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Indiana innovations
Family friendly
Road show
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A 69-foot replica of a snake skeleton was one of the main attractions at the Purdue Agriculture exhibit at the Indiana State Fair. (Photo by Tom Campbell) |
Kids poked their heads into the rattlesnake's mouth, directly under 24-inch fangs. Next, they climbed into the body of the giant reptile, following the same route as would the rattler's prey, and digested facts about snake anatomy, physiology and environment. Finally, they crawled out of the snake's rattle on hands and knees, and scampered away.
These young herpetologists-for-a-day had experienced “Snakes, Rattles and Holes,” a 69-foot-long, walk-through snake skeleton, one of 13 exhibits designed and created by Purdue's Department of Agricultural Communication for the 2004 Indiana State Fair.
A few miles from the state fairgrounds in downtown Indianapolis, another groups of youngsters mixed a formula of soy protein, calcium hydroxide and water to create glue. The budding scientists conducted the lab experiment at the Indiana State Museum, which is hosting “Super Bean,” a soybean exhibit.
These are just two of the many Purdue Agriculture-sponsored exhibits at museums, shows and events that will reach an estimated 750,000 people this year. “Exhibits give us the opportunity to demonstrate what we're doing in Extension, teaching and research, and to show Indiana citizens how we influence their daily lives and the economy,” says David Petritz, director of Purdue Extension.
Exhibits may last for just a few days, such as the state fair's 12-day run, or be on display for several months, as is the case with the soybean exhibit in the Tomorrow's Indiana gallery at the state museum.
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The Indiana State Museum showcases “Super Bean,” an exhibit about the products developed as a result of soybean research. (Photo by Mike Kerper) |
Indiana innovations
A joint project of Purdue Agriculture, the Indiana State Museum and the Indiana Soybean Board, “Super Bean” marks the milestones in soybean research and the products—from candles to jet fuel—that have been developed as a result. It also recognizes the economic and environmental advantages of developing a bio-based economy.
“‘Super Bean' shows the many commercial uses there are for soybeans and allows us to reach out to an audience we don't often have a chance to communicate with,” says Jon Whiteman, of the Indiana Soybean Board. “People outside of the agricultural community can get a better idea of what soybeans are about and how they can be used.”
The interactive display is Purdue Agriculture's second in the Innovations gallery, which is reserved for exhibits that show how the choices people make today will shape the future. “The Innovations space allows us to showcase cutting-edge research and invention that is occurring right here in Indiana,” says Alicia Stewart, the museum's education manager. An exhibit about Purdue's research in phytoremediation—using plants to clean up hazardous compounds in the environment—debuted in November 2002 and paved the way for future collaborations.
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