By Nancy Edwards
Many children and adults consider science boring, but when the subject involves building hot air balloons, crashing Lego cars, watching smoke curl and participating in activities that go “bang,” suddenly the topic is perpetual excitement.
Conner Prairie’s Interactive History Park is presenting its inaugural Curiosity Fair on Sept. 14-15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fair is designed for kids of all ages to learn about the world around them through asking questions and participating with demonstrations, while deepening their understanding of the use of science, technology and engineering, according to Conner Prairie Program Developer Gail Brown.
“We want to help answer those questions in a fun way and inspire guests to ask even more questions,” Brown said. “We want to kindle that sense of curiosity within people and show them that there is a lot of really great scientific, technological and engineering activity happening right here in Indiana, and it is within their reach.”
Hoosier companies will provide equipment to share for demonstrations and experiments, and some employees will be on-hand to talk about the process behind the technology.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will contribute historical and contemporary race cars, and volunteers will explain the track’s engineering to ensure safer races. Eli Lilly’s “Chemistry is a Blast” experiments involve the senses while demonstrating reactions that involve smoke and booming noises. Model airplane flight simulators and model airplanes are on loan from the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
In addition, guests may crash a sensor-recorded model car provided by the Center for Advanced Production Evaluation, dismantle and rebuild electronics, or build a computer through Indiana University’s Pervasive Technology Institute.
Adventurous, daring types can discover how to make a craft stick bomb with Andre Jefferson, an Indianapolis native holding the Guinness World Record for the longest craft stick bomb. Nicole Orr, a Conner Prairie member and volunteer, said she predicts this activity will be a hit with her five kids.
“They will be doing this nonstop and have to have 1,000 craft sticks,” she said with a laugh. “These activities are fun with a purpose. You can educate kids without them realizing they’re learning. Keeping kids occupied at every age is a bonus; Conner Prairie does that.”
The cost of the fair is included with general admission: $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, $10 for youth ages 2-12 and free for members and youth under 2.
For more information, call 776-6006, send an email at [email protected] or visit www.connerprairie.org/plan-your-visit/special-events/curiosity-fair.aspx.