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Lawrence Livermore struts its scientific stuff at USA Science & Engineering Festival

WASHINGTON D.C.-- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is among the many noted exhibitors and presenters featured at the Second USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo, the nation's largest celebration of science and engineering, April 28-29, in Washington, D.C.

The Festival Expo -- with its fascinating array of hands-on exhibits and stage shows, coupled with up-close interaction with renowned innovators, and top researchers and celebrities in science and engineering -- has rapidly evolved into a must-see event for families, students and others across the country and globe.

The first expo, held in 2010, attracted more than 100,000 participants.

"The Expo promises a fun and exciting weekend that allows kids, their families and others to participate in more than 2,000 interactive exhibits and other activities, plus seeing more than 100 live performances by science celebrities, explorers, best-selling authors, innovative entrepreneurs and world-renowned experts," said Larry Bock, founder and executive director of the USA Science & Engineering Festival.

A free weekend event, the Expo, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, culminates a monthlong series of festival events taking place in April throughout the nation and in various foreign countries to encourage young students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

One of the most popular displays at the Expo in 2010, Lawrence Livermore is returning with an even bigger display, featuring a number of exhibits for aspiring scientists, engineers and technicians of all ages. An interactive, avatar-hosted game will challenge basic scientific know-how, while a climate simulation dares participants to solve future needs for energy while minimizing the impact to the environment.

The Lab's popular "Fun With Science" will demonstrate scientific principles and describe how the Lab uses these phenomena in its daily work. Finally, participants will be able to take an interactive tour of the National Ignition Facility, the world's largest and most energetic laser, and ask NIF scientists questions about the laser's progress toward achieving fusion ignition. Fusion is the life force that powers the sun and the stars.

The exhibit/presentations can be seen throughout the festival at booth 793, located near the Curie stage in the Washington Convention Center.

"The Laboratory is proud to be joining other noted exhibitors and performers at the Festival Expo to help inspire and educate young minds through hands-on encounters in science and engineering -- all which help demystify technology for kids and motivate them in STEM professions," said Tomas Diaz de La Rubia, the Lab's deputy director of Science & Technology.

Laboratory news releases and photos are also available on the LLNL Website.