“The more we can do at the Youth Fair to promote project-based STEM learning, the more our community’s youth will engage in these subjects,” said Robert Hohenstein, president and CEO of Miami- Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition. “We are proud the Youth Fair is helping to make a difference in education.”

The Youth Fair will feature the following new STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — exhibits and competitions:

Digi-Con — The technology exhibit is designed for young and old alike. Activities include:

• Hewlett Packard’s “Sprout” Room – Youth Fair guests can try out their creativity on 20 high-tech “Sprout” computers with advanced touch technology. The desktop computer contains a three-camera system, built-in projector, 20-point touch mat and a touch screen, all run with an Intel i7 processor.

• First Lego League (FLL) Robotic Tournament – First Lego robots will compete at the Youth Fair. Teams of students will be evaluated for robot design, robot game, research project and teamwork. Each team builds its competition robot under the international guidelines of the annual FLLMission. A different mission is announced each year. The ultimate goal of the FLL competition is to promote teamwork and interest in science, technology and engineering in youth ages 10-16.

• Robotics BattleBot Challenge – High school teams will have engineered a robot weighing up to 15 pounds with the ability to defeat their opponent in a three-minute match. The top three teams will be awarded first, second and third place trophies. Best-engineered and most creative will receive Judge’s trophies.

• SimSpray Virtual Painting Simulation – SimSpray is a state-of-the-art virtual reality spray instructional tool. The virtual reality head goggles and a input device are used to simulate the painting experience for painting and coating automotive, industrial and military parts.

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