UW-Madison Science Alliance Updater
For 14 March 2022
Hi Everyone,
Mid March oozes with transitions, migrations, and changes. Robins, redwing blackbirds and sandhill cranes–the pteradactyls of ptoday–again course across our skies. Just this past week, the ice opened on Monona Bay on Thursday, UW Spring Break began on Friday afternoon, the campus mask mandate ended on midnight into Saturday, and Daylight Saving Time resumed Sunday morning. The NCAA men’s basketball brackets appeared Sunday evening, and two of the finest days in US sports (at least in my Mom’s opinion) are coming up on Thursday and Friday. The spring equinox clocks in this coming Sunday.
Two years ago the campus shut down in Mid March, and became nearly a ghost town for half a year. Last March we could welcome folks only by zooms but not into actual rooms. Happily, in this March of 2022 it is not only the lakes that are thawing.
The extra scoop of good news is that on April 8-10–in just over three weeks–we’ll have our first in-person UW Science Expeditions Campus Open House since 2019. The even-better news is you have til this Friday, March 18, to register your Exploration Station, Science Spectacular or Destination for Exploration to be included in the lineup of events for Science Expeditions.
It’s also a good week to invite your family & friends to mark their calendars for April 8, 9 and 10, and plan to come connect with the remarkable constellation of science people, places & programs at hand on Wisconsin’s public land-grant campus.
This spring is a good time to get back in the swing of things, and it’ll be splendid to have you be a part of welcoming the public to campus once again to come experience science as exploring the unknown as part of the 20th Annual UW Science Expeditions.
Thanks!
Tom Zinnen
===Coming Up This Week and This Month1. During the spring semester, Science Alliance meets at 10:00 am Mondays, including today, Monday March 14.Please Note: We will be meeting by Zoom on March 14 and for the coming few weeks.
The Zoom link for the spring meetings of Science Alliance will continue to be: https://zoom.us/my/glbrc.weieducation.vmr?pwd=L2Q0L0g0S3lEd2gyazNscjA1d2JYZz09
The draft agenda for March 14 at 10am includes:• Welcome• Updates
• Science Expeditions 2022 Planning
Publicity
Communications
Venues
Presenters in Person
Virtual/Hybrid Options
• Other Business
• Next Meeting: March 21 at 10:00 am.
As 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.
• UW Science Expeditions April 8-10. Register to Participate this year for the 20th Annual UW-Madison Science Expeditions on April 8-10. You can present an Exploration Station on your research or outreach, or host an Open House or Tour at your facility, or organize a public presentation. Please register by the deadline of March 18.
• Weekly Reminder: Please Post your science outreach events and Check for Other Science Events presented online and available to all at http://today.wisc.edu/events/tag/science
• Badger Talks Live: – https://facebook.com/BadgerTalks/live & https://badgertalks.wisc.edu/events/
Tuesday, March 22, noon, “Covering Wisconsin” with Allison Espeseth, Development & Operations Manager, Covering Wisconsin, School of Human Ecology
• Saturday Science Workshops at UW Space Place. Every Saturday at 10am at UW Space Place, in the lower level of The Atrium at The Village on Park, 2300 S. Park Street, Madison, WI
• 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. This week Jerry Yin of Genetics and Neurology speaks on “What Can Fuit Flies Teach Us about the Persistence of Memory?”
• “PLATO Frontiers in Life Sciences” every Wednesday through April 27 at 1pm at UW Space Place in the Lower Level of The Atrium of The Village on Park, 2300 S. Park Street. In person, or Zoom at go.wisc.edu/27448v
March 16: “Insect Armageddon” with Dan Young of the Wisconsin Insect Research Collection, Dept of Entomology
March 23: “CRISPR with Transgenic Animals in BioMedical Science” with Dustin Rubinstein pinch-hitting for Kathy Krentz of the Biotechnology Center
March 30: “Microfluidics and Cancer Modeling” with Maria Virambrales Munoz of the Carbone Cancer Center
3. Family Science Nights: Sign Up Here to Volunteer — https://tinyurl.com/UW-FamilyScienceSignup
This spring we have a number of schools and community centers are scheduling virtual and in-person Family Science Nights (FSN) this semester.
Many of the currently scheduled events are later in the semester. We recognize that we will all have to be flexible in this uncertain time. We will follow the rules of each school or community center, some of which require proof of volunteer vaccination. See signup form for details.
As always, you can sign up for one or more event on our signup form.
https://tinyurl.com/UW-FamilyScienceSignup
Several other events will be added shortly, so please check back on the form over time.
I’m happy to answer questions or guide people in choosing activities to present.
Thanks for your past participation. Stay safe everyone,
Audrey Gasch
Dept of Genetics
4. Two New Outreach Programs from the Department of Physics: “TeachQuantum” and “QauntTime”
a. TeachQuantum, a professional development opportunity for high school teachers, is coming to UW-Madison! The Department of Physics is excited to start accepting applications for our first cohort of TeachQuantum teachers. A virtual information session will be hosted on March 8, 2022, at 6pm, and applications are due on April 8, 2022. Please share this information far and wide with your high school teacher connections! Questions about the program or applying can be directed to mallory.conlon@wisc.edu.
—
b. Interested in adding quantum science to your curricula but not sure where to begin? Participate in QuanTime— a program designed to offer teachers free classroom activities that they can do without any pre-requisite quantum knowledge. QuanTime is scheduled to coincide with World Quantum Day on April 14, 2022, and we hope to have thousands of students doing something quantum throughout April and May. Activities are available for grades 6-12, though they can be adapted for older and younger groups. Please register if you are interested and share amongst your middle and high school connections!
—
Mallory Conlon
Quantum Science Outreach Program Coordinator
UW-Madison Department of Physics
5. The SILO Online Seminar Series from the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery Runs Wednesdays from March 23 thru May 4.
6. ROSE Community STEM Fellows at Edgewood College
Hi Everyone!
My name is Sarah Stoehr and I coordinate the Resources & Opportunities in Science Education (ROSE) Project for the Office of Science Outreach at Edgewood College. We are looking for science experts for two of our ROSE Community STEM Fellows sessions this semester. We are hoping (and planning) to have in-person sessions in March, April, and May. If you are interested in being a science expert for the March or May session, please email Sarah @ sstoehr@edgewood.edu with the date and any activity ideas you have. Science experts are paid a $100 honorarium for their instruction and planning time. The available dates are:
Thurs, March 17th from 6-8 p.m. in Sonderegger Science Building (1st hour: adult activity & 2nd hour: children activity (can be similar activities))
Thurs, May 19th from 6~7:30 p.m. in Sonderegger Science Building (1st hour: adults & 2nd hour: children (can be similar activities) then CAKE!! for our end of year celebration)
Thank you in advance for your consideration, and please let me know if you have any questions!
Sarah Stoehr, ROSE Project Coordinator
(608) 663-4150
7. This Week: Share Your Science at the Family Science Night Wednesday March 16 at CH Bird Elementary School in Sun Prairie 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Hello UW Science Alliance,
I am a parent at Sun Prairie CH Bird Elementary School PTO group. We are organizing our annual Family Science Night on March 16 from 5:30-7pm. Researchers & outreachers, please email me a note at adreakwong@gmail.com to register your Exploration Station geared for Elementary students and their families. Please include a title and a short description of the activity.
Also, please share this invitation with your colleagues and across your networks. We’re looking forward to welcoming many of you to Bird Elementary for an evening of sharing and exploring science!
Thank you,
Andrea Kwong
CH Bird Elementary School PTO
8. Remake Learning Days Launches in Wisconsin on Earth Day April 22
This year there is a new (free, nonprofit) opportunity to showcase and promote the great work we do in hands-on education and celebrate Earth Day (and every day!)
“Remake Learning Days” is billed nationally as ‘the world’s largest open house for hands on learning!”
Wisconsin’s festival is scheduled to launch EARTH DAY April 22 thru 30th, with a series of hands-on programs at locations and organizations throughout the region. Designed similarly to WI Science Fest, Remake Learning Days WI showcases and promotes organizations and family-friendly programs to youth, families and community leaders throughout Wisconsin.
Check it out! https://www.wethinkbig.org/programs/remake-learning-days/ or www.remakelearningdays.org/badgerland
It’s free to list your programs and join the dozens of other organizations promoting Outdoor and Hands-on Learning.
WKOW-TV is our key media sponsor and will be running promotions up to Earth Day.
Kathe Crowley Conn
608-800-2100
We Think Big, Inc
9. “Wisconsin Hemp By Hand” Lecture & Workshop Series Continues April 7, 3-6pm CST
https://alternativecrops.horticulture.wisc.edu/wisconsin-hemp-by-hand/
There are many eager hemp stakeholders in Wisconsin that hope hemp will provide profitability while creating more environmentally sustainable products. This panel discussion will bring together hemp industry leaders across a diverse set of disciplines including hemp processing, paper production, hemp textiles, and hemp building materials to discuss their successes and lessons learned. We hope the knowledge gained will provide timely insights for industry stakeholders regarding the feasibility of various hemp-derived products in Wisconsin and beyond.
10a. The Wonders of Physics Science Spectacular Moves from February to April 9 & April 10 at 1pm and at 4pm as Part of UW Science Expeditions!
The Wonders of Physics shows will be performed during Science Expeditions this year. The risks are just too high right now (when we need to be rehearsing) to be able to put on the show in February. We will be sending out an email to our list of 6500+ subscribers this week announcing the change as well as highlighting Science Expeditions taking place on the same weekend. Another email will be sent to the same list in late February or early March alerting people that tickets sales are open.
We will do four shows inside Chamberlin, in room 2103, but also hope to livestream them as well. The shows will be 1pm and 4pm on 4/9 & 4/10. The Physics Fair is moving to 4/9 from 11am-4pm as well.
Thanks!
Haddie
Haddie McLean (she/her)
Outreach Specialist-Wonders of Physics
UW-Madison Physics Department
608-262-2927
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 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.
10b. The Physics Fair Beams Back To Campus on April 9 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 now re-scheduled from February 12 to Saturday, April 9 from 11am – 4pm in Chamberlin Hall as part of UW Science Expeditions.
11. 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) for questions or suggestions. Sign up at the spreadsheet here.
12. 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/
UW Arboretum Spring Events, from Susan Day
See Arboretum events calendar for information and registration: https://arboretum.wisc.edu/visit/events/
March
– Saturday, March 19, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Grady Tract
– Saturday, March 19, 1–3 p.m. Class: Phenology—Keeping Track of Nature
– Saturday, March 19, 8–9:30 p.m. Full Moon Night Walk
– Sunday, March 20, 1–2:30 p.m. Nature Hike
– Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Core Area and Curtis Prairie
– Sunday, March 27, 1–2 p.m. Garden Stroll
April
– Friday, April 1, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Class: Ponds, Pines and Birds—Finding Mary Oliver
– Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Wingra Oak Savanna
– Sunday, April 3, 1–2:30 p.m. Nature Hike
– Saturday, April 9, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Core Area and Curtis Prairie
– Sunday, April 10, 12:30–4 p.m. Family Nature Program: Explore Science Outdoors
– Tuesday, April 12, 9:45–11:15 a.m. Family Class: Learning Together—Springtime Awakenings
– Saturday, April 16, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Grady Tract
– Saturday, April 16, 7–8:30 p.m. Night Walk: Sky Dance
– Sunday, April 17, 1–2:30 p.m. Nature Hike
– Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Core Area and Curtis Prairie
– Saturday, April 23, 1–3 p.m. Garden Tour: Magnolias
– Sunday, April 24, 1–2 p.m. Garden Stroll
– Saturday, April 30, 1–3 p.m. Garden Tour: Early Signs of Spring
– Saturday, April 30, 1–3 p.m. Class: Introduction to Wisconsin Geology
May
– Sunday, May 1, 1–2:30 p.m. Nature Hike
– Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Wingra Oak Savanna
– Saturday, May 7, 1–3 p.m. Garden Tour: Lilacs
– Saturday, May 7, 1–3 p.m. Class: Bluebirds and the Arboretum Trail
– Sunday, May 8, 1–3 p.m. Family Nature Program: What’s in the Woods?
– Tuesday, May 10, 9:45–11:15 a.m. Family Class: Learning Together—Flowers in the Garden
– Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Wingra Oak Savanna
– Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Friends of the Arboretum Native Plant Sale
– Saturday, May 14, 1–3 p.m. Garden Tour: Crabapples
– Sunday, May 15, 1–2:30 p.m. Nature Hike
– Sunday, May 15, 8–11 p.m. Full Moon Night Walk and Lunar Eclipse Watch Party
– Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Grady Tract
– Sunday, May 22, 1–2 p.m. Garden Stroll
– Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Core Area and Curtis Prairie
– Sunday, May 29, 1–2:30 p.m. Nature Hike
13. Events from Madison Friends of Urban Nature
More from Madison FUN Friends of Urban Nature
==== Five Powerful Routes to Promote Your Events: The Updater newsletter (750 subscribers), the science.wisc.edu portal, the @sciencewiscedu Twitter feed (3.2K followers), the @UWMadisonScienceOutreach Facebook page, and the today.wisc.edu calendar. * Add your news, requests and programming announcements to the #Updater by emailing them to ejesse2@wisc.edu and tag them with #updater.* Check out www.science.wisc.edu for more science activities! We’re delighted to help you promote your upcoming science outreach events. Send a note to Liz Jesse at ejesse2@wisc.edu.* Or post your events to the @sciencewiscedu Twitter feed and to the @UWMadisonScienceOutreach Facebook page.
Post your events at the NSF-funded “Science Near Me” site at https://sciencenearme.org