Purdue Spring Fest to offer learning, fun – at the same time

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Children and adults of all ages can learn about different kinds of science, art and other topics while having a good time on Purdue University's campus again with this year's Spring Fest the weekend of April 12-13.

Spring Fest is an annual event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, with booths and activities sponsored by nine colleges, two schools and several student organizations. Encompassing several locations on campus, Spring Fest is family-friendly with no admission cost and many free activities, along with some which have a charge.

The weekend is all about promoting learning in a fun and entertaining way, said Danica Kirkpatrick, engagement program manager for the College of Agriculture.

"We are excited to have 35 fun, educational sites for families to visit during Spring Fest," Kirkpatrick said. "Visitors will be treated to activities and fun games, all highlighting the best of Purdue University."

Returning this year will be popular activities such as the Bug Bowl, presented by the Department of Entomology, where attendees can compete in cricket-spitting contests and watch cockroach races.

Health demonstrations by the Indiana University School of Medicine - Lafayette (on the Purdue campus), will return as well. Included will be a real human brain on display.

Another returning favorite is the Boiler Barnyard, presented by the Department of Animal Sciences, where attendees can see live farm animals, milk a cow and watch a sheep being sheared.

Three organizations are new to Spring Fest this year: Purdue Honors College; Nano Days, an educational program that teaches children about nanoscale science; and Phi Lambda Upsilon fraternity.

The Honors College will present solar energy demonstrations, moss graffiti and a bungee trampoline. Nano Days will show how to create art using designs from insect and bird wings. Phi Lambda Upsilon will present chemistry demonstrations.

Programs listing specific activities will be available at the event. Parking maps, a schedule of some of the activities and other information are available on the Spring Fest website at www.purdue.edu/springfest or by contacting Kirkpartick at danica@purdue.edu or 765-494-9113. 

Writer: Emma Hopkins, 765-494-8402, hopkine@purdue.edu 

Source: Danica Kirkpatrick, 765-494-9113, danica@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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