USA Science and Engineering Expo features 50 stage shows and more than 1,500 interactive exhibits

The USA Science and Engineering Expo takes place Oct. 23-24 in Washington, D.C.

The Inaugural USA Science and Engineering Festival, the country’s first national science festival, happens Oct. 23-24 in downtown Washington, D.C. This free event takes place on the National Mall, Freedom Plaza and other locations, and features demonstrations, events and exhibitors from around the country, including several NSF-supported researchers and projects.

The NSF-related exhibits will be on Freedom Plaza off the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 and Sunday, Oct. 24. Among the exhibits will be a Doppler-on-Wheels truck used to chase tornadoes, robotic fish, forensic science simulations, and other interactive exhibits geared to offer children and other curious minds the opportunity to explore cutting-edge science and engineering.

Other exhibits offer visitors the chance to design earthquake-resistant buildings, turn music into light, and use GPS devices to see how fast the U.S. is drifting away from Europe.

NSF-supported researchers are included in an exhibitor list, and more information on the Expo is available on the USA Science & Engineering Festival website.

In anticipation of the Expo, NSF will host Josh Wurman, founder of Severe Weather Research on Friday, October 22, at its headquarters at 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA. Wurman will have his Doppler on Wheels available for the public to see from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Wurman will also be one of the exhibitors at the Expo. -NSF-

Media Contacts

Dana W. Cruikshank, NSF (703) 292-7738 dcruiksh@nsf.gov

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2010, its budget is about $6.9 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives over 45,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.