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INL Science and Engineering Expo - Learning Wrapped in Fun

Every year since 2000, thousands of students, teachers and parents - some from as far away as Pocatello - have come to Idaho Falls for the annual INL Science and Engineering Expo.

The event is an exciting combination of learning and fun. The 2006 INL Science and Engineering Expo, Sept. 21 - 23, promises to be as popular as ever. This year, INL is partnering with the Museum of Idaho to bring "Energy Synergy" to students in grades 6 through 8. The Expo will be staged at 1545 W. Broadway - the site of the former Ernst Building on the west side of Idaho Falls.

Students learn about Einstein's contributions during the Science and Engineering Expo exhibit last fall. This year's Expo will happen Sept. 21-23, and opportunities abound for volunteers.

Why has the Expo made learning so popular? Consider that this year:

• NASA Education will present "Tools of the Aeronautical Trade," demonstrating how engineers use math and science design new aircraft. Students will construct a "ring wing glider" and test wing shapes using a catapult launcher.
• INL and Wind Powering America will present information on harnessing wind power and feature the Wolverine Canyon wind farm southeast of Idaho Falls.
• S.M. Stoller's Environmental Surveillance Education and Research Program will present live animals and show how they adapt their environment. A mammal with sharp hair? A snake in disguise? An amphibian that may sleep for six years at a time? This demonstration will illustrate special features and behaviors that help animals survive southeastern Idaho's extreme climate.
• The state of Idaho, Division of INL Oversight and Radiation Control, will present hands-on demonstrations of the different types of radiation.
• And, the Traveling Science Roadshows will have presentations by Lee Marek, whose "Weird Science" has been featured on the "Late Show with David Letterman" and other TV programs, and Dr. Steven Shropshire, Idaho State University physics professor.

In all, the Expo will have scores of educational exhibits and demonstrations.

A student participates in a liquid nitrogen demonstration during last year's event. This year's Expo provides plenty of interactive exhibits designed to educate and entertain.

The Expo is divided into two activity phases:

• Student Days, Thursday and Friday, Sept. 21 and 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., are reserved for school classes in grades 6 through 8.
• Family Day, Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is free and open to the public.

The Expo plays a prominent role in the development portion of the Governor's Science and Technology Plan. It is a scientific extravaganza of high-impact, inquiry-based education and community outreach experience that exposes students, their teachers and parents to a wide and diverse range of potential careers in science, math, engineering and technology.