Magnet Lab's 11th Annual Open House
January 18, 2005
Contact:
Pat Dixon / Diane Nakasone
(850) 644-4707 / 644-9186
openhouse@magnet.fsu.edu
Tallahassee, FL – The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory will hold its 11th Annual Open House on Saturday, February 26, 2005, 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 highlights this year:
- The Great Magnet Lab Search Party – a fun-filled, family activity that involves solving four small puzzles before 2:00 p.m. At 2:00, a Grand Clue will be announced. Together, the five clues solve the Grand Puzzle.
- Potato Canon -- demonstration that showcases projectile motion by shooting a potato into the lake behind the Magnet Lab.
- 900 MHz magnet – the laboratory's newest world record magnet that stands 16 ft. tall and weighs 30,000 lbs. Scientists use this magnet for chemical and biomedical research.
- New introductory video – repeat visitors will enjoy this new production that showcases the lab, its scientists, and their research.
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 chemistry demos, 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. 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, Mary Brogan Museum of Arts and Sciences, Joe Budd Aquatic Center, Saturday at the Sea, FSU Science on the Move, U.S. Geological Survey, Old Capitol organization, LeMoyne Art Center, City of Tallahassee, Department of Environmental Protection, 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.
From Doak Campbell Stadium (intersection of Gaines St. and Lake Bradford Rd.): Go south on Lake Bradford Rd. to the third traffic light. Turn right on Levy St. and proceed straight until the road ends at E. Paul Dirac Dr. The laboratory will be directly ahead. Parking will be on the left on Levy St. Handicapped parking will be at the front of the building.
From I-10 & R. 263 (W. Capital Circle): Take I-10 to Exit #196. Go South on N.W. Capital Circle. Continue through the intersection with Rt. 20. At the next traffic light, turn left onto Rt. 371, also known as Orange Ave. Turn left at Pottsdamer St. and go approximately 1 mile. NHMFL will be straight ahead when Pottsdamer St. ends at E. Paul Dirac Dr. Signs will direct visitors to parking on Levy Street. Handicapped parking will be at the front of the building.
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.
