Materials science has long been important in Greater Philadelphia, with institutions like Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania at the forefront of its application to various areas of research and engineering, as well as the recent and rapid development of nanotechnology and related facilities and entrepreneurship.

Finally, materials science will have its day in Philly. Philly Materials Science & Engineering Day is slated for Saturday, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sponsored by Drexel, Penn and WHYY, the free event at Drexel's Bossone Research Enterprise Center (Market St. between 31st and 32nd) is open to the public and promises hands-on science and engineering fun for all ages.

"The field doesn't often get a lot of attention," says Dorilona Rose, an event coordinator and operations manager at Drexel's Department of Materials Science and Engineering, "but there is active research occurring at both Drexel and Penn that may have significant impact on our everyday lives, and we look forward to educating people about it."

That includes a variety of activities and demonstrations, including the chance to build a carbon nanotube, a structure playing a huge role in many new technologies; exploring novel materials like nano fabric and Buckyballs; slime and foam samples; friction displays; and how to use liquid nitrogen to cool things to -320 F.

About a dozen speakers are expected, delving into the material science of musical instruments, renewable materials, and nuclear technologies. The event also has served to unite the all corners of the material science community, including headline-grabbing companies like AlumiFuel Power and Y-Carbon.

"The event has also helped us to forge a greater partnership with our Penn neighbors, as well as WHYY, the Franklin Institute and local materials companies," says Rose.

JOE PETRUCCI is managing editor of Flying Kite. Send feedback here.