Labor Day weekend at the State Fair shines spotlight on U of M science projects

A range of University of Minnesota science projects will take center stage at the State Fair this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4-5. Fairgoers are invited to visit the U of M stage and building, located at the corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street, for a chance to explore the often surprising roles biology, chemistry and physics play in our lives.

In addition, representatives from the university’s Crookston campus will be on hand throughout the weekend to discuss the distinct programs the campus offers. U of M, Crookston alumni who stop by will receive a special memento.

Complete information is available at www.statefair.umn.edu. For the U of M Extension’s 4-H programming and events at the State Fair, go to www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-h/state-fair.

U of M State Fair highlights for Saturday, Sept. 4:

On the U of M stage

10 a.m. The Physics Force
11 a.m. The Physics Force
12 p.m. Cypher Coalition Hip-Hop
1 p.m. Juggling Club
2 p.m. Voices Merging
3 p.m. Juggling Club
4 p.m. Music with Radio K

U of M building exhibitors

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Student Sight Savers

Visitors to the Student Sight Savers exhibit will have the opportunity to get their vision tested and their eyes screened for early signs of eye disease. Screenings will be provided by medical student volunteers from the University of Minnesota and local ophthalmologists. Our goal is to provide this free service to Minnesotans and catch individuals with early signs of disease. Additionally, information will be available on common eye diseases as well as how to maintain good visual health.

9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Department of Chemistry Outreach Program

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.

9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Gopher Football Goal Line Club

The Goal Line Club, the Gopher Football booster club, will be offering information on membership.

9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Gopher Photos and Trophies

The University of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletics space features a pictorial review of all Gopher Sports. View Championship Trophies and watch a reel of highlight videos. Tickets are also available for purchase with exclusive specials.

9 a.m. - 9 p.m. University of Minnesota, Crookston

Visit with representatives from the Crookston campus of the University of Minnesota and learn about the distinct programs it offers. U of M, Crookston alumni, stop by and receive a special memento.

9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Biology Without Borders

Biology Without Borders is a Campus Life Organization at the University of Minnesota which serves to facilitate ethical volunteer experiences locally and abroad for undergraduate students. Students involved in the organization learn while working to address issues relating to biology.

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Parenting 2.0

Parenting 2.0 is a collaborative research project designed to improve our understanding of the ways in which, and the reasons that parents use technology. The project seeks to determine some of the processes that take place that impact parent learning online and the outcomes from parents’ use of technology. Data collected at this exhibit will be used to design, test and implement educational resources and applications for families.

1 - 5 p.m. Students Today Leaders Forever

Students Today Leaders Forever is a student group/nonprofit, founded at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, that reveals leadership through service, action, and relationships

3 - 9 p.m. The Aurora Center

The Aurora Center will provide literature and information on preventing relationship violence. Visitors will test their knowledge with a quiz, which will discuss common myths about forms of violence from the Green M&M Project, one of the center’s popular presentations. Prizes will be given to those who participate.

5 - 9 p.m. Youth Studies, School of Social Work

Introducing the Youth Studies program through exploring the myths of young people.

Sept. 5 on the U of M stage

10 a.m. U Swing Dancing
11 a.m. Omulu Capoeira Guanabara (Brazilian Martial Arts, Music & Dance)
12 p.m. Minne Ami Rueda
1 p.m. Omulu Capoeira Guanabara (Brazilian Martial Arts, Music & Dance)
2 p.m. U Swing Dancing
3 p.m. Minne Ami Rueda
4 p.m. Music with Radio K

Sept. 5 U of M building exhibitors

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Anatomy Bequest Program

Test your anatomy knowledge and see how the generosities of individuals who bequeath their bodies to the University of Minnesota impact the anatomy education of health practitioners. Interactive anatomy opportunities and educational information is available at this booth focusing on the importance and impact of whole body donation at the University of Minnesota.

9 a.m. - 9 p.m. College of Science and Engineering Solar Vehicle Project

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 won the 2009 Formula Sun Grand Prix, a closed-track race at MotorSport Ranch in Cresson, Texas. See the inner workings of the car and talk to members of the team.

9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Gopher Photos and Trophies

The University of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletics space features a pictorial review of all Gopher Sports. View Championship Trophies and watch a reel of highlight videos. Tickets are also available for purchase with exclusive specials!

9 a.m. - 9 p.m. University of Minnesota, Crookston

Visit with representatives from the Crookston campus of the University of Minnesota and learn about the distinct programs it offers. U of M, Crookston alumni, stop by and receive a special memento.

9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Gopher Women’s Basketball Fast Break Club

The Fast Break Club, the Gopher Women’s Basketball booster club, will be offering information on membership along with Gopher Basketball tattoos. Gopher Women’s Basketball Student Athletes will also be making appearances to sign autographs!

3 - 9 p.m. Clinical Neurosciences

Experience the power of academic medicine in caring for your brain at the University of Minnesota - through delivery of quality, compassionate care and discovering medical breakthroughs in clinical research. Stop by to tour healthy and diseased brains, gain knowledge about the neurosciences and ’spin the wheel’ to win a prize.