The College of Science and Engineering continues to wow children and families from across the state with 3M-sponsored shows. With recent and upcoming performances in 2020, Physics Force and Energy and U are getting kids excited about science and technology, targeting underserved youth and building a pipeline of talent.
Energy and U
More than a decade after launching, Energy and U shows are better than ever, using explosions, flames, flying pop bottles, music, and dancing to help young people learn more about the first law of thermodynamics, the scale of world energy use, and the significant energy challenges we face.
3M support has played a key role in making Energy and U not only possible, but accessible, subsidizing the buses that bring many kids to campus to see the show.
“The cost of transportation is prohibitive for many schools—for some schools, Energy and U is the only field trip they have for the entire year,” says professor and Energy and U director Aaron Massari. “For many kids, this is also their first time on a college campus, and that’s a real opportunity for them to envision themselves as college students, and maybe even future scientists. From these perspectives, the impact of 3M’s support is tremendous.”
Target audience includes kids in grades three to six.
Shows are free, thanks in part to 3M funding.
Shows in 2020 include 14 held in January on the U of M’s Twin Cities campus, and 11 planned for May.
In 2019, 8,700 students attended Energy and U, 51% were students of color and 46% were from low-income families.
The U of M’s Department of Chemistry and Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science organize Energy and U.