Drones, Data, and Deep-Fried Doughnuts: STEAM at the Great New York State Fair #MakerEducation
The Scientific American Blog highlights the new STEAM exhibit that will be showcased at the upcoming New York State Fair up in Syracuse from August 23rd through September 4th.
Fairgoers to the 2017 Great New York State Fair will have more than Ferris wheels and horse shows waiting for them this year. The Fair will feature a new STEAM exhibit highlighting the latest and greatest from the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. A state fair may not seem like an obvious place to see drones or 3D printers, but Mel Chesbro – the State Fair Coordinator – thinks that it presents a perfect opportunity. That is why she and the sponsors from C&S Companies fought to have the exhibit greet fairgoers right as they walk through the doors.
The exhibit will be in the recently restored Science and Industry Building, one of the most high-traffic paths through the Fair. The eight booths will feature a daily rotation of New York companies itching to give young fairgoers a hands-on introduction to the unexpected side of a life in science. The Fair has a long history of combining learning and fun at the agricultural exhibits, encouraging fairgoers to get hands-on (or even elbows-deep) with the activities. Chesbro is excited to bring the same approach to the STEAM booths. Fairgoers will have a chance to try something new, maybe touch some things they wouldn’t otherwise be allowed to touch, and just have fun. Time for some “edu-tainment.”
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