SUNY ESF Brings a Science Fair to the New York State Fair

08/26/2024

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Aug. 26, 2024 – This year, the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is bringing its own fair – the ESF Science Fair – to the great New York State Fair. Just like in school, the ESF Science Fair will be filled with hypotheses, experiments, science equipment, lab coats, and scientists.

Located in the State Park at the Fair, ESF’s booth offers fairgoers the opportunity to learn about the forests, witness chemistry experiments, make paper and seed balls, pick up tips on how to live more sustainably, and hear about the restoration of the iconic American chestnut tree, and so much more! Visitors can perform their own scientist-led experiment and take home a blue ribbon.

“ESF is proud to again partner with New York State Parks to bring interactive activities to the fair and get visitors excited about science and its role in addressing our environmental challenges,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “Many of our students found their passion for the environmental sciences by participating in science fairs, so it’s fun for our faculty and staff to help foster that curiosity in the next generation of scientists.”

ESF’s experts will also be on hand to answer questions and provide information for interested prospective students and families.

Include ESF in your State Fair Plans:

Wednesday, Aug.  21 - Create handmade paper and learn about the important role chemical engineering plays in solving society's challenges in energy, manufacturing, and the environment.

Thursday, Aug 22 – Hear the latest in restoring the American chestnut tree to the landscape.

Friday, Aug. 23 – Participate in interactive chemistry activities perfect for your school science fair.

Saturday, Aug. 24 – Help assemble a floor puzzle of the Lake Ontario watershed made with satellite imagery.

Sunday, Aug. 25 - Learn how to ID trees, tell how old a tree is, and use a compass.

Monday, Aug. 26 – Explore the concepts of buoyancy, density, and thermal energy in a science spectacular!

Tuesday, Aug. 27 - Make leaf rubbings, learn how to tap a tree for maple syrup, or set up your own LEGO forest to learn about tree harvesting.

Wednesday, Aug. 28 - Discover how to live sustainably and Improve Our World.

Thursday, Aug. 29  – Make seed balls with native plants and learn about pollinators.

Friday, Aug. 30 – See how virtual reality helps researchers plan the future of landscapes.

 

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About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.

About the Ranger School
The Ranger School in Wanakena, New York, offers students a unique educational experience in a spectacular natural setting. The Ranger School confers the associate in applied science degree (A.A.S.) in three areas of study: forest technology, land surveying technology, and environmental and natural resources conservation. The Ranger School's one-plus-one plan allows students to complete their first year at the college of their choice, then spend their second year at The Ranger School.