. Scientists here at the University of Minnesota are researching the best ways to remove the dam without damaging the ecosystem. Pens and key chains given away, while supplies last.

Saturday, Sept. 1

University Nanosat-5 Project Goldeneye, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
This student-developed exhibit from the University of Minnesota Nanosat-5 Project features a student-built satellite called Goldeneye. In orbit, Goldeneye will validate the concept of using GPS as a radar for monitoring conditions on Earth. GPS signals reflected off Earth can provide information about conditions on the Earth's surface, which can aid in activities such as transportation safety, agriculture and urban planning. Over the next two years students will build and test the satellite and plan to compete in a national competition in 2009.

Sunday, Sept. 2

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 first-hand 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.

Monday, Sept. 3

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 first-hand 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.