AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin will host more than 50,000 visitors — including thousands of potential future Longhorns, teachers and parents of college-bound students — at Explore UT, the annual event featuring more than 400 free activities on the university’s main campus.
Event: Explore UT
When: Saturday, March 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: University of Texas at Austin campus
Who Can Attend: Free and open to the public.
Parking: Most UT Austin parking is open and free Saturday, including parking garages. More details.
Background: Enticed to “Discover What’s Next,” students, parents and teachers from cities and towns across the state come to the Forty Acres for a day of learning and discovery. The day culminates with thousands of visitors coming together to form a giant map of Texas for a class photo. For a complete schedule of activities and more, visit the Explore UT website.
A Few Highlights:
Explore UT activities include performances, tours, displays, lectures and hands-on learning that highlight a broad range of topics covering virtually every academic discipline. This year’s events include:
Steamroller Madness: Making Texas-Size Prints with a Steamroller
Watch an industrial-size steamroller imprint Texas-size art patterns onto canvas. Presenters include faculty members and students from UT Austin, Austin Community College, St. Edward’s University and Texas State University.
11 a.m.-2:40 p.m.
Art Building and Museum (ART), North Courtyard
Meet the Pollinators and Pests: Bumble Bees, Honey Bees, and Aphids
Explore how honey bees, bumble bees and aphids affect our lives, from the food we eat to what they can tell us about bacteria. See live bees and aphids, and play a game about what these busy bugs are up to.
11 a.m.-4:40 p.m.
Norman Hackerman Building (NHB), 24th Street Patio
Chemistry Circus & Fun with Chemistry
Get a big bang out of this fun, exciting, loud and smelly interactive demonstration of chemistry experiments performed by Dr. David Laude and Dr. Kate Biberdorf. Free tickets required (available 30 minutes in advance of each performance).
11 am.-3:40 p.m. (performances begin every hour on the hour)
Robert A. Welch Hall (WEL), 2.224
Children’s International Festival: Make Your Own Folding Matryoshka Doll
Matryoshka dolls are intricately painted wooden nesting dolls that are given as popular Russian gifts and souvenirs. Traditional matryoshka dolls have rich symbolism, including folk designs and colors. Decorate your own paper-folding Matryoshka dolls.
11 a.m.-4:40 p.m.
East Mall
Hogwarts Jungle Potions Class
Even if you haven’t been admitted to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you can learn how medicines are prepared and create your own pharmaceutical products. Free tickets are required and may be picked up beginning at 11 a.m. at the door.
Noon-3:40 p.m.
Pharmacy Building (PHR), 3.110
Dance Party Flash Mob
Find your happy dance as you explore movement, play rhythm games and groove to dances from around the world. Whether you already love to dance or never thought you’d try it, this is the perfect opportunity for your whole family to join the dance.
Noon-12:40 p.m.
George I. Sánchez Building (SZB), Lawn
Gold E. Locks Mock Trial
Law students perform a mock trial with Gold E. Locks, a well-known storybook figure, as the defendant. The Honorable Edward C. Prado, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, presides. Children in the courtroom will be selected to serve as the jurors.
1-1:40 p.m., 3-3:40 p.m.
John B. Connally Center for Justice (CCJ), Eidman Courtroom
