Imagine chatting with Albert Einstein, building an underwater robot, lunching with a Nobel Laureate, or managing cargo in the space shuttle within a virtual reality environment. These are just a few of the many activities planned for the first USA Science & Engineering Festival. Organizers hope to have a million people join in across the nation, and the best part—IT’S ALL FREE.
Highlights of the USA Science & Engineering Festival include:
• More than 350 of the nation’s leading science and engineering organizations are partners including colleges and universities, corporations, federal agencies, museums and science centers, and professional engineering and science societies.
• More than 750 hands-on, interactive exhibits spanning aerospace, green energy, medicine, biotechnology, climatology, robotics, nanotechnology, botany, neuroscience, genetics, and many other scientific disciplines.
• Satellite events across the country held by universities, student science clubs, national laboratories, and a wide array of other organizations.
• Contests for schools and their students with cash prizes. Entries are being accepted for a “You CAN Do the Rubik's Cube Tournament” for K-12 teams in the greater Washington, D.C. area and a Video Contest challenging students to explore "Why Science is Cool."
Inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers is a big reason for hosting a giant science party on America’s front lawn. A new report by the National Science Board says that in 2007 foreign students on temporary visas earned 50 percent or more of all doctoral degrees awarded in engineering, physics, mathematics, and the computer sciences. Global security company Lockheed Martin, which employs approximately 71,000 engineers, is the festival host and has a strategic purpose for its support.
A free event for all ages; no tickets required; rain or shine
Locations: National Mall between 1st and 7th Streets; Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 12th and 14th Streets; Woodrow Wilson Plaza, Mellon Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History
Closest Metro Stops: Smithsonian and Federal Triangle
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These traditions continue today.