Showcasing Young Scientists at the New York World’s Fair

Abstract

On April 30, 1939, a monthly magazine for educators and students, Science Observer, described the events in the Junior Science Hall at the recently opened World’s Fair in New York City: “Twenty-one young scientists opened the ‘show-case laboratory’… where eight hundred boys and girls will participate in the American Institute Science and Engineering clubs exhibit.” The article noted that these activities were housed prominently “in the central portion of the Westinghouse building facing the singing tower of light. Exhibits built by young scientists from all parts of the country occupy glass-fronted show cases along the wall and around laboratory tables in the center of the room where students will carry on their work.” ¹ Organized by the American Institute—and with the support of the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company as well as the local school board—the 40 student exhibits represented the fields of astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, nature studies, photography, physics, and “physiography.” Comprising the efforts of high school students primarily, but not exclusively, from the New York City public schools, these projects depicted various scientific phenomena including the effects of ultraviolet light on plant growth, how human ribs act during breathing, and the molecular features of calcium fluoride. The laboratory workshops, meanwhile, featured students demonstrating the principles of crystal growth, the grinding of mirrors, the winding of motors and transformers, and methods of preparing microscopic slides. There would also be an amateur radio station, a photography lab, and a number of ceremonial events publicizing the scientific achievements of these students to a national audience. ²