Missouri State Fair Kicks-Off Science With a New Show Me Robots Exhibit
Posted by GSDispatch Editor in Community, GSD Online
A first ever Show Me Robots exhibit will kick-off the Missouri State Fair’s new three day focus on science starting at noon on Thursday, August 20 at the Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall. The exhibit will provide hands-on experiences for 4-H youth as well as fairgoers in regards to science and technology and its relationship to agriculture.
Bill Pabst, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, said the free exhibit will showcase a wide variety of robotic applications and opportunities. “We will have exhibits, demonstrations and contests featuring robotics from school-age youth all the way through employment and the workplace,” he said.
Technology buffs will enjoy the high-tech entertainment of robot demonstrations and hands-on robot activities as well. Robots will range in size from miniature to large-scale versions that will be demonstrated outside.
Sponsors of the three days of science are Monsanto, Science and Citizens Organized for Purpose and Exploration (SCOPE) and Missouri 4-H. Among other participants are St. Louis Science Center Segways, St. Louis area Robotics Group, Kansas City Robotics Society, University of Missouri-Precision Agriculture, Whiteman Air Force Base- Explosive Ordinance Detachment and Boeing.
Thursday, August 20 is also $2 day and features $2 Fair admission and concession discounts.
Science highlights will continue on Friday, August 21, named Missouri Electric Cooperative Day, “Our Energy, Our Future”. Innovative exhibits will be on display in the MEC Building from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a special focus on science throughout the fairgrounds surrounding green initiatives.
Jason Lindsey, award-winning outreach science educator and host of television show Hooked on Science will be presenting a Go Green Show on Friday at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the Kids Stage. Science demonstrations will also be on the Consumer Showcase Stage located in the Home Economics Building by SCOPE at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Wrapping up science at the Fair on Saturday, August 22 will be a Mentos Soda Launch at 2 p.m. at the Pepsi Grandstand in-field. Participants will experience a fountain of MOre fun and possibly set a world record while experimenting with Pepsi soda and Mentos candy.
The launch, sponsored by SCOPE, will provide free 4-H ponchos, 2 liter bottles of Pepsi and Mentos candy to the first 2,500 participants, line up starts at 1 p.m. with city officials present to authenticate the record.
The Missouri State Fair in Sedalia runs through August 23 offering affordable family entertainment. A regular adult admission ticket is $8, senior is $6 and children 12 and under are free, and parking is free.
More information on the three day focus on science along with daily schedules is available at the Fair’s Web site www.mostatefair.com.
