Interactive Exhibit Will Engage, Educate and Entertain Minnesota State Fair
Visitors
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- "Life in the 21st Century," when you
visit the Wonders of Technology exhibit, is an interactive technology fair!
Celebrating its ninth year hosting the Wonders of Technology exhibit at the
Minnesota State Fair, the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) will showcase
the state's leading technology companies and the cutting edge innovations that
have impacted the way we live in the 21st century. The Wonders of Technology
will be held August 22 - September 2 at the Minnesota State Fair in the
Progress Center Building.
This year's Wonders of Technology exhibit will be filled with hands-on
booths and kiosks that will encourage visitor interactivity with technologies
from a variety of high tech sectors including software, advanced
manufacturing, architectural engineering, education and energy. Visitors can
see how the world's first fuel cell vehicle works; test a bobsled-training
simulator that the US Olympic Bobsled Team uses to train; design a bridge in a
CAD program; or just enter for a chance to win a two year college scholarship
worth over $18,000!
"All of us at the Minnesota High Tech Association are excited at the array
of high tech products and services we've assembled for this year's exhibit,"
said Kate Rubin, president of the MHTA. "This exhibit effectively shows the
wealth of innovation we have right here in Minnesota, and also demonstrates
how technology permeates our life. The 'Wonders' exhibit is both a fun and
educational experience that greatly complements the other attractions of the
State Fair."
The Wonders of Technology exhibit also creates an awareness of the role
technology plays in the Minnesota economy. Visitors will witness first-hand
Minnesota's contributions to the many exciting technological innovations that
have influenced "Life in the 21st Century."
"We see the goal of the 'Wonders' exhibit as a way to acknowledge
Minnesota's technology leadership and remind the residents of both the
diversity of technology careers available, as well as the richness and
diversity of our high tech industry that has attracted worldwide attention,"
added Rubin.
With approximately 800,000 visitors each year, the Wonders of Technology
has grown to be the largest educational display of technology in the United
States. The Wonders of Technology is sponsored by five Minnesota companies
(3M, Minnesota Power, PolarFab, Minnesota Technology, Inc. and Manufacturing
Technology of Minnesota). The building features 30 high tech exhibitors, and
five organizations made in-kind donations to help the exhibit (Ellerbe Becket,
ComputerUser, Nygard Dimensions, Tierney Brothers and PR Newswire).
About the Wonders of Technology
The Wonders of Technology is a consortium of large, medium and small
Minnesota technology companies working together to create a state-of-the-art
technology showcase at the Minnesota State Fair. In 1994, the Minnesota High
Tech Association created this exhibit to build public awareness about the
exciting role technology plays in our everyday lives.
About the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA)
The Minnesota High Tech Association ( http://www.mhta.org ) accelerates the
growth, success and sustainability of Minnesota's technology-based economy
through public policy advocacy, member collaboration and education, and
community outreach. MHTA is the only membership organization that represents
Minnesota's entire technology-based economy. MHTA members include
organizations of every size -- involved in virtually every aspect of
technology creation, production, application and education in Minnesota. MHTA
works in partnership with AeA (The American Electronics Association), which
represents Minnesota's technology organizations nationally.
2002 Exhibitor Descriptions
3M http://www.3M.com
3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions
in health care, safety, electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer
and office and other markets. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., the company
has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly
200 countries. 3M businesses share technologies, manufacturing operations,
brands, marketing channels and other important resources. 3M is one of the
30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a
component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.
3M is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. Learn the history of 3M
while visiting the history wall and have the opportunity to view old 3M
commercials on the "Vikuiti," 3M's rear projector screen. Children and adults
can learn to use interactive computer screens while playing interactive games
at the "Hall of Innovation." Don't forget to stop by to see one of the six
daily Visiting Wizards shows get your 3M penny souvenir!
Applied CAD/CAM http://www.ae-solutions.com
Established in 1986, Applied CAD/CAM, Inc. provides Complete Engineering
Solutions and products to an array of companies in numerous industries
throughout the Midwest.
Presenting an interactive, educational exhibit that displays the latest in
engineering solutions for manufacturing software and hardware. Attendees will
be given the chance to "model" a simple part from one of five HP workstations
with flat panel monitors that will be on display. Contests will be held
periodically with prizes given to winners that successfully model parts in the
least amount of time. Technical staff will be on-hand to demonstrate the
latest in manufacturing engineering software.
Community Computer Access Network (C-CAN) http://www.c-can.org
C-CAN is a grass roots, community based organization providing support to
area community technology labs and centers.
The Community Computer Access Network (C-CAN) is a volunteer-based
organization providing support for public-access computer centers in the Twin
Cities. These centers are located in various park, library, non-profit and
church facilities. Visit the C-CAN exhibit to find out about free access to
computers and the Internet in your neighborhood, and to register for volunteer
opportunities at your local community technology center. Also on display are
digital movies created by local youth aged 8-15, using state-of-the-art
cameras and laptop computers provided by Digital Access, a C-CAN initiative.
Stop by and see how you can help "bridge the digital divide!"
Dunwoody College of Technology http://www.dunwoody.edu
Founded in 1914, Dunwoody College of Technology is the largest private,
non-profit technical institution in the country. We offer 20 programs for
aspiring men and women that are job-oriented and foster the qualities
employers seek most: productivity, self-discipline, confidence, and teamwork.
Programs are three to six quarters in length, resulting in a diploma or
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Our programs include
manufacturing, architectural drafting, automotive, web development, electrical
construction, heating and cooling, computer networking, and graphic
technologies.
The Dunwoody College of Technology booth offers all visitors the
opportunity to learn about our institution and the 20 different degree
programs we offer to aspiring men and women. The booth will have large
portraits of Dunwoody alumni along with testimonials that speak directly to
the value of a Dunwoody education. Visitors can log onto one of six laptop
computers and experience an interactive CD-ROM that will provide virtual tours
and in-depth information about our programs. Visitors that log on will
automatically be eligible to win a two-year scholarship to Dunwoody. Dollar
value of two-year scholarship: $18,954.96.
Engineering Athletes http://www.umn.edu
The University of Minnesota and other Minnesota companies have played an
important role in the development of technology that helped USA athletes train
for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games as well as other professional sports. The
exhibit will be a mixture of physical and digital technology, graphics and
media-based displays. It will highlight the flash and sizzle of the Olympics
and scientific and educational presentations. The three pieces of equipment
that will be highlighted are the bobsled push-start simulator used by the US
Olympic team, a skating machine used by the Minnesota Wild and a rowing
machine developed by Seniors in the Mechanical Engineering program at the
University of Minnesota.
Manufacturing Technology of Minnesota http://www.tomakeit.org
Manufacturing Technology of Minnesota is a not-for-profit organization
created in 2000 as an outgrowth of a MnSCU grant to strengthen manufacturing
technology via our state's higher education system. It's grown into an
awareness effort to increase the image of manufacturing technology in
Minnesota and to attract people to careers in this industry.
Manufacturing Technology of Minnesota presents: "Make It! in
Manufacturing Technology," an interactive exhibit demonstrating manufacturing
technology in Minnesota. Do you ever stop to think about where everything you
use comes from? From your alarm clock to your toothbrush, your refrigerator
to your microwave, your car to computer -- someone had to Make It!
BattleBots of Comedy Central are featured guests in the "Make It!" booth. Two
builder/drivers will present for photographs and conversations about building
robots. People who build robots often enjoy a career in manufacturing
technology! Learn how the fields of engineering, design, prototyping,
fabrication, fluid power, plastics, machining and metal finishing come into
play when making a BattleBot ... or thousands of other cool things.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency http://www.mpca.state.mn.us
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) was established in 1967.
Its purpose is to protect Minnesota's environment through monitoring
environmental quality and enforcing environmental regulations.
World's First Fuel Cell Vehicle at MPCA Exhibit -- Smog alerts aren't just
for Los Angeles anymore. Thanks to a population explosion of people and large
vehicles (SUVs, pickups and vans) driving more miles last summer, the Twin
Cities had the worst air quality since the 1970s. When temperatures climb to
the 90s with little wind, ground-level ozone (smog) has been reaching levels
in the Twin Cities that are unhealthy for sensitive populations. Smog and
other air pollutants come mainly from burning fossil fuels to power our motor
vehicles, farms, and factories and to generate electricity. That's why the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will be promoting fuel cells at the
Wonders of Technology Building. Fuel cell power is nearly pollution free and
extremely quiet. Fuel cells use a proton exchange membrane to create
electricity with hydrogen and oxygen used as fuel. The world's first fuel
cell vehicle is a bright orange 1959 Allis-Chalmers tractor, which is part of
the Smithsonian collection. The MPCA is proud to display this vehicle on loan
from the McLeod County Museum. In addition to this original fuel cell
tractor, the exhibit includes a working fuel cell model and an interactive
computer game called "Smog City." The MPCA's exhibit will challenge our
understanding of how energy is produced and explain how the widespread use of
fuel cells will benefit future generations through their clean and sustainable
method of generating electricity.
Minnesota Power http://www.allete.com
Minnesota Power, and ALLETE company, serves customers in northeastern
Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin with low cost electricity.
Minnesota Power's booth features to displays on leading edge companies
with which MP is affiliated: EnviroScrub's proprietary, dry scrubbing
technology has proven to be exceptionally efficient at removing nitrogen
oxides and/or sulfur dioxide gases from natural gas- and coal-fired power
plant emissions. MP, EnviroScrub's largest single investor, is testing the
process at one of its plants. The Minneapolis Star Tribune and Duluth News
Tribune published feature articles on the project. Capstone Turbine Corp. was
first to offer commercial power products using ultra-low emission,
high-reliability microturbines. Its MicroTurbine(TM) systems are in operation
worldwide. MP is a Capstone investor.
Nygard Dimensions http://www.nygarddimensions.com
Nygard Dimensions is a strategic brand communications firm that believes a
thorough, straightforward understanding of a company's business strategy is
the foundation from which distinct and relevant communications materials and
programs can be developed. The firm helps its clients achieve strategic
business goals by focusing on their brand in the creation of interactive
media, marketing communications materials, tradeshow exhibits and stage sets.
Nygard Dimensions has created exhibits for a number of companies located
throughout the country, including Jennie-O Turkey Store, Con Agra Foods,
Bernafon, Inc., and BE Aerospace, among others.
PR Newswire http://www.prnewswire.com
PR Newswire is the world leader in the electronic delivery of news
releases and information directly from companies, institutions and agencies to
the media, financial community and consumers. Whether your news has to go
around the corner or around the globe, PR Newswire serves all of your
information distribution needs PR Newswire's services begin with news
distribution, but also include targeting, evaluation and measurement services.
Whether your news requires the broad distribution of the wire or a VNR, or the
targeted distribution to individual journalists, investors and other key
audiences, PR Newswire has the tools to cost effectively drive the results you
are looking for.
Visit the official Online Press Room for the Wonders of Technology at
http://www.prnewswire.com or http://www.mhta.org .
Science Museum of Minnesota http://www.smm.org
The Science Museum of Minnesota is the Midwest's most popular museum,
offering visitors the chance to enjoy breathtaking large-format films, wonder
at one of the world's only complete mounted Triceratops, create and destroy a
tornado, and examine an authentic Egyptian mummy. We invite learners of all
ages to experience their changing world through science. Revisit some of your
favorite memories and create new ones with your family ... learning and
playing together at the Science Museum. Connecting families. Making
memories. The Science Museum of Minnesota.
The Science Museum of Minnesota will be promoting it's fall products:
First, Vikings: North Atlantic Saga. World-renowned exhibit of Vikings art,
artifacts, and historical objects. The exhibit, which was organized by the
Smithsonian, features objects on loan from museums throughout Europe and
represents one of the best collections of Vikings artifacts ever assembled in
one place (Vikings ships were the technology of the 9th century). Also, Jane
Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees. An original production of the Science Museum of
Minnesota, the film chronicles more than 40 years of Dr. Jane Goodall's
legendary work among Tanzania's wild chimpanzees. Filmed on the world's
largest film format, IMAX, using archival footage, computer animations, and
rare live action footage, viewers will journey into the hearts and minds of
the chimps of Gombe Stream National Park.
The Bakken Museum http://www.thebakken.org
The Bakken, a Library and Museum of Electricity in Life, focuses on
electricity and magnetism, using history, the arts and exploration to bring
science to life. Explore the mysteries of science, the excitement of
discovery and the passion of invention at The Bakken! The Bakken is located
on the west shore of Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis.
Step back into the past and examine a path of discovery that helped to
develop "Life in the 21st Century!" The Bakken's exhibit, Lightning: A Path
to Discovery, focuses on lightning and the lightning rod, symbols of discovery
in the fledgling field of electrical science in the mid-eighteenth century,
just as the double helix and the atom are symbols of present and future
scientific advancement. It follows upon a new temporary exhibit at The
Bakken, "Benjamin Franklin and the Lightning Rod."
Unisys http://www.unisys.com
Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions
company whose 37,000 people help clients in more than 100 countries utilize
technology to seize opportunities, overcome challenges and succeed in the
global economy. The company offers a rich portfolio of business solutions led
by its expertise in consulting and systems integration, outsourcing, network
services and security, coupled with leading enterprise-class server and
related technologies. Primary vertical markets for Unisys worldwide are the
financial services, transportation, communications, media, commercial and
public sectors, including U.S. federal government customers. Unisys is
headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Try our Self-Service Traveler Check-In solution at WOT! The Unisys 2002
exhibit will introduce WOT visitors to a fun, interactive check-in kiosk,
incorporated with the very latest in biometric or positive identification
technologies. A WOT visitor or traveler will be invited to "check themselves
in" by answering a few simple questions. The application uses enhanced
graphics and a guided process that would allow a passenger to quickly check
them selves in, change seats, collect their boarding passes and bag tags. The
flexibility of the application design allows the capability to integrate a
biometric into the kiosk check-in process. Once checked-in, a passenger
receipt, ticket or boarding pass will be printed and the participant can take
the ticket and proceed through the "gate."
Xcel Energy http://www.xcelenergy.com
Xcel Energy, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the nation's
fourth largest utility company serving both electricity and natural gas
customers. Xcel Energy serves 12 states and has revenues of $15 billion
annually, was formed in August, 2000 by the merger of Denver-based New Century
Energies and Minneapolis based Northern States Power Co. Xcel Energy owns NRG
Energy, the world's fifth-largest independent power producer. Xcel Energy
owns nearly 90,000 miles of electricity transmission and distribution lines,
and more than 31,000 miles of natural gas pipelines. Xcel Energy's regulated
power plants generate about 15,077 megawatts of electric power.
Xcel Energy, Inc. has a commitment to investigate and pursue leading-edge
technology products for our energy customers. As our energy customers become
more sophisticated, there is increased interest in reliability and cleaner
alternatives to traditional sources of electric delivery. Fuel cells hold the
potential to meet these emerging customer desires. Xcel Energy, Inc. is
showcasing a unique Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell that generates nearly
1000 Watts of electrical power. This technology demonstrator emulates what a
future stationary home power generation system might look like. This
functioning fuel cell will be on display, along with Xcel Energy staff to
present the technology.
Architectural Engineering Booth
The Architecture and Engineering Exhibit at the MHTA Wonders of Technology
will showcase the technologies that build the infrastructure of our world in
the 21st century. A cooperative effort between three Minnesota companies,
Ellerbe Becket, Perceptual Engineering, Inc. and MTS Systems Corporation, the
exhibit will feature three main areas. In the first area, visitors will be
able to see the computer-based technologies, such as CAD, computer-based
design, that allow architects and engineers to design, test, and build the
buildings and structures that we all rely on. The second area will show how
security technologies are incorporated into the design of buildings. Visitors
will "register" their palm print at one station, then unlock a door at a
second station through the use of a palm-print reader. The third area will
allow visitors, especially kids, to design and build their own bridges, then
subject those bridges to a simulated earthquake. The title of "Toughest
Bridge of the Day" will be awarded to the bridge that survives the earthquake
the best.
Ellerbe Becket http://www.ellerbebecket.com
Ellerbe Becket is a firm of breadth, depth and history, an innovator and a
valued advisor. We provide planning, architecture, interior design,
mechanical, electrical engineering and construction services.
Ellerbe Becket, the Minneapolis-based architecture and engineering firm,
will demonstrate a variety of the CAD tools that their architects and
engineers use in their jobs to design and build buildings and other
structures. A variety of examples of Ellerbe Becket projects will be
displayed to give visitors an idea of the types of challenges they face in
creating buildings. Visitors to the exhibit will be able to suggest concepts
for their own building ideas, see those concepts be realized on the computer,
then receive a printed copy of the building they designed. Ellerbe will also
provide palm-print reader security technology to demonstrate how it must
incorporate these types of technologies into the design of its projects.
MTS Systems http://www.mts.com
MTS Systems Corporation is a global supplier of integrated simulation
solutions that help customers accelerate and improve their design, development
and manufacturing processes. MTS supplies products for determining the
mechanical behavior of materials, products and structures -- including
computer-based testing and simulation systems, modeling and testing software,
and consulting services -- as well as products for automating manufacturing
processes.
MTS Systems Corporation is challenging visitors to design and build a
bridge, and then subjects it to an earthquake to see how well it survives.
Visitors who accept this challenge will first design a bridge, using a CAD
modeling application provided by Perceptual Engineering. They will then build
a physical model of the bridge in the "construction" area using snap-together,
plastic construction components (trade name K'nex). MTS staff will test the
physical models for static load support, and then subject the model to a
simulation of the Loma Prieta earthquake that struck near San Francisco on
October 17, 1989. (The damage to bridges caused by that earthquake will be
exhibited in photographs in the booth area.) Participants will compete for
the title of "Toughest Bridge of the Day." Snapshots of participants and
their bridge models will be posted on a display in the booth.
Perceptual Engineering http://www.perceptual-multi.com
Perceptual Engineering helps companies manage their engineering, design
and product content, and the context in which it is used.
Perceptual Engineering, Inc. is featuring several of its computer
applications that enable a variety of products to be engineered-to-order. It
will also demonstrate an advanced-geometry application that allows users to
search data stores of thousands of CAD drawings based on shape. These
applications are good examples of the specialized computer applications that
support the efforts of today's manufacturers to achieve highly efficient
product development, manufacture, and sales organizations.
Education Booth
The Education booth will highlight different technology tools that are
being used in education today. Exhibitors include MN Department of Children,
Families & Learning, Minnesota Public Libraries and Edugeeks.
Edugeeks/eStar Learners http://www.edugeeks.com
Edugeeks LLC is an educational services company serving parents, schools,
and children in K-8th grades. One division of the company, eStar Learners,
has a club that incorporates goal setting, parent involvement, game playing,
and internet technology to make learning and reaching goals fun. Students who
join this club can also attend tech classes and be eligible for awards. The
Edugeeks' division has books, kits, toys, tips, and commercial software
available to help children attain greater achievement, success, and love of
learning. School fundraisers are also available.
Edugeeks/eStar Learners will have a variety of activities during the State
Fair in the Wonders of Technology Building. Demonstrations will be occurring
every 30 minutes explaining eStar Learners Club's first motivational quest,
"Lost on Virtual Island." Short workshops on great tech products will occur
throughout the day. Parents, educators, and students in grades K-8 are also
welcome to receive information about our student tech classes on the subjects
of Robotics, Computer Art, Music, and Web Design, fundraising opportunities,
free and commercial software, books, toys, and workshops that we recommend or
market.
MN Department of Children, Families & Learning cfl.state.mn.us
CFL Provides programs and services that support K-12 education, promote
stable environments for families and foster healthy communities.
The Connecting Learning and Accountability for Students and Schools
(CLASS) is a comprehensive, user-friendly, interactive web site that provides
public access to a wide array of statistical and demographical data relating
to Minnesota's education system. CLASS supports continuous school improvement
and education reform by helping administrators develop sound data-driven
decision-making practices. CLASS provides enrollment, test score, and other
education statistics combined with the analytical capabilities needed for
problem solving. Users can easily access and tailor the information from
CLASS for practical application so that the best direction for administrative
and instructional strategies can be determined.
Minnesota Public Libraries http://www.melsa.org
Minnesota's public libraries offer you a wealth of resources. Library
cardholders have access to electronic materials such as online encyclopedias,
magazine articles, car repair manuals, and photographs. Our friendly and
skilled employees guide you in learning the latest technologies to find the
facts you need, and find it fast. And, of course, libraries still have your
favorite books, magazines, newspapers, audio CDs, and videos. It's all @ your
library!
The Minnesota Public Libraries exhibit highlights some of the exciting
electronic resources available through your local public library. The
services featured at the fair can help you find information on topics ranging
from car repair to genealogy, and almost anything in between. Our highly
skilled staff will be on hand to demonstrate some of these resources and
assist fairgoers who want to track down information. Whether you want to find
out if any of your ancestors fought in the Civil War, estimate how much it
will cost to fix the brakes on your 1985 Honda Civic, or view the latest
research on hypertension, your public library is the source for fast, reliable
information.
SOURCE Minnesota High Tech Association
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http://www.mhta.org
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/gh/cnoc/comp/144694.html
CONTACT:
Tina Volpe, Director of Industry Events of
Minnesota High Tech Association, +1-612-230-5308, or
tvolpe@mhta.org
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