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Science Museum of Minnesota announces Science Fusion Series

Four-part event series features the 20th anniversary of the popular African Americans in Science event

This long-running event series focuses on the accomplishments of members of the Twin Cities’ Asian American, African American, American Indian and Latino and Hispanic communities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

During each week’s Science Fusion event, science professionals from leading Twin Cities companies will present displays that demonstrate their passion for their work and highlight the contributions they’ve made to science and innovation. Visitors of all ages will get a memorable, hands-on look at the scientists’ areas of expertise in a science fair-style setting that is the perfect atmosphere for in-depth, one-on-one interaction between visitors and presenters.

In addition to recognizing achievements in the STEM disciplines, Science Fusion events are designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators and introduce them to the wide array of science-related career opportunities.

In conjunction with Science Fusion, the Science Museum will recognize students from around the metro and greater Minnesota as recipients of the Good Job Student Award. The award program honors Minnesota middle- and high- school students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in or passion for a STEM discipline, either in the classroom or outside of school. Students are nominated for the award by teachers or mentors and publicly recognized at the Science Fusion events.

The 2012 Science Fusion event series includes:
New this year! Asian Americans in Science: Saturday, January 7 Visitors will meet science and education professionals who represent many geographic backgrounds, from Southeast Asia to the mainland and the Pacific Islands. The presenters, including representatives from 3M, Ecolab, Donaldson Company, Inc., and the University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy, Medical School and Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, will share stories about their experiences and successes in the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines, and get visitors involved with hands-on activities that relate to their areas of expertise.

20th annual African Americans in Science: Saturday, January 14
First celebrated in 1992, African Americans in Science was the pioneer Science Fusion and has become a beloved Science Museum tradition. Visitors will meet science and educational professionals from the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, the Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital (MASH), the University of Minnesota Medical School and the National Society of Black Engineers, learn about what they do through interactive displays and presentations, and discover the inspiring contributions they’ve made to technology, education, health care, and innovation.

American Indians in Science: Saturday, January 21
Visitors will meet individuals from the Twin Cities’ American Indian communities who have made significant contributions to science, engineering, and education. Presenters from Grassroots Indigenous Multimedia, IBM, Walsh Construction, the University of Minnesota’s Center of American Indian and Minority Health and more will share their areas of expertise through hands-on activities and dynamic displays.
Amantes de la Ciencia: Saturday, January 28 Rounding out the 2012 Science Fusion series, Amantes de la Ciencia (Lovers of Science) introduces visitors to science and education professionals from the Twin Cities’ Latino and Hispanic communities. Companies and organizations represented this year include Academia Cesar Chavez, Ecolab, IBM and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Activities from previous years’ events include making milagritos (cards expressing wishes, hopes, and dreams), building geodesic domes out of marshmallows and toothpicks, and learning about human DNA.

Science Fusion activities will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. each Saturday in January and are free with regular Science Museum exhibit hall admission ($13 for adults and $11 for kids and seniors). For special group and individual rates for people with limited incomes, call (651) 221-9444. Presenter stations will be located at various locations throughout the museum. A complete list of presenters and locations will be available in the lobby on level 5 on the day of the event.

“As a trusted center for informal science learning, the Science Museum of Minnesota is helping to build the ever- important next generation of scientists and science educators, the individuals who will help shape our day-to-day lives through their exploration and innovation,” says Dr. Eric J. Jolly, president of the Science Museum of Minnesota. “The Science Fusion event series encourages Science Museum visitors from all walks of life to make personal connections with some truly amazing achievers from diverse backgrounds and gives them an opportunity to be inspired by their remarkable accomplishments.”

The 2012 Science Fusion event series is sponsored by Donaldson Company, Inc.
The Science Museum of Minnesota serves more than one million visitors each year with its hands-on exhibits, breathtaking giant screen films, special events, and unparalleled education programs. It is located at 120 West Kellogg Boulevard in downtown St. Paul. For specific directions, parking information, hours, show times and ticket information, call (651) 221-9444 or visit www.smm.org

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