SCIENCE FUSION EVENT SERIES KICKS OFF JANUARY 18 AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA,
CONNECTING LOCAL SCIENCE STARS WITH KIDS, TEENS AND ADULTS

Four-part series features scientists and education professionals from African American, American Indian, Latino and Hispanic, and Asian American communities making a difference in the STEM disciplines

St. Paul, MN Science, culture and opportunity will meet during the Science Museum of Minnesotas popular Science Fusion event series, which takes place on four Saturdays in January and February. This long-running event series focuses on the accomplishments of members of the Twin Cities African American, American Indian, Latino and Hispanic, and Asian American communities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

During each of the Science Fusion events, which run from 1 to 4 p.m., up to four children get in free with each full-price adult admission. Science professionals from leading Twin Cities companies will present displays that demonstrate their passion for their work and highlight the contributions theyve 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 STEM disciplines, Science Fusion events are designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators and introduce them to a wide array of science-related career opportunities.

The 2014 Science Fusion event series is sponsored by Donaldson Company, Inc. In conjunction with Science Fusion, the Science Museum and Donaldson Company will recognize students from around the metro area and greater Minnesota as recipients of the Donaldson Science 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 2014 Science Fusion event series includes:

22nd annual African Americans in Science: Saturday, January 18
First celebrated in 1992, African Americans in Science was the pioneer Science Fusion event and has become a beloved Science Museum tradition. Visitors will meet science and educational professionals from the Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital (MASH), Donaldson Company, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Boston Scientific, Ecolab, 3M and more. Theyll learn about what they do through interactive displays and presentations, and discover the inspiring contributions theyve made to technology, education, health care, and innovation. African Americans in Science will also feature a performance by the Urban Jazz Quartet.

Amantes de la Ciencia: Saturday, February 1
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 Donaldson Company, Ecolab, 3M, Medtronic, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers from the University of Minnesota. Activities include making hands-on circuitry lessons, Silly Putty experiments, making milagritos (cards expressing wishes, hopes and dreams), and building molecular models out of gumdrops, marshmallows and toothpicks. Amantes de la Ciencia will also feature a live performance by local musical group Salsa del Soul.

American Indians in Science: Saturday, February 15
Visitors will meet individuals from the Twin Cities American Indian communities who have made significant contributions to science, engineering, and education. Presenters from Ecolab, 3M, Donaldson Company, USDA Forest Service, Grassroots Indigenous Multimedia, Northwestern Health Sciences University, and Manoomin Camp will share their areas of expertise through hands-on activities and dynamic displays. Visitors will get their hands on real tools theyd find in a doctors office, play with software that is specially designed for language learning, trace circuit routes, and have fun with Silly Putty and Jiggle Jelly.

Asian Americans in Science: Saturday, February 22
Rounding out the 2014 Science Fusion series, Asian Americans in Science give visitors an opportunity to 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, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the University of Minnesotas 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. Visitors will use simple circuitry to make motors spin and light bulbs light up, design wind turbines, navigate using a compass, and learn a new magic trick using science principles. Asian Americans in Science will also feature performances by a local Bboy group and am old-meets-new family duo called Fresh Traditions.

Ticket & Event Details
Up to four children get in free with each full-price adult admission. 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.

The Science Museum of Minnesota serves hundreds of thousands of 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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Media Contacts:
Kim Ramsden, PR Director, (651) 221-9423, kramsden@smm.org
Sarah Imholte, PR Coordinator, (651) 221-9412, simholte@smm.org
Peg Roessler, Roessler Public Relations, (612) 200-8600, peg@pegroessler.com