February 3, 2012
Category: Festival Partner
Popular Science, one of the leading sources of news in technology, science, gadgets, space, green tech and more, is returning as a key Media Partner with the Festival!
In doing so, PopSci joins a growing list of other top science media leaders who will be serving as Festival sponsors, including Popular Mechanics, Scientific American, MIT's Technology Review, Chemical & Engineering News, School Tube.com, ENGINEERING.com, EE Times and PBS Kids.
PopSci has been a major source of science and technology news since its award-winning magazine Popular Science was founded back in 1872. Its online version, PopSci.com, was launched in 1999, and in 2008 this site was redesigned and upgraded to give viewers even more up-to-the-minute tech news and insightful commentary on new innovations, and even scientific angles on the hottest Hollywood movies and stories.
Returning from its stint as a valued Media Partner in the 2010 Festival, Popular Science, like other key media sponsors in next year's event, will run advertisements pro bono via their respective media outlets which will play a key role in not only giving the Festival heightened visibility on a national and international scale, but also will help the event recruit for new satellite venues and participation in the Expo, contests and other activities.
Published by the Bonnier Magazine Group (which also publishes Science Illustrated), Popular Science is long known for its commitment to journalistic excellence in reporting on the latest in innovation, while giving readers an insightful look into what the future of technology holds.
Says Gregg Hano, Senior Vice President of Bonnier Corporate Sales & Technology Group, "We invest in that vision with our media properties everyday, and supporting the USA Science & Engineering Festival is one more way for us to ensure that the next generation will have the skills, knowledge and interest to deliver on that bright future."
We thank Popular Science and our other Media Partners for their valued participation!
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February 1, 2012
Category: Festival Book Fair
"The periodic table is the universal catalog of everything you can drop on your foot"
--Theodore Gray
You have the amazing opportunity to hear from best-selling author
Theodore Gray at this year's
USA Science and Engineering Festival Book Fair! Gray will be speaking at the Teen Non-Fiction
Festival Stage at 11:50 am on Saturday, April 28th. His newest book is Theodore Gray's
Elements Vault: Treasures of the Periodic Table with Removable Archival Documents and Real Element Samples - Including Pure Gold! Gray's other books,
The Elements and
Mad Science, are international bestsellers, as is the wildly popular
The Elements for iPadebook.
Theodore Gray's Elements Vault picks up where The Elements left off. Organized into the nine major groups of the periodic table, including the alkali metals, the alkali earth metals, the transition metals, the nonmetals, the metalloids, the halogens, the noble gases, the actinides, and the lanthanides, Elements Vault includes all new text, new photographs, and even more information about the elements.
Elements Vault also includes 20 removable historic documents related to the elements and the field of chemistry, such as Einstein's famous letter to Roosevelt explaining the potential of uranium for use in nuclear weapons, a genuine advertisement for lithium-laced 7UP soda, Mendeleev's original notes on the periodic table, and more. Each of these documents is individually packaged in an envelope attached to the book page. The document can be removed and handled and then put back into the book for safekeeping. Also included is a gorgeous 20″ x 10″ poster of the unique rainbow spectrum emitted by each element in the periodic table.
Along with all the information and fascinating facts about the elements, readers will discover the irresistible dry wit and humor of chemist and Popular Science contributor Theodore Gray. Cecil Adams, of "The Straight Dope" says, "Gray...has attained a level of near superhuman geekery that the rest of us can only mutely admire."
"Even if this book weren't absolutely gorgeous, it would still be a worthwhile investment because of how well it works as Coffee Table Education. This is when you leave a book lying around that is so tempting the kids pick it up and start learning stuff without even being asked! Delightful."
--Wired's "GeekDad"
For more information about the Festival Featured Author Theodore Gray visit our website and once again don't miss out on the opportunity to hear Gray in person on April 28th.
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January 30, 2012
Category: USA Science & Engineering Festival
By Larry Bock
Founder and organizer, USA Science & Engineering Festival
Tinkering -- that hands-on, garage-based tradition which sparked inventions ranging from the airplane and electric light bulb to the Apple computer -- is making a comeback among average Americans, promising to change our lives for the better on several fronts.
Known by such monikers as DIY (Do It Yourself) and the Maker Movement, its resurrection, fueled by the current economic downturn and the falling cost of high-tech tools and materials, stands not only to boost innovation and change how science is taught in the classroom, but could herald a new industrial revolution, suggest the Economist, the Wall Street Journal and other luminaries.
The potential power of this movement is indeed thought-provoking. It rests on DIYers (who range from young students to everyday adults) believing that the average person has the ability to understand and apply technology in ways like never before, enabling ordinary individuals to build, even invent, meaningful creations of their own that they are passionate about -- from robots and sophisticated LED (light emitting diode) systems for movie film production to energy-smart conveniences for the home.
Through robust support networks that they've developed nationwide, DIYers delight in joining with like-minded friends, mentors and peers (either online or in-person) to tinker, create, hack and re-use materials, while learning to use such tools as computer-controlled table saws, 3-D printers, welding equipment and laser cutters to produce prototypes of their creations.
For me, as founder and chief organizer of the USA Science & Engineering Festival (the nation's largest celebration of science and engineering), the merging of DIY with 
technology represents a vibrant breath of fresh air across America, particularly what it means for inspiring the next generation of innovators. And I am not alone: Educators are realizing that hands-on experiences represented by such activities as tinkering and building may be one of the most powerful keys to improving STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics education) in this country. That's because students learn best by doing, especially when done in an engaging environment with peers and mentors.
Not surprisingly, engineering schools across the country, for example, report that undergrad students are showing an enthusiasm for hands-on work in DIY technology activities that hasn't been seen in years.
DIY also cannot help but to have a positive impact on the human spirit itself, says Naomi Lamoreaux, an economic historian at the University of California, Los Angeles. "The really dynamic times in our history are times when you have lots of ordinary people who think they have a chance to make a difference," she opines.
Yes, the chance to make a difference is indeed a powerful motivator, especially for young students. That is why the USA Science & Engineering Festival hosted by Lockheed Martin this April is devoting a significant portion of the event to exciting, hands-on DIY encounters -- all designed to inspire budding inventors and entrepreneurs with ideas, tools and resources to help them make their dreams a reality. From robotic technology to amazing desktop manufacturing technology that makes prototype development easy and cost-effective, future innovators will find it all during the Festival's finale Expo (as well as in the Robot Fest and DIY Expo pavilion) in Washington, DC on April 28-29.
The Festival is also a fantastic place for technical experts of all kinds to learn about the amazing advances that have been made in technology to help them make product prototypes find designs online for parts and components, and meet an array of experts to help them bring their product ideas to life.
Participants and activities such as the following will make the Festival an unforgettable one-stop experience in DIY:
--Organizations like MakerBot Industries, Fab Lab DC and Fab@Home by Cornell University and Dassault Systèmes Americas will demonstrate how to develop product prototypes via digital fabrication and 3D printers, while Sparkfun Electronics will show how to develop new product ideas more easily and inexpensively through electronics and microcontroller kits. The Festival will also feature an array of robotic technology ranging from military, manufacturing and surgical robots to more entertaining robots like R2DC's Star Wars droids and other exhibits that allow attendees to build their own robots.
--At the DIY Expo, budding entrepreneurs will be able to network with members of various "hackerspace" groups, such as the Baltimore Node, Unallocated Space and HacDC, who work collaboratively to network, socialize and develop technical solutions and new innovative products in their spare time, simply because they love to tinker with new ideas, create something from nothing, and solve problems!
--In addition, the Festival also features a Book Fair that includes some of the leading authors and experts in the DIY world, including William Gurstelle, author of The Practical Pyromaniac. Gurstelle, a professional engineer, has been researching and building model catapults, ballistic devices and flamethrowers for more than 30 years. Dustyn Roberts, author of Making Things Move: DIY Mechanisms for Inventors, Hobbyists and Artists, will also appear at the Festival. Roberts, also an engineer, started her career at Honeybee Robotics working on a project for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission.
The late Steve Jobs (who was perhaps the ultimate modern-day DIYer), was right when he said individuals who invent, build and make things have the power to change the
world -- or at least a part of it.
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January 27, 2012
Category: Festival Sponsor
As many educators know, the elementary and middle school years are critical periods in which students' interest in science can "wither on the vine" if efforts are not made early to engage young learners in such subjects in exciting and creative ways.
This is why global biotech leader Life Technologies -- as it prepares to return as a major Sponsor of the USA Science & Engineering Festival next spring.-- will devote a major portion of its outreach exhibits at the finale Expo to wowing elementary and middle school students through a wide range of interactive science activities.
"We know how important it is for kids, especially young girls, to remain engaged and motivated in science at that age," says Heather Virdo, head of Community Relations for Life Technologies." And we know how powerful science outreach can be when it is combined with exciting hands-on interaction with real-life scientists and other professionals.
"That's why," she says, "Life Technologies looks forward to returning as a Sponsor of a major public event like the Science & Engineering Festival as this gathering works to help inspire young students to become leading scientists of tomorrow and to prepare them to play an important role in developing new applications and technologies that will lead our society into the future."
Life Technologies Corporation and its Foundation, with its long history of scientific excellence and community involvement, is also known for its deep commitment to supporting the next generation of scientific leaders through education and outreach in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
At the Life Technologies exhibits during the finale Expo in April, elementary and middle school students and their teachers will get an up-close-and personal look into the
intriguing world of bioscience research, including how Life Technologies scientists are using DNA sequencing techniques to not only better diagnose, treat and investigate disease, but to also save wild cheetahs and other endangered species, in addition to improving farming and agriculture techniques for the food we eat.
And through hands-on interaction with Life Technologies scientists and research technicians, Expo goers will also participate in genetic sequencing and human identification exercises.
"The Festival also offers a great way for
our non-scientist employees at Life Technologies to also become involved with outreach," says Heather. "So members of our Human Resources, Finance and other departments will also be present to talk to students about career opportunities in these fields as well at our corporation."
Known worldwide for its innovation and leadership in scientific discovery, Life Technologies is a global biotechnology tools company dedicated to improving the human condition. Its systems, consumables and services enable researchers to accelerate scientific exploration, driving to discoveries and developments that make life even better. Life Technologies was created by the combination of Invitrogen Corporation and Applied Biosystems Inc., and manufactures both in-vitro diagnostic products and research use only-labeled products.
We thank Life Technologies and our other valued Sponsors as they join us in our goal of inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers!
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January 25, 2012
Category: USA Science & Engineering Festival
The USA Science & Engineering Festival hosted by Lockheed Martin offers a special appeal for budding entrepreneurs, inventors, engineers and programmers who will find the ideas, tools and resources to help them make their dreams a reality.
"The Festival is a fantastic place for technical experts of all kinds to learn about the amazing advances that have been made in technology to help them make product prototypes from 3D printers, find designs online for parts and components, and meet an array of experts to help them bring their product ideas to life," said Larry Bock, serial entrepreneur and Executive Director of the USA Science & Engineering Festival-- the nation's largest celebration of science and engineering that will take place April 28-29, 2012 in Washington, D.C. "If you're an inventor or entrepreneur looking for inspiration, the Festival will be a wealth of ideas and the DIY Expo will provide the tools to get your ideas in motion."
See our recent press release to read more.
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Category:
The USA Science and Engineering Festival is a part of the National Academy of Sciences 149th Annual Meeting! The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is a private, non-profit society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the public good.
The NAS 149th Annual Meeting will feature the Festival on Saturday, April 28th from 10am-4pm. In this special activity for guests and family members of new members, registered guests may attend the opening of the USA Science and Engineering Festival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
We are thrilled to be a part of this annual tradition!
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January 24, 2012
Category: USA Science & Engineering Festival
Last week marked the 100 day countdown for the 2nd Annual USA Science and Engineering Festival! The Festival is scheduled for the weekend of April 28th & 29th at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. With less than 100 days to go we are gearing up for quite an extraordinary Expo this year!
The Expo is open to all ages and is free
of charge! The Festival will feature over 2000 fun, interactive exhibits, more than 100 stage shows and 33 Author Presentations. Major Science Celebrities including Bill Nye the Science Guy and Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman from the hit TV Series the MythBusters will be performing.
Also, we have some new and exciting events this year including the USA Science & Engineering Festival Book Fair, and a Career Pavilion for high-school students that includes a College Fair, a Job Fair and a Meet the Scientist/Engineer Networking area. Teachers - Bring your students to a special Sneak Peek Friday, April 27, 2012 at the Expo.
Be sure to pre-register for the finale Expo on April 28-29 and enter your name to win some great prizes.
So don't miss out on the largest celebration in science!
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January 20, 2012
Category: Volunteer
Take a quick view of this link to see our USA Science and Engineering Festival Volunteer Outreach Team featured on Meetup.com!
Recently our volunteers got together on January 15th in Springfield, Virginia to gear up for the upcoming Festival this April. Be sure to visit our website for more details.
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Category: USA Science & Engineering Festival
By Larry Bock
Founder and organizer, USA Science & Engineering Festival
Ahh celebrities. From music and acting to the world of supermodeling and sports -- they are respected, admired, even worshiped, for their talent and magnetism. But herein lies the danger when these stars publicly espouse or endorse viewpoints and products in health and medicine without first thoroughly exploring the scientific validity of such claims.
Why danger? For segments of the population -- especially kids who are easily influenced by star role models -- celebrity statements and viewpoints (however misguided and unfounded they may be) are read with interest and often accepted without challenge.
Consider the impact that this statement from supermodel Gisele Bundchen could likely have on a fashion-conscious teenage girl when Bundchen publicly expressed disdain for sunscreen: "I cannot put this poison on my skin... I do not use anything synthetic," she said in 2011. Her comments brought this more correct perspective from pharmaceutical scientist Gary Moss: "Cosmetic products -- including sunscreens -- are regulated and are tested extensively before they are allowed onto the market. And you might be surprised," he continues, "that we use a wide variety of synthetic materials in many aspects of life. 'Synthetic' does not automatically mean bad, just as 'natural' does not automatically mean safe or beneficial."
From a growing compendium, here are several more questionable health and medical claims made recently by celebrities:
-- In espousing the nutritional value of sperm, Britain's famed martial artist and kick boxing star Alex Reid, says, "It's actually very good for a man to have unprotected sex as long as he doesn't ejaculate. Because I believe that all that semen has a lot of nutrition." He adds: "A tablespoon of semen has your equivalent of steak, eggs, lemons and oranges. I am reabsorbing it into my body and it makes me go raaaaahh." The irresponsibility of advocating unprotected sex aside, reproductive research scientist John Aplin reports: "The nutritional content of the ejaculate is really rather small."
-- Former actress Suzanne Somers, a breast cancer survivor, claims that her success in beating cancer is linked to injections of mistletoe extract (despite the fact that she also had a lumpectomy and radiation treatment). And in her book Knockout, she lauds the effectiveness of certain dietary supplements, coffee enemas and other unconventional means in "curing cancer," even though these methods are not supported by scientific evidence.
-- Film star Demi Moore thinks our health can be optimized by treatment with leeches. "They [leeches] have a little enzyme and when they are biting down on you, it gets released in your blood and generally you bleed for quite a bit and then your health is optimized -- it detoxifies your blood."
Even Elle magazine, whose job it is to cover the world of fashion and stars, has to admit the power that such questionable statements can have on influencing the public. "Chances are, most readers chuckled at such celebrities' statements rather than treating them as legitimate, informed beliefs," says Elle UK.com, the magazine's online edition in Britain. "But responding to celeb health claims at face value underlines the extent to which prominent figures' views can sway public behaviours."
Needless to say we need better truth detectors to help the public discern between fact and falsehood in the realm of health, medicine and science. I'm happy to learn that such responsible detectors are on the rise with such organizations as the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the British group Sense About Science, as well as Dr. Ben Goldacre's Bad Science website in England -- all of which monitor, and correct when necessary, scientific claims made by celebrities, the news media and others.
As founder and chief organizer of the USA Science & Engineering Festival, the nation's largest celebration of science and engineering, I am proud to include the Festival as among such timely efforts in advancing the accurate perception of scientific research.
The Festival's second national gathering will take place next April in satellite events across the nation, and culminate in a massive expo on April 28 and 29 in Washington, D.C. -- an event that will not only celebrate the wonders of technology, but will also, through highly interactive stage shows, exhibits and other activities, help young students and others develop critical thinking skills needed to discern between fact and myth in scientific research.
In these discovery sessions, students will meet and engage with such celebrities and "stars" in science and engineering as: Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman -- hosts of the Discovery Channel's hit TV series Myth Busters -- who will tell how they go about dispelling science myths on their show; Bill Nye the Science Guy, who will take kids inside the known and unknown in science; Chemist Joseph Schwarcz, Ph.D., will help demystify aspects of science through magic; James Kakalios, Ph.D., a physicist that applies science in letting kids know how realistic Hollywood superhero movies are; modern-day storm chaser Karen Kosiba, Ph.D., helps students discern fact vs. fiction in the occurrence of tornadoes and other storms; Seth Shostak, Ph.D., an astronomer involved in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) explains what science can say about life on other planets; sleight-of-hand performer Apollo Robbins takes you inside the art of telling reality from illusion, and award-winning New York Times science reporter Benedict Carey tells why accuracy in science writing is so important.
The excitement does not stop there. The Festival's Expo also features day-long "Encounters With Scientists and Engineers" sessions in which students can meet real-life role models in these fields and ask them face to face about the accuracy of science and engineering topics in the news and other related subjects.
And leading up to the Expo during the
month of April will be a series of other interactive events which will expose kids to leading scientists and engineers, including our Nifty Fifty school visit program sponsored by AT&T, and the Lunch with a Laureate program that gives small groups of middle and high school students the chance to engage in informal conversations with 15 Nobel Prize-winning scientists during a brown bag lunch.
The fight against scientific inaccuracy and misconceptions in the public realm begins with each of us taking the time and effort to be more critical and questioning of what we read and hear, and by exposing our kids to sound experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In our celebrity-driven world, that's something we all need to take to heart.
Follow Larry Bock on Twitter.
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