Media Advisory

Media Advisory
NIST Opens Its Doors to 8,000 Local Students

Laser Expos, Robot Demos, Braille Readers and Other Advances to Teach Kids
How Science and Technology Skills are Critical to Their Future

Date: Thursday and Friday, May 10-11, 2001
Time: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. both days
Place: NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Md. (Take I-270 North to Exit 10 or I-270
South to Exit 11). Media check-in at Administration Building, Bldg. 101

The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology will host an open house on May 10-11 as part of its yearlong centennial celebration and to mark National Global Science and Technology Week. Over the span of two days, 8,000 kids will learn how NIST scientists are working to save firefighters, stop computer hackers in their tracks, use DNA to identify criminals and convert other cutting-edge scientific discoveries into benefits for society. The media are invited to attend as students explore everything from solar energy to "intelligent" cars that drive themselves.

The Open House is geared towards students in grades 4-12 from all over Maryland, Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The aim is to bring the world of science and technology to students in new and exciting ways.

Here are a few examples of the presentations that will begin on the half-hour throughout the day:

· Hot Off the Press -- E-Books & Braille Readers
· Looking at Laser Light
· Journey Into Concrete Walls
· Shatter a Banana!
· Saving Firefighters with Science
· Shake, Rattle and Roll: Making Structures Earthquake Proof
· Motion: From Playing Catch to Space Travel
· Why Did the Titanic Sink? What Holds Up the Statue of Liberty?
· How Much Moisture Can a Diaper Hold and Other Mysteries of Polymers
· Protecting Police Officers from Bullets and Knives
· Humvees and Other Smart Cars

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 8, 2001