Free Public Events

There are many other E-Week and Science related events throughout Chicagoland in addition to our E-Week Expo. We have listed some that are available to the public and geared towards students in all age groups.

For a complete list of the events, please dowload the program information here.

If you know of another event you think we should add to our list,
please email us!

Fascinating Electrical Gadgets
An introduction to the world of electricity by John “Grizzy” Grzywacz, professor emeritus at the OSHA National Training Institute. See the history of electricity and some fascinating electrical gadgets! You’ll have a chance to assist “Grizzy” and have your questions answered. Sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers — Chicago.

Working Bikes
Come and test a bike powered generator. Working Bikes has several different bike powered systems for you to try out and see how good you are at generating electricity to power a phonograph or water fountain or other electrical devices. Bikes are collected and recycled for use around the world.

4,500 Years of Structural Engineering in 30 Minutes
From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Burj Khalifa, structural engineering has experienced a lot of change in the last 4,500 years. The ancient Egyptians knew very little about material science and structural analysis. Now, we perform complex structural analysis using computers. With modern materials such as high-strength concrete and steel, we can now design buildings that dwarf the size of the pyramids.

Ask An Engineer
AAAEA’s PowerPoint presentation tells young engineers about careers in engineering and science. The “Ask An Engineer” event includes teams of engineers from several different fields to answer your questions. An AAAEA slideshow features several of entries in the high school bridge contest and display winning entries from their annual essay/poster contest.

Computer History
How have computers changed over the years. At the Computer History display are some of the first computers such as the Sinclair, Commodore and original PCs. See how the computer has changed overtime leading to the iPad and cell phones of today.

SWEet Flight
Learn about what makes objects fly through the air with the Society of Women Engineers. Create your own airborne system and record the flight time and distance. Learn design techniques and engineering terms related to flight.

Light and Color
How do different lights affect your mood? How does your computer printer and color TV mix colors to give a full spectrum result? How do mirrors change the image you see? Interactive displays about light, color and optics. Work with interactive displays to find out more about light, color and optics. Stop in to find the answers to these questions about light, color and optics from members of the Optical Society of Chicago.

Non-DestructiveTesting
Display of NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) equipment and how they are used to evaluate sample part integrity: Non-Destructive Testing of Metal using Acoustic Emission, Eddy Current, Infrared, Leak Magnetic Particle, Penetrant, Radiography, Ultrasonic and Visual Testing Methods.

IIT - Designing Line-Following Robots
A hands-on workshop presented by IIT students from the Camras Scholars Program demonstrating the engineering design process. This presentation allows junior high and high school students to get a first hand chance to design anautonomous line-following robot. The robot will be tasked with navigating a challenging obstacle course. No math required!

IEEE-WIE
Amazed at the person on a TV show who can control a satellite out of a tin can and some wire? Or maybe learn how harnessing natural wind power can light up your home? Come and design your own Pac-Man game, create an animated card, or make a cat paint through Scratch’s graphical programming blocks. Join our Techno-savvy ladies as they demonstrate how to make a motherboard, illustrate how wind power works, and teach you how to think computationally. These activities are presented by Women in Engineering, a Division of the IEEE: www.ieeechicago.org/wie

Mr. Freeze Cryo Show
The Mr. Freeze demonstration shows the interesting and fun properties of cryogenics using Liquid Nitrogen (LN2). It is an exciting science-based demonstration with lots of surprises and a few explosions. Lots of different properties and effects of the extreme cold are demonstrated and explained. Makes learning science fun for everyone and encourages kids to become more interestedin science in school.

LEGO® Robotics
LEGO® blocks and laptop computers are used by Friends of the Gifted and Talented (FROG) to demonstrate the principles of robotics. Visitors will have an opportunity to work with the robots and to learn more about their use in industry, science and space exploration.

ZOOM into Engineering
Zoom into Engineering is a program based on the PBS series ZOOM®. This program is designed to introduce students in the K-6 age group to science and technology. Hands-on projects demonstrating engineering principles are used to hold the interest and challenge the students. Everyone is encouraged to spend time at the ZOOM® area. ASCE and ISPE-DuKane are providing assistance for the construction projects and demonstrations. More information is available at http://www.pbskids.org/zoom

Design Squad
Design Squad is in its fourth successful season! It is a PBS program that enables teenagers to compete to design and build fantastic, whimsical, and fully operational machines and other products. Design Squad aired on WTTW beginning in March 2007. Today, come and experience activities for 7 to 13-year old future engineers from the Design Squad program. This event is presented bythe Illinois Society of Professional Engineers - DuKane Chapter (ISPE-DuKane). For more information on Design Squad visit http://pbskids.org/designsquad/

DuPage Children’s Museum
Test yourself with the engineering challenges from DuPage Children’s Museum. These projects are sure to entertain the future engineer. Look for more information on the museum’s website: http://www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org

All About Flight
Why does an airplane fly? Learn about different types of planes and why shape is important. Make a “launchable” rocket or airplane to take home. Visit the CAP website at http://www.ilcap.org

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