By Shawn Flaherty
Michio Kaku, theoretical physicist and author of New York Times’ list topping “The Future of the Mind,” is one of 31 best-selling science-related and children’s book authors (and characters) who will be signing books during the USA Science & Engineering Festival’s Book Fair, hosted by Anderson’s Bookshops.
The Book Fair is part of the 3rd USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo, hosted by founding and presenting sponsor Lockheed Martin, taking place April 26 and 27 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C. from 9am to 6pm daily. Designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, the Festival is a free, family-friendly expo that allows kids and adults to participate in more than 3,000 hands-on activities and see more than 150 stage performances.
“We are excited to share these brilliant writers with future innovators,” explained Larry Bock, Festival co-founder. “We must entice more young people into STEM careers to remain competitive in the global marketplace. Our Book Fair line-up of outstanding thinkers and authors will help us capture young people’s imaginations.”
Many of the authors are trained scientists, engineers and educators; others are physicians, athletes, and journalists and editors.
Many will be presenting as well as autographing. Below is a sampling of other participating authors:
- Danica McKellar, “The Wonder Years” actress and “Math Doesn’t Suck” author
- David Macaulay, illustrator and “The Way We Work” author
- Nate Ball, host of PBS’s “Design Squad” and “Alien in My Pocket” author
- David Pogue, journalist and “Science of Everything” author
- John Sotos, science writer for “House” and “The Physical Lincoln” author
- Jeffrey Bennett, astrophysicist and “Max Goes to the Space Station” author
- Rebecca Klemm, mathematician and “Hello Numbers” author
Two participants are themselves the subject of STEM-related books:
- Paul DePodesta, baseball executive and stats maestro portrayed in “MoneyBall”
- Mike Aponte, MIT grad and blackjack player whose story was captured in the book “Breaking Down the House” and the movie “21”
Most participants will give a 30 minute presentation about their books and adventures followed by an autograph session. These presentations take place in the convention center’s Concourse Hall C. The Book Fair also has leading science, technology, engineering and math books, toys, games, and kits for kids of all ages for purchase.
Watch a preview video here:
In addition to the Book Fair, the Festival Expo features science celebrities, explorers, astronauts, athletes, authors, and experts in fields like robotics, genomics, medicine, advanced manufacturing, and even 3D printing. Participating celebrities include: Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” (Discovery Channel), Bill Nye the Science Guy, Grammy Award-Winners They Might Be Giants, Miss California Crystal Lee, Illusionist Apollo Robbins, Chris Hackett of “Stuck with Hackett” (Science Channel), and Super Woman of Big-Wave Surfing Maya Gabeira. The Festival Expo will also have a Career Pavilion and multiple competitions such as EPA’s P3 sustainability challenge. Taking up the entire convention center, the Festival expects more than 250,000 attendees.
Founded by serial entrepreneur Larry Bock and Dr. Ray O. Johnson, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Lockheed Martin, to address the severe shortage in science and technical talent, the event is the nation’s largest science festival and was developed to ignite the next generation’s interest in considering careers in science and engineering.
For more information, visit www.USAScienceFestival.org, connect with the Festival on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @USAScienceFest.
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