Geared for children ages 4 to 14, the Expo's Exhibit Hall featured 37 interactive booths sponsored by businesses, museums, colleges and organizations offering hands-on activities so key to effective science learning. Attracting great attention from the younger set and school-age children alike was the walkabout character Cassie from Dragon Tales, the popular new animated program on CPTV, who offered hugs and waves to her many fans during hourly appearances. And a surprise guest on Thursday, Mr. McFeely from Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, signed autographs for children and former children, while eyeing with amazement the steady stream of schoolchildren actively immersed in science. A hallmark of the Expo, the free admission offered to school children and youth groups, easily drew 11,000 again this year, enabling 887 groups to attend since the Expo began. Teachers report that the Expo provides great motivation for science learning, and this motivation carries over to the classroom once the students return to school.
Parents gain a new perspective, seeing science in a way that is approachable for their children.
As a result, they become advocates for science education in school and in the home as well.