MBM Returns to the Urbana Farmer’s Market for 2022

MBM trainees interact with farmer's market attendees
Charles Marchini shows one farmer’s market visitor a slide on a microscope while Miles Norsworthy talks to a couple about the MBM Program.

MBM trainees shared some education about science with the public at the Urbana Farmer’s Market June 11, 2022. Jennifer Walters, Samuel Okyem, Sara Bell, Charles Marchini, and Miles Norsworthy all gave up some of their Saturday morning to talk with people at the market.

Sara Bell, Jennifer Walters, and Samuel Okyem at the MBM booth at the Urbana Farmer's Market
Sara Bell, Jennifer Walters, and Samuel Okyem at the MBM booth at the Urbana Farmer’s Market

Trainees showed sample microfluidic devices, model brains, and slides under a microscope, encouraged kids to make model neurons out of pipe cleaners, and engaged visitors in a “candy test.” The test asked visitors to pick a piece of flavored candy with their eyes closed, then eat it with their noses pinched, and try to identify which flavor they ate. The object of the test is to understand how the brain connects the senses of smell and taste.

Miles Norsworthy and Charles Marchini at the Farmer's Market
Miles Norsworthy and Charles Marchini at the Farmer’s Market

MBM also represented the Science at the Market program through the Illinois Physics Department, which organizes scientific outreach at the Urbana Farmer’s Market throughout the summer. Learn more about Science at the Market, and to see their schedule for future Farmer’s Market outreach here.