Science Fest

IU Science Fest: Biology

Saturday, October 27, 2018
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Jordan Hall first floor, atrium (northwest corner of the building), and greenhouses
1001 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN 47405

FREE Admission

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Whose skull is it? Identify skulls and learn what they tell you about the animals' lives.

Check out a few of the activities during Science Fest 2018.

Interesting Activities for All Ages

Bacterial “chameleons” of the aquatic world: Learn about "color vision" in bacteria that can completely change their color, from red to green or pink to orange, in response to different light color environments and how this research will be useful in new biotechnology applications.
Bacterial viruses: Meet viruses that make bacteria sick and learn about how these unsung heroes of the microbial world are being recruited to fight bacterial infections.
Bee for a day: Explore the honeybee life cycle and microbiome.
Beekeeping: Learn about bees and beekeeping.
Bioluminescent bacteria: Experiment with bioluminescent bacteria and watch them glow!
Birds battle for boxes: Learn what IU researchers have discovered about how tree swallows compete for nesting sites, and how to provide them with a safe nest box.
Bird hurdles: Navigate an obstacle course and learn about the dangers that wild birds face and how some threats can be lessened.
Bloomington Urban Woodlands Project: Explore the health benefits of nature, and learn how you can help Indiana's ecosystem in return!
Dances with darters: Meet some darters (colorful native fish) and learn about IU research that explores relationships between these fish and their parasites.
Dung beetles: Learn about dung beetle biology and meet these extraordinary insects!
Go with the flow: Learn about a powerful and colorful laser-based technology—flow cytometry—and how it is used in the life sciences.
Killer worms and germs: Be amazed by the cooperation and warfare that IU researchers have discovered in our local soils and the dangers that lurk within for insects.
Plants get sick, too: Look at diseased plants under a microscope, see the pathogens that make them sick, and learn how IU research will protect our food supply from these devastating diseases.
The science of antibiotics: Learn through hands-on experience how antibiotics are isolated and tested, as well as by computer programs how antibiotics work to inhibit bacterial growth.
Skulls: Explore the skulls of over 40 species of mammals and examine how skulls have evolved to perform diverse functions.
Tortoises: Meet a group of live tortoises and learn about their biology.
Wild about whoopers: Did you know the tallest birds in North America winter right here in Indiana? Come learn where Whooping Cranes live, what they eat, and what humans are doing to protect and study them.

Gone fishin'

Associate Professor Troy Smith records the communication signals of electric fish in a channel at Catalão near the confluence of the Negro and Solimões (Amazon) Rivers in Brazil. Electrodes at the ends of the probes are placed in floating vegetation in the channel. Portable recording and playback devices in the canoe allow him to record the electric communication signals of knifefish and to play back the signals of other electric fish.

See electric fish demonstrations in Jordan Hall A110 at 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Watch a live demo of how fish from South America use electricity to communicate with each other and find their way around—in the dark. Meet IU researchers who study these fish, and witness this “secret sense” in action! Limited to the first 35 to 40 participants (room capacity) for each demonstration.

Special Presentations

Time-lapse image of a seedling bending toward the light.

Plants: They Whisper, Talk, and Even Move

10:00–10:40am in Jordan Hall A100

Join Distinguished Professor Roger Hangarter for a stunning presentation that uses time-lapse photography to illustrate the surprising and dynamic ways that plants respond to their environment.

Person walking on urban trail lined with green grass and tall, leafy trees.

Forest Ecosystems and Urban Green Infrastructure in a Changing Climate
(recommended for ages 11 and up)

11:00–11:30am in Jordan Hall A100

Join IU Biology professors Richard Phillips and Heather Reynolds to learn about the latest scientific research and reports from The Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment (IN CCIA) on how a changing climate could alter Indiana’s forests and urban greenspaces.

Vials of fruit flies. Photo by Terri Greene, IU Biology

Science Cafe presentation:
Why fruit flies are much more than an annoyance in your kitchen
(recommended for middle school ages and older)

Science Cafe begins at 1:00pm in Jordan Hall 124

Professor Dan Tracey's talk will focus on how fruit flies are a remarkable research model—many of their genes are also found in humans. He'll tell us about some of the interesting things scientists have learned from the fly.

Greenhouse Tours

Closeup of fuschia blooms in Jordan Hall greenhouse. — Fuchsia flowers are a favorite of our botany instructors when demonstrating flowers' reproductive parts to students. Photo by Terri Greene

See IU’s collection of beautiful living plants from around the world, including spectacular rainforest, desert, and carnivorous species!

Guided tours begin at the door to Room 139 in Jordan Hall at 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm.

Registration Tables for Other Events

Sign-up for other IU Science Fest events at their registration tables located in the Jordan Hall atrium.

Visit the main IU Science Fest web page

Read the 2018 IU news release

Science Fest is fun for all ages!

Department of Biology

Science Fest

IU Science Fest: Biology

Interesting Activities for All Ages

Gone fishin'

Special Presentations

Greenhouse Tours

Registration Tables for Other Events

The College of Arts & Sciences

Science Fest

IU Science Fest: Biology

Interesting Activities for All Ages

Gone fishin'

Special Presentations

Greenhouse Tours

Registration Tables for Other Events

Department of Biology social media channels

The College of Arts & Sciences