What: 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 university’s annual event featuring approximately 400 free activities on the main campus. This year, Dell Medical School will be hosting programs in its new space for the first time.
When: Saturday, March 4, 11 a.m. to 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 many of the university’s 10 parking garages. More details
A limited number of temporary parking permits are available for media.
For media parking information, contact: Deseré Cross, Office of the President, 512-475-7847.
Background: Explore UT is held annually and aims to inform students, parents, teachers and community members from across the state about the importance of the public research institution and higher education in Texas.
The daylong event encourages Texans of all ages to “Discover What’s Next.” From robust research experiences to hands-on demonstrations and experiments, Texans are invited to the Forty Acres to participate in the richness of the university’s scholarship and knowledge.
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 nearly every academic discipline. This year’s events include:
Virtual Diagnosis: A 3-D Tour of the Body
Scrub up and discover how doctors diagnose patients in real medical cases using CT scans. Students also will take a tour through the human body while observing the dissection of a virtual cadaver.
11 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
Health Learning Building (HLB), 4th Floor Multi-Purpose Lab
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 to 1:40 p.m., 3 to 3:40 p.m.
John B. Connally Center for Justice (CCJ), Eidman Courtroom
Fun with Chemistry
Get a bang out of this fun, exciting, loud and smelly demonstration of chemistry experiments performed by Dr. Kate Biberdorf and volunteers from the audience. Tickets are required (available 30 minutes in advance on Inner Campus Drive near the W.C. Hogg Building).
Noon to 2:40 p.m. (performances begin every hour on the hour)
Robert A. Welch Hall (WEL), 2.224
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 to 3:40 p.m.
Pharmacy Building (PHR), 3.110
Cognitive Interaction with Humanoid Robots: Human Centered Robotics Lab Tour
See how humanoid robots are being made and discover the assistive interaction that robots can have within our society. Explore what internal parts walking robots use for dynamic balancing and learn how students are designing actuators to power robot muscles.
11 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., noon to 12:40 p.m.
Engineering Teaching Center II (ETC), 3.136
Freshman Research Initiative Showcase
Interact with first- and second-year UT students who are helping to make scientific discoveries in areas ranging from plant communication to nanotechnology to “fingerprinting” the distinct forensics of red wine.
11 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Robert A. Welch Hall (WEL), 2.110
March with the Longhorn Band
Join us to experience the thrill of marching with the Longhorn Band and become an honorary member. Following a rehearsal session on the field, participants will march to the UT Tower to participate in the biggest “class photo” in Texas.
4 to 4:40 p.m.
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (STD), NEZ Gate 16 Entrance, Joe Jamail Field
For media parking information, contact: Deseré Cross, Office of the President, 512-475-7847.
