Battelle’s 2024 Ohio State Fair Booth Shines as STEM Learning Center, Platform for Metro Students

The Ohio State Fair has been a showcase for Ohio’s bounty at the fairgrounds in Columbus since 1886, and this year’s event was no exception. For the second year in a row, Battelle’s booth in the Lausche Youth Exploration Space stood out as a beacon of innovation and scientific discovery. This year, our focus was on igniting a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among Ohio’s youth, a core mission of Battelle. 

 As we reflect on the exciting days we spent volunteering with our friends from Metro Early College High School, we're thrilled to share some highlights and memorable moments.  

Inspiring Young Minds with Hand-On Science  

At the heart of our booth, visitors explored the fascinating world of STEM through hands-on activities. They were surrounded by interactive displays showcasing some of Battelle’s groundbreaking work, including a giant carbon capture display, giving fairgoers a firsthand look at Battelle’s tangible impact in the real world. From creating model molecules to learning the science of flight, each exhibit in our booth was crafted to educate and inspire.  

Fun and Learning for All Ages 

The Battelle booth was a hit with visitors young and old. Children were delighted by engaging activities that sparked their interest in STEM fields, while adults appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Battelle. We also shared our booth with Metro Early College High School and Middle School, which was built by The Ohio State University and Battelle to create a small STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) school with a “big footprint.” It was a unique chance to learn about the science behind the innovations directly from the experts who are paving the way forward and students who are following in their footsteps!

Battelle’s Commitment to STEM Education 

As we reflect on the success of the Ohio State Fair, our commitment to inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders continues. Our involvement is just one of the many initiatives that underscore Battelle’s dedication to quality STEM education. With a philanthropic investment of more than $22 million in 2023, reaching an impressive 1.76 million students, Battelle continues to expand access to STEM. These investments support a range of programs, from classroom grants to expansive STEM initiatives across the United States. All these efforts are aligned with our founding principle of education for the purpose of doing the greatest good for humanity. 

A Memorable Experience 

We are grateful to everyone who stopped by to explore and learn with us. It was a pleasure to share the impactful work our teams are doing and to ignite curiosity and excitement about the future of science and technology. 

As we look back at the fair, we're reminded of the importance of community engagement and the power of bringing science to life for people of all ages. Thank you to all who joined us at the Ohio State Fair this year. We hope you left as inspired by the possibilities of science and innovation as we are every day at Battelle.