Solar car, science experiment highlight U of M President Eric Kaler's Sept. 2 State Fair visit
Who: U of M President Eric Kaler
What: Visit to the Minnesota State Fair
When: Sunday, Sept. 2
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul
Contacts: Julie Christensen, University News Service, jrchris@umn.edu, (612) 626-1720
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (08/30/2012) – University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler will visit the Minnesota State Fair on Sunday, Sept. 2 to get a closer look at university research, education and outreach in action at this year’s “Great Minnesota Get Together.”
Kaler will be joined on the visit by a group of University of Minnesota and local K-12 students, as well as his wife, Karen Kaler, and the U’s mascot, Goldy Gopher.
President Kaler will start the day by touring the university’s main building, located at the corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street. He will check out the latest solar car built by College of Science and Engineering students, visit the Gopher Athletics and Academic Health Center booths and showcase his support for the university—just like 2,000 Minnesotans before him at this year’s Fair—at the Support the U booth.
Shortly after 11 a.m., the Kalers will join an age-old tradition for many fairgoers when they take a trip down the Giant Slide, along with Goldy Gopher and the students.
At 11:30 a.m., Kaler will visit the University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Building and lend a helping hand to K-12 students taking part in a science experiment. Students will attempt to “walk on water” (a pool of cornstarch and water) as they learn how the mixture acts like a liquid when being poured, but like a solid when force is applied. Along with 4-H STEM volunteers, Kaler, who received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the U, will help explain the experiment to students.
Before departing the fairgrounds, Kaler also plans to visit with fairgoers and state lawmakers at the Legislative Building.
His schedule includes:
- 9:25 a.m. Visit the main U of M building and stage, located at the corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street
- 10:30 a.m. Guest on WCCO-AM’s “Sports Huddle with Sid and Dave” show
- 11:10 a.m. Ride down the Giant Slide with Goldy Gopher and students
- 11:30 a.m. Visit the 4-H Building for science experiment and quiz bowl
- 1 p.m. Visit the Legislative Building
For a complete schedule and map of university events, visit the U of M’s State Fair web page, www.statefair.umn.edu.