Discover your world with SUNY-ESF at the New York State Fair

College hosts hands-on activities, highlights research at the fair

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Color your world with you-make-'em crayons, make paper, sample liquid nitrogen ice cream, build with spaghetti and marshmallows, and learn about the latest in the environmental sciences.

These are just a few of the things you can do and learn at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry's (ESF) exhibit at the New York State Fair Aug. 26 through Sept. 6.

The College will be at the fair with different activities, exhibits and demonstrations for visitors of all ages beginning at 10 a.m. daily at the ESF tent located in the New York State Parks at the State Fair area in front of the Horticulture Building. The schedule of events is as follows:

• Thursday, Aug. 26, and Friday, Aug. 27 — Where in the World is ESF? The Office of Research Programs will highlight research ESF is conducting around the globe and provide hands-on activities for the kids.
• Saturday, Aug. 28 and Sunday, Aug. 29 — Use Your Noodle. Fairgoers can delve into engineering principles as they construct structures from spaghetti and marshmallows with the Department of Environmental Resources Engineering.
• Monday, Aug. 30 — Forest for the Trees. Learn about trees commonly found in New York State and about the Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management at ESF. Tree seedlings will be available along with planting information.
• Tuesday, Aug. 31 — From Molecules to Ecosystems. The Department of Environmental and Forest Biology will provide information, exhibits, hands-on materials and answers to fairgoers' questions on interest areas including biotechnology, aquatic and fisheries science, entomology and invasive plant species.
• Wednesday, Sept. 1 — Environmentally Friendly Arts and Crafts. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the fair and bring the kids over for some environmentally themed activities, including pinecone birdfeeders, CD locker magnets and java jacket masks.
• Thursday, Sept. 2 — A Chemistry Cavalcade. Kids can learn the science behind liquid nitrogen ice cream, make their own crayons or try a number of other experiments with ESF's Department of Chemistry.
• Friday, Sept. 3 — Make Your Own Paper. Make hand-made paper with ESF's Department of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering.
• Saturday, Sept. 4, through Monday, Sept. 6 — Arts and Crafts. Environmentally themed activities, including pinecone birdfeeders, CD locker magnets and java jackets.

ESF's exhibit is made possible through a cooperative agreement with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.