Science at the State Fair

Crowds at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, MO, celebrate science and technology this August.

When science communicators in Missouri sought a way to reach rural audiences with the unique energy of a science festival, it seemed clear that a stand-alone celebration was too much to pull off for far-flung residents. Instead of just leaving it at that, they considered how else they could get tens of thousands together to celebrate science and technology. The answer? Go to where the crowds are. Go to the state fair!

Science and Citizens Organized for Purpose and Exploration (SCOPE) organized two weekends full of science and technology integrated into the usual state fair offerings. The Science Street Fair on Saturday, August 14, packed a tent with thousands amidst competition from attractions like carnival rides and preparations for the State Finals Rodeo. The two weekends also included a robotics competition (sponsored by Monsanto), NASA exhibits, and an aerospace themed grand finale—a world record water bottle rocket launch (sponsored by Pepsi).

These four days of science at the fair brought science and technology into reach for tens of thousands that may not otherwise have easy access to informal science experiences. The events also brought together collaborators from across the state, including Missouri 4-H, the University of Missouri, and Hooked on Science.

Video of KOMU coverage for Science Saturdays at the State Fair: http://www.komu.com/

Article from the August 14 Sedalia Democrat: http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/news/science-26042-leaned-every.html

Article from the August 16 Sedalia Democrat: http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/news/robots-26085-robotics-team.html

SCOPE: http://scopemissouri.org/

Missouri State Fair: http://www.mostatefair.com/

Science Festival profile page: http://www.sciencefestivals.org/component/festival/festival/viewfestival/missouri-state-fair

New York Times travel section article on this summer's state fairs: http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/08/29/travel/29Fairs.html?8dpc

A special thank you to Dennis Rich of the Sedalia Democrat for providing the photo below for this story.