THE SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM PRESENTS
DOCTOR GEEK’S SCIENCE FAIR
Saturday, September 27 from 10 am – 7 pm
(Bradenton, FL) Come experience man’s technology of past, present and future! A unique blend of science and fiction, this event combines a classic sci-fi convention with a science fair on Saturday, September 27 from 10 am – 7 pm. Travel back in time in H.G. Wells’ Time Machine to explore technology of the past, then tour the futuristic technology with exhibitors such as NASA, the Ghostbusters of Winter Haven and D&B Comics. Interact with panelists about cool topics in science and technology today – and what they see coming out of students and innovators into the future. Students ages 6-16 will have the chance to compete in the first inaugural Geek Games which blend fundamental STEM principles with the creativity of art and literature. The Museum is proud to take advantage of the Doctor Geek’s Science Fair to partner with Bright House Networks, who will be launching its own Bright House nationwide competition – “Bright Ideas STEM from Today’s Youth,” a multi-state competition where high school students show how STEM – that’s science, technology, engineering and math – can bring their idea to life! There will also be a special performance by Steampunk / Dr. Who themed rock group The Ken Spivey Band! Doctor Geek’s Science Fair is a distinctive one day expo that combines a classic science fiction convention with a science fair.
Who is Doctor Geek? Dr. Scott Viguié is a modern day Renaissance man. Holding two doctorates, he is an attorney, archaeologist, author and actor. Scott fulfilled his passion for educating others, and particularly rekindling an interest in the sciences, by creating Doctor Geek’s Laboratory of Applied Geekdom, an audio edutainment show dedicated to STEM outreach. The show combines science and fiction to educate and inspire others to help bring about the world of tomorrow today. One of Scott’s greatest joys in life is showing people that they, too, can achieve their dreams and build a better future. As he likes to say, “Nothing is impossible, just highly improbable.” Learn more about Doctor Geek here: drgeeklab.com/.
The inaugural Applied Geekdom competition, “The Geek Games” is open this year to students ages 6-16 and will include STEM challenges such as the “Planet X Rover” Design Challenge presented with NASA. *All students must pay the $10 general admission ticket to enter. Students may pre-register for The Geek Games or register when they arrive at the event. To pre-register for one or all of the individual games, or for more information, please call Samantha Sprague: 941-746-4131, ext. 31. Spaces are limited. Please register early to ensure participation. Winners will be selected by professionals in each of the individual fields of study. Student work will be judged based upon STEM skills fitting the specific challenge.
Entrants in the Geek Games and visitors to Doctor Geek’s Science Fair are also encouraged to participate in Bright House Networks’ Bright Ideas competition. It’s been said that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. They’re also tomorrow’s innovators and inventors. They are OUR future. They are the ones who can help create new opportunities for our local economies to prosper and flourish. So, to inspire our local youth to develop new ideas that can change the world, Bright House Networks is proud to present “Bright Ideas STEM from Today’s Youth.” Whether you enter as an individual or as a team of up to three students, you’ll want to think about a cool new idea, powered by STEM, that can make the world a better place. More information and the online entry form are available at brightideas.brighthouse.com/.
Exhibitors at Doctor Geek’s Science Fair will include NASA, Bright House Networks, Florida Public Archaeology Network, Thomas Galvin presenting H.G. Wells and his Time Machine, The Florida Railway Museum, Bayshore Elementary STEM department educator Sarah Hammock, The Orlando Ghostbusters, and the USF Robotics Interest Group.
Panel discussions and Special Presentations in the Planetarium will include:
- Doctor Geek’s Laboratory: Exploring the Future Today –Join the cast of Doctor Geek’s Laboratory as they explore the past two seasons of the audio show.
- What does it take to create a modern radio program?
- Where is your flying car?
- Will bionics make me better, faster and stronger?
- The Science of Applied Geekdom – Take your passion for your favorite fiction to the next level. The experts on this panel will tell you what it takes to build that perfect replica. Featuring: Thomas J. Gavin, III and The Time Machine, and the Ghostbusters of Winter Haven.
- The Science of Fiction – New York Times Best Selling Author Debbie Viguié talks about how use inspiration, imagination, and research to craft a great book.
- Designing the Future – Learn about the future of innovation with Slipstream, a student group competing in the International F1 In Schools engineering competition (a partnership with Formula One racing).
- Performance by The Ken Spivey Band – The Ken Spivey Band is an MTV.com praised Time Lord Rock group that combines Steampunk elements with mad Celtic energy into Time-Wimey, theatrical, and comedic revelry.
Museum admission will be discounted for this special event on Saturday, September 27 from 10 am – 7 pm! Priority Access Passes are available online now (guarantees panel and special Planetarium presentation seating) – $10 Advance / $15 Door (if any remain; limited quantity available). General Admission will be $10 at the door (panel and special presentation seating not guaranteed). Museum Members can purchase Priority Access Passes now for $8 (limited quantities available) or will receive FREE general admission the day of the event (panel and special presentation seating not guaranteed). For more information about Doctor Geek’s Science Fair, visit the Museum online at SouthFloridaMuseum.org or call Samantha Sprague at 941-746-4131, ext. 31.
About the South Florida Museum
The largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the South Florida Museum offers engaging exhibits as well as educational programs which interpret the scientific and cultural knowledge of Florida, the world and our universe. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the Museum features a constantly changing lineup of temporary exhibitions – offering something new to discover with each visit. The facility also includes both the all-digital Bishop Planetarium Theater and the Parker Manatee Aquarium. Outfitted with a brand new, state-of-the-art Planetarium and projection system in October of 2013, the NEW Bishop Planetarium is the region’s premier astronomy education facility with stunning new multimedia capabilities. The Parker Manatee Aquarium is home to Snooty™, Manatee County’s official mascot and the oldest known manatee in the world. Snooty shares his Aquarium pool with young manatees from the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership. These injured or orphaned animals are taken care of by the Parker Aquarium staff until they are ready to be released into the wild. For more information about current exhibitions and special programs, membership, hours, or admission prices please call 941-746-4131 or visit SouthFloridaMuseum.org/.
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