Magnet Lab 8th Annual Open House
February 4, 2002
Contact:
Pat Dixon / Ann Spangler
(850) 644-4707 / 644-9186
pdixon@magnet.fsu.edu
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory will hold its 8th Annual Open House on Saturday, March 2, 2002, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This popular community event offers activities for all ages, including hands-on science, self-guided tours of the laboratory, and interactive demonstrations.
A few of the new presentations this year:
- A demonstration of Newton’s Law by dropping fruit from high above the Magnet Lab.
- The FSU Meteorology Hurricane Hunter truck. When fully configured with Doppler radar and outriggers, meteorologists will drive this Mack semi into the path of a hurricane to take measurements
- Silent auction in support of local science and education organizations
The Science in My World Contest is expected to be bigger than ever this year as students statewide contribute entries translating their perception of science into a wide range of art, graphic, and three-dimensional projects. All entries will be exhibited and awards will be present by the Jack Crow, director of the laboratory.
At the Open House, visitors get a close-up look -- and a layperson’s understanding -- of work underway at the Magnet Lab. Scientists and engineers explain their activities in simple terms or demonstrate a basic science or engineering principle. Highlights also include scavenger hunts for students, a rocket launch display, and a model MagLev train.
The NHMFL is a world-class facility serving scientists from across the United States and around the world. In 2001, NHMFL visitors occupied an estimated 3,200 hotel rooms in Tallahassee, which was excellent in view of the fact that it was a non-conference year for the laboratory. In conference years, this number swells beyond 5,000.
While the NHMFL boasts a national and international focus, it is very involved with local, regional, and state education efforts, including school group tours, outreach programs, and curriculum products in use throughout the state. Many of the laboratory’s Community Science and Education Partners will also be participating in the Open House with special events and activities. Look for: St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science, the Challenger Center, FSU’s Museum of Fine Arts, Joe Budd Aquatic Center, Saturday at the Sea, FSU Physics Van, U.S. Geological Survey, Old Capitol organization, LeMoyne Art Center, City of Tallahassee, Department of Environmental Protection, Girl Scouts, and many others.
The laboratory is located in Tallahassee’s Innovation Park, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr., near the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. For more information, call 850-644-0311 or 644-9186.
The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (www.magnet.fsu.edu) develops and operates state-of-the-art high-magnetic-field facilities that faculty and visiting scientists and engineers use for research in physics, biology, bioengineering, chemistry, geochemistry, biochemistry, and materials science. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the state of Florida, the lab is operated by Florida State University, and its 330,000-square-foot main facility is located in Tallahassee’s Innovation Park. The magnet lab also has facilities at the University of Florida and at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.
