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A variety of College of Science and Engineering (CSE) exhibits will showcase the relevance of science, engineering, and mathematics to people's everyday lives at the Minnesota State Fair, Thursday, August 23, through Monday, September 3. The University of Minnesota exhibit on Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street will feature students and faculty in a range of fields, including chemistry. CSE faculty and students will also be featured during STEM Day at the Fair, Thursday, August 23, in Carousel Park and in the Eco Experience Building. Check out the Center for Sustainable Polymers' exhibit, watch chemistry demonstrations, and join our students showing how exciting chemistry can be with demonstrations and hands-on experiments.
Thursday, August 23—Monday, September 3 Center for Sustainable Polymers, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Eco Experience Building—Randall Avenue and Cosgrove Street
We see the ads for compostable chip bags or plastics made from plants, but did you know that the University of Minnesota is leading the way in sustainable plastic research? These plastics are part of a transition our society is experiencing as we move from petroleum-based plastics toward more sustainable plastics. In this exhibit running throughout the State Fair, professors, students, and staff affiliated with the University's Center for Sustainable Polymers will discuss how plants are an important new resource for plastics, packaging, and products we use every day.
Thursday, August 23 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Day at the Fair, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. UMN Chemistry Shows: 11 a.m. and 4 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. The main stage events include the University of Minnesota's Physics Force show and demonstrations by the University's Alpha Chi Sigma Chemistry Fraternity.
Monday, August 27 Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE)–Professional Chemistry Fraternity Stage Shows: 10-10:45 a.m. and 11-11:45 a.m. U of M Stage—Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
Chemistry is an experimental science. Come join the University of Minnesota student chapter of the professional chemistry fraternity Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE) for a series of live demonstrations that illustrate just how exciting chemistry and science can be. During the show they will also explain the “magic” behind these visually stunning feats by connecting what you see with basic principles of chemistry in an easy-to-understand way.
Tuesday, August 28 Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE)–Professional Chemistry Fraternity, 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 student chapter of the professional chemistry fraternity Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE) as they explore the everyday chemistry of your home. This exhibit features hands-on experiments to see how chemists have helped shape our lives. In this exhibit, you can explore basic polymers, acids/bases, and the chemistry behind some of the foods we eat.
For a complete schedule of College of Science & Engineering activities at the fair, visit the CSE website.