UW-Madison Science Alliance Updater
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For 20 December 2021 Hi Everyone,
The shortest days of the year are here and the coldest ones lurk in the weeks ahead. In the lingering last days of the year, reflection turns to retrospection and, if we have the internal optics, introspection.
For a public land-grant university, with its missions of instruction, research and public service through extension, few institutional aspirations shine brighter than the ideal of Access for All so that everyone can pursue their own expedition of lifelong learning, at any age, at any stage. The university is a more vibrant place because we welcome people young and old to come to campus to share in our discoveries and explorations. Likewise, the university is a more vibrant institution because, in turn, people welcome us as university scholars into their communities to share in their discoveries and explorations.
In the ideal towards which we work, the hospitality is reciprocal, and the benefits are mutual. This mindset of hospitality is one of the drivers of UW Science Expeditions since its inception in 2003.
I hope you’ll join us again this year for the 20th Annual UW-Madison Science Expeditions on April 8-10. Please mark your calendars, and consider presenting an Exploration Station on your research or outreach, or hosting an Open House or Tour at your facility, or organizing a public presentation.
You’ll be able to find out more in the coming weeks at science.wisc.edu/science-expeditions. But the solstice is a good day to look forward, to plan ahead, and to reaffirm our brightest aspirations.
Thanks,Tom Zinnen
===Coming Up This Week and This Month1. During the fall, Science Alliance meets at 10:00 am Mondays, including today, Monday December 20. Please note the location for our fall meetings of Science Alliance:Room 1120 Wisconsin Energy Institute, 1552 University AvenuePlease note the Zoom link for the fall: https://zoom.us/my/glbrc.weieducation.vmr?pwd=L2Q0L0g0S3lEd2gyazNscjA1d2JYZz09 The draft agenda for December 20 at 10am includes:• Welcome• Updates• Science Expeditions 2022 Planning
• Next Meeting: To be determined: January 3 at 10:00 amAs with the #Updater, the meeting notes are also archived on https://science.wisc.edu/science-alliance/.
2. Recurring Programming Events coming this week and soon.• Remember to Post your science outreach events and to Check for other events presented online and available to all at http://today.wisc.edu/events/tag/science• Badger Talks Live: – https://www.facebook.com/UWConnects/live & https://badgertalks.wisc.edu/events/ Badger Talks Live will resume after the holidays on Tuesday, January 25 • Wednesday Nite @ The Lab Public Science Series every Wednesday night, 50 times a year, at 7pm CT by zoom (go.wisc.edu/240r59) or in person in Room 1111 Genetics Biotech Center, 425 Henry Mall, Madison WI. WN@TL is taking the next two weeks off (“Every Wednesday night, 50 Times a Year). WN@TL resumes on January 5 with Jenyne Loarca of Horticulture speaking on “Genetic Diversity Matters: A Field Exploration of 696 Carrot Varieties.”
3. A Mid-Winter’s Day Garden Series Starts January 22 with Friends of Allen Centennial Gardens
Allen Centennial Garden, in partnership with the Friends of Allen Centennial Gardens, offers an annual Saturday morning winter program series during January and February on garden-related topics for ACG Friends and volunteers as well as the general public. Last year’s programs were virtual, and we will be using that format again in early 2022. There is a $10/session fee, but they are free for the Friends and volunteers. To register go to allencentenialgarden.wisc.edu.Jane CramerFriends of Allen Centennial Gardens
4a. The Wonders of Physics Traveling Show Is Back! And the Annual Show at Chamberlin Hall, Too. 
Our show is a fast-paced, interactive presentation that can be customized for any age group for maximum comprehension and enjoyment. We want to share our love of physics with all children and inspire the next generation of scientists. We supply all of the equipment and come to you!Email Haddie McLean at haddie@physics.wisc.edu or visit https://wonders.physics.wisc.edu/book-a-program/ to book a program.Haddie McLeanOutreach Specialist-Wonders of PhysicsUW-Madison Physics Departmenthaddie@physics.wisc.edu608-262-29274b. The Wonders of Physics Science Spectacular Returns to the Stage at Chamberlin Hall Feb 12, 13, 19 and 20
Our show is a fast-paced, interactive presentation that can be customized for any age group for maximum comprehension and enjoyment. We want to share our love of physics with all children and inspire the next generation of scientists. We supply all of the equipment and come to you!Email Haddie McLean at haddie@physics.wisc.edu or visit https://wonders.physics.wisc.edu/book-a-program/ to book a program.Haddie McLeanOutreach Specialist-Wonders of PhysicsUW-Madison Physics Departmenthaddie@physics.wisc.edu608-262-29274b. The Wonders of Physics Science Spectacular Returns to the Stage at Chamberlin Hall Feb 12, 13, 19 and 20The Wonders of Physics lights up the stage at UW-Madison’s Chamberlin Hall every February.
Free tickets for the Wonders of Physics are recommended and are available after January 1st using the On-Line Ticket Form.
Alternately, you may call (608) 262-2927 or e-mail wonders@physics.wisc.edu.
Come to the next public presentations of The Wonders of Physics onmailto:wonders@physics.wisc.eduSaturday February 12, 2022 1 and 4 pmSunday February 13, 2022 1 and 4 pmSaturday February 19, 2022 1 and 4 pmSunday February 20, 2022 1 and 4 pmCome to 2103 Chamberlin Hall, 1150 University Avenue, Madison, WI.
The Wonders of Physics Shows last a bit over an hour and are suitable for all ages.
4c. The Physics Fair Beams Back To Campus on February 12 from 11 am to 4 pm
The Physics Fair is an annual Department of Physics open house that includes laboratory tours, hands-on demonstrations, activities for kids and families, and informal conversations with scientists. It is presented alongside the Wonders of Physics annual show, and is held in Chamberlin Hall. No tickets or RSVP is required for the Physics Fair.The 2022 Physics Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 12 from 11am – 4pm in Chamberlin Hall. Please refer back to this page for any updates.
5. Share Your Science with Necedah’s “Cardinal After School” by Zoom on Tuesdays throughout the coming spring semester. Starting on Tuesday February 1 and weekly thereafter, choose a Tuesday to share your science by zoom from 4:00-4:30pm for grades for middle school and high school; 4:30 to 5:00 for grades 3-5. It’s a good way to share existing activities, as well as to invite the students to help you prototype & hone new activities you’re developing. Contact Liz Jesse (ejesse2@wisc.edu) or Tom Zinnen (zinnen@biotech.wisc.edu) for questions or suggestions. Sign up at the spreadsheet here.
6. Events from the Wisconsin Energy InstituteRegister Now for the 2022 WI KidWind Challenge!The KidWind Challenge is a hands-on wind turbine design competition that engages middle and high school students from across Wisconsin in STEM through the lens of wind energy. Student teams bring small-scale wind turbines to the challenge, test them in a wind tunnel, meet with a panel of expert judges to present their design process, tackle instant challenge activities, and explore green careers.The 2022 WI KidWind Challenge will take place on Saturday, February 26th at the Discovery Building at the University of Wisconsin – Madison campus. Learn more and register your teams by January 14th here.
KidWind Coaches’ Happy Hours:
Preparing for the 2022 KidWind Challenge or looking to learn more? Join us for a happy hour to chat with other coaches and share ideas. KidWind advisors and organizers will be on hand to answer your questions – from engineering and design tips and tricks, to FAQ about the registration process and what to expect on Challenge Day. Come for the whole hour or just a portion and BYO beverage of choice.
January 13, 2022, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Central.
REGISTER for the January 13 Happy Hour HERE.Allison BenderOutreach CoordinatorWisconsin Energy Institute | Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center608.890.0946 agbender@wisc.edu1552 University Ave, Madison WI, Room 2160University of Wisconsin–Madison
7. UW Arboretum Winter EventsSaturday work parties, Sunday walks, and night walksSaturday restoration work parties, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.: https://arboretum.wisc.edu/get-involved/volunteer/work-parties/See the full list of Sunday walks (nature hikes, family walks, and garden strolls), plus monthly night walks, on the Arboretum events calendar:https://arboretum.wisc.edu/visit/events/
Sunday, December 26. Garden Stroll. 1 p.m.-2:00 p.m.Friday, December 31. New Year’s Eve Night Walk. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Registration RequiredSunday, January 2. Nature Hike. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.Sunday, January 9. Family Nature Walk. 1 p.m.-2:00 p.m.Saturday, January 15. Full Moon Night Walk. 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.Sunday, January 16. Nature Hike. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.Sunday, January 23. Garden Stroll. 1 p.m.-2:00 p.m.Sunday, January 30. Nature Hike. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.Saturday, February 5. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Wingra Oak Savanna. Meet at Arbor Drive parking lot, off Monroe StreetSunday, February 6. Nature Hike. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.Saturday, February 12. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Core Area and Curtis Prairie. Meet at the Visitor Center.Saturday, February 12. Full Moon Night Walk. 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.Sunday, February 13. Family Nature Walk. 1 p.m.-2:00 p.m.Saturday, February 19. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Grady Tract.
Meet at Grady Tract parking lot, southeast corner of Seminole Highway and West Beltline Frontage Road.Sunday, February 20. Nature Hike. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.Saturday, February 26. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Core Area and Curtis Prairie. Meet at the Visitor Center.Sunday, February 27. Garden Stroll. 1 p.m.-2:00 p.m. 8. Events from Madison Friends of Urban Nature
9. STEM Week at Farm Wisconsin December 28-30, 2021, in ManitowocWe invite you to participate in our annual event: STEM Week at Farm Wisconsin, this December 28-30, 2021.STEM Week at Farm Wisconsin is designed to engage visitors of all ages with hands-on activities in the areas of agriculture science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This year’s event will run for three days – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – while students are on winter break.At this time, we are seeking businesses, organizations, community groups, and individuals to coordinate an interactive station highlighting STEM in agriculture. Stations may include a demonstration, experiment, craft or activity – the more hands-on, the better!Participants will be expected to staff their station for the whole day (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) and may plan to attend one, two, or all three days.Please let me know if you would be interested in participating in our event and/or if you would like to brainstorm possible ideas for a station. Feel free to also spread the word to others you think may be interested in joining us this winter. I have attached a PDF with event details to this email for easy distribution.Thank you,Abigail Martin | Program Manager920-726-6009 7001 Gass Lake Road | Manitowoc, WI 54220farmwisconsin.orgabigail@farmwisconsin.org10. Beaver Dam Arts & Peony Festival on June 4, 10am to 5pm is looking for youth activities.Location: Ovan’s Peony Farm, Beaver DamPartners include Mill House Quilts, and New Sewing with Nancy Store.They expect about 500 people to come through.If interested in providing an Exploration Station in science or the arts, please reach out to Fran Puleo fpuleo@wisc.eduFran Puleo Moyer Assistant Director of Outreach ProgramsUW ConnectsUniversity of Wisconsin-Madisonfran.puleo@wisc.edu | 920.296.05461308 W. Dayton St. Madison, WI 53715uwconnects.wisc.edu11. Teaching & Learning with Wisconsin Fast Plants!
9. STEM Week at Farm Wisconsin December 28-30, 2021, in ManitowocWe invite you to participate in our annual event: STEM Week at Farm Wisconsin, this December 28-30, 2021.STEM Week at Farm Wisconsin is designed to engage visitors of all ages with hands-on activities in the areas of agriculture science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This year’s event will run for three days – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – while students are on winter break.At this time, we are seeking businesses, organizations, community groups, and individuals to coordinate an interactive station highlighting STEM in agriculture. Stations may include a demonstration, experiment, craft or activity – the more hands-on, the better!Participants will be expected to staff their station for the whole day (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) and may plan to attend one, two, or all three days.Please let me know if you would be interested in participating in our event and/or if you would like to brainstorm possible ideas for a station. Feel free to also spread the word to others you think may be interested in joining us this winter. I have attached a PDF with event details to this email for easy distribution.Thank you,Abigail Martin | Program Manager920-726-6009 7001 Gass Lake Road | Manitowoc, WI 54220farmwisconsin.orgabigail@farmwisconsin.org10. Beaver Dam Arts & Peony Festival on June 4, 10am to 5pm is looking for youth activities.Location: Ovan’s Peony Farm, Beaver DamPartners include Mill House Quilts, and New Sewing with Nancy Store.They expect about 500 people to come through.If interested in providing an Exploration Station in science or the arts, please reach out to Fran Puleo fpuleo@wisc.eduFran Puleo Moyer Assistant Director of Outreach ProgramsUW ConnectsUniversity of Wisconsin-Madisonfran.puleo@wisc.edu | 920.296.05461308 W. Dayton St. Madison, WI 53715uwconnects.wisc.edu11. Teaching & Learning with Wisconsin Fast Plants!Happy New Year! We’re here to help support teaching & learning in schools, after schools & youth groups! Could you use help finding Open Source resources for teaching with Fast Plants?
Would you like to talk about lighting options for growing healthy Fast Plants in your classroom situation? We are here to help! Our purpose at the Wisconsin Fast Plants Program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison is providing outreach support to teachers and researchers who use Fast Plants as a model organism. Here are just a few examples of 2021 outreach that was part of our daily work in the Fast Plants Program:
• Shared one-on-one consultation with a community college professor who is designing a new botany course for non-biology majors.
• Prepared and facilitated mini-workshops for teaching with and about models using Fast Plants, given during AP Biology Institutes.
• Shared and discussed via email with many teachers ways to interpret their Fast Plants’ growth and development.
• Offered webinars to support data management, statistical analyses and Open Source lesson plans.
• Worked with teachers to convert classroom Fast Plants investigations to remote-learning investigations.
So remember, if you:
• would like a second opinion about how your Fast Plants are growing,
• need assistance finding resources (e.g. lesson plans, handouts, research papers, etc.) or
• want help preparing materials for growing healthy Fast Plants,
• would like feedback about when to harvest seed for successful selection investigations,
• have any question about Fast Plants:
just send us an email.Please include in your email information about your investigation, growing conditions, learning goals, and a photo of your plants (if relevant).
We hope to hear from you!
12. Edgewood College to Host Science Olympiad Madison Regional Tournament on Saturday February 5
The 2021-22 TENTATIVE Science Olympiad Regional Tournament Date is 2/05/22 for the Madison Regional Competition. Edgewood College hosts the Madison Regional Science Olympiad competition each year in February. In 2022, the event will be held on Saturday, February 5th, if it is deemed safe to do so by the College, given where the country will stand at that time in regards to Covid.
Teams from South Central Wisconsin compete at Edgewood for seats at the Wisconsin State Tournament. About 150 gifted, talented, and enthusiastic high school students converge on the Sonderegger Science Center to showcase their accomplishments in science, engineering, and technology. The competition is intense yet friendly and everyone leaves a winner.
If you are interested in joining Science Olympiad or volunteering at the Edgewood Regional, please contact Jeanne Benink, Edgewood College Program Coordinator for Science Outreach, at jbenink@edgewood.edu