Ever wondered how a real crime lab works or how the city delivers clean drinking water to your home? Here's your chance to find out!
In conjunction with the Arizona SciTech Festival, an annual statewide celebration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), the city of Scottsdale is hosting a behind-the-scenes look at how the city runs on Saturday, February 27, at Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. The free event, which will run from 10 am-2 pm, is geared towards showing students and their parents how STEAM is at work every day to keep the city running safely and smoothly.
City exhibits and activities include:
Scottsdale Crime Lab
Police Department forensic scientists will be on hand to demonstrate how they use science to capture real-life criminals. Learn about chromatography, the study of different compounds, and discover how the unique patterns fingerprints leave behind can help solve crimes. You’ll also have the opportunity to see a crime scene vehicle and learn how crime scenes and evidence are processed.
Police Traffic Unit
It takes physics and engineering principles to reconstruct, investigate, and analyze an accident. This display shows you exactly how police officers come to conclusions about the causes of a collision and lets you participate in a realistic simulation that demonstrates the consequences of drinking and driving. You can also test your speed against a police radar gun!
Fire Department
Members of the city’s fire department will be on hand to show how they use math and science when responding to emergency calls.
Solid Waste & Garbage Department
The Solid Waste and Garbage Department will have an interactive truck display that shows how the city uses green vehicles to curb pollutants. Play your cards right, and you may even get a chance to dump the truck’s trash. You can also see how the department uses technology to monitor and move trash and learn more about recycling and composting.
Scottsdale Public Library
You’ll get the chance to see 3-D printers in action and find out how to use your e-reader to link to library materials. If you don’t have a library card, this event is the ideal opportunity to sign up for one.
Parks & Recreation Department
How does the Parks and Recreation Department keep Scottsdale’s swimming pool water safe? At this display, you’ll discover the science that goes into maintaining the city’s swimming pools and fountains and learn about the technology behind the city’s Irrigation Central Control System.
Water Resources
Safe drinking water doesn’t simply appear out of thin air. Find out how the city treats, tests, and delivers clean, safe drinking water. Water quality scientists will be on hand to demonstrate how the testing process works.
Event Tip: Although downtown Scottsdale has plenty of free parking, you can take the Scottsdale Trolley and avoid fighting over spaces.
Scottsdale always has exciting events happening, and we're happy to tell you about more. Feel free to give me a call anytime to talk about everything going on in our great city.
