[SatNews] The Space Foundation is demonstrating how astronauts conduct experiments on the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle from Oct. 23 to 24 at the inaugural USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C.

Using gloveboxes similar to the ones used in space to prevent experiments from floating away and to keep scientists and astronauts safe, the Space Foundation will let attendees experience firsthand what it is like to conduct scientific studies using circuits, robotic arms and heavy space gloves. The demonstrations, manned by Space Foundation space education specialists, are being presented in conjunction with the National Security Space Office. The USA Science & Engineering Festival, hosted by Lockheed Martin, is the country's first national science festival. It opened Oct. 10 with a concert of science songs performed by more than 200 children and adults at the University of Maryland. The culmination is the two-day Expo on the National Mall Oct. 23-24 that will feature more than 500 science and engineering organizations from across the United States presenting hands-on, fun science activities to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The festival will feature more than 1,500 interactive exhibits and activities such as building an underwater robot, simulating cargo management on the Space Shuttle, learning the science behind Hollywood movies, as well as 50 stage shows, including comedians, science magicians and musicians.