UW-Madison Science Alliance Updater
Monday 3 October 2022
Hi Everyone,
Sometimes, serendipity suffices. On Friday Joao Dorea of Animal and Dairy Sciences sent the happy news that he could give the PLATO Frontiers in Life Sciences talk on October 5, a slot that had come open at short notice due to the dominos effects of Hurricane Ian. He mentioned that he was returning from leading a short course at the University of Padova in Italy. That led me to wonder if Padova is the same as the pioneering University of Padua–and lo! it is.
Furthermore, the university’s website headlines that 2022 is the 800th anniversary of its founding; and moreover, as part of the commemorations the university inaugurated Science4All, an open house that ran last week, September 26 through October 2.
Here in Madison this coming spring we’ll be welcoming folks to campus for UW Science Expeditions, launched 20 years ago at a university that was founded in 1848, a mere teenager compared to Padova. Someday, if all goes well, UW-Madison will see its 200th anniversary, and its 500th, and its 800th, and I hope part of the celebrations will include, as at Padova, welcoming people of all ages to come experience science as exploring the unknown. The hospitality and the explorations are key components of what makes a university community vibrant and vital, no matter what their vintage.
Thanks again!
Tom Zinnen
===Coming Up This Week and This Coming Month
1. The UW-Madison Science Alliance meets weekly Monday meetings at 10:00 am, including October 3. Come to Room 1120 Wisconsin Energy Institute, 1552 University Ave; or tune in by Zoom.
The Zoom link for the fall meetings of Science Alliance will continue to be: https://zoom.us/my/glbrc.weieducation.vmr?pwd=L2Q0L0g0S3lEd2gyazNscjA1d2JYZz09
The draft agenda for October 3 at 10 am includes:• Welcome:• Updates
• Wisconsin Science Festival Oct 10-16 Statewide
• Science4All at University of Padua: a new public science event at a university celebrating its founding 800 years ago
• UW-Madison Events seeking Participants:
a. Cardinal After School on Tuesdays
b. Mt Horeb High School Careers Day October 12
c. Healing Labs + Science Alliance Coalition: “Letting Off STEAM” at Goodman Madison South Branch Library, Oct 20, 5-7pm
d. Dane County 4-H STEAM Team’s “Science Fright Night” Thursday Oct 20, 7-8:30pm at UW Space Place
e. River Trail School (K-8) from Milwaukee planning an Ag Day on campus in November; date yet to be determined
f. Mt. Horeb Intermediate Center field trips to campus for 150 third graders, sometime before December
g. Southern Lakes Advanced Learner Network’s “Science Immersion Day” Slated for Tuesday February 14 at UW-Madison. About 80 students, 20 teachers. Theme: “For the Love of Science”
• Other Business
• Next Meeting: Monday, October 10, 10 am
As with the Updater, the Science Alliance meeting notes are also archived on https://science.wisc.edu/science-alliance/.
2. Recurring Programming Events Coming This Week and Soon.
• 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
• Saturday Science Workshops at UW Space Place every Saturday, from 10 am to 11 am.
These family-friendly events are always free and open to the public every Saturday morning during the school year. This program is held in person only at UW Space Place, 2300 S. Park St, Madison. The workshop starts promptly at 10:00 and is typically over by 11:00.
• Badger Talks Live: Watch live and in archive at https://www.facebook.com/BadgerTalks/live_videos/ and check the schedule at https://badgertalks.wisc.edu/events/. On Tuesday, October 4, noon:Questioning Things: Material Culture Studies at the University of Wisconsin-MadisonSarah Anne Carter, Center for Design and Material Culture Associate, School of Human Ecology
• “PLATO Frontiers in Life Sciences” continue its 10-week Fall Series of public talks held every Wednesday at 1pm at UW Space Place, 2300 South Park Street, Madison. Come listen in live or zoom to the room at go.wisc.edu/27448v. This week Joao Dorea of Animal & Dairy Sciences speaks on deep learning and artificial intelligence applied to improving cattle.
• “Wednesday Nite @ The Lab” series of public science talks 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. On October 5 Johanna Oosterwyk of Horticulture speaks on “Vertical Farming.”
3. We are excited to invite you to Mount Horeb High School for the Oct 12 Career Exploration Day with students in grades 6-12.
This trade show style event will take place on Wednesday October 12th from 8:30-3:00. Arrival and setup will begin at 7:30 with help from our students and at 3:00 our students will assist you to get everything to your vehicle. We will be using spaces that allow for demonstrations and hands-on activities. Lunch and snacks will be provided. It is a great opportunity to network with our students and provide your leadership and guidance to our future workforce. The intent is to provide students information about careers and not a job fair.
Please take a moment to read the attached PDF for information. There is a link on the PDF for registration or click here. If you have any questions or need a paper copy of the registration form please respond to this email or call 608-437-7028 (Jodie Baber). We are happy to help.
Additionally, we ask that you forward this email to your fellow business or education contacts. If you have already responded – THANK YOU! We look forward to seeing you on Oct 12.
Pam Allen, Agricultural Sciencesl; John Arnold, Agricultural Sciences; Jodie Baber, Business Education; Allison Carroll, Business Education; Michael Cassidy, Business Education; Tim Killinger, Technology and Engineering; Bart Leibfried, Technology and Engineering; Sam Schultz, Family and Consumer Science
4. Science on Tap Minocqua returns for the season on October 5!
Scott Craven will discuss the use and importance of science in wildlife conservation and management.
You can watch in person at Oakfire Pizzeria in Minocqua or tune in live on YouTube by visiting our website: www.scienceontapminocqua.org
5. Energy Prices and the Inflation Reduction Act on Monday October 10 at 4:45
We’ve all been feeling the effects of higher energy prices–at the pump, on our utility bill, and in the other goods and services we buy. Even though oil prices have recently dropped, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused a massive upheaval to global energy markets, especially natural gas. Meanwhile, the U.S. federal government has passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which offers a large number of incentives to businesses and households to invest in energy efficiency and clean energy. Join us Monday, October 10th from 4:45–6:00 p.m. to learn about the current and future outlook for energy prices and how the Inflation Reduction Act might affect energy affordability, especially for everyday Wisconsinites.
This event is offered both in-person at the Wisconsin Energy Institute and online through Zoom Webinar. If attending online, registration is required.
6. Science Writer Position Open at Wisconsin Energy Institute
The Wisconsin Energy Institute is looking for a science writer to join our creative and collaborative team of communicators. This position will help share the stories of the institute’s research and outreach by finding and developing story ideas, writing and editing stories, and pitching engaging stories to the media. We are looking for someone who is curious, loves science, and is passionate about telling stories driven by people, ideas, and discoveries.
Please share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested, and feel free to direct questions to Matt Wisniewski (matthew.wisniewski@wisc.edu).
7. Check Out the 2022-2023 “Family Science Nights” Opportunities:
Family Science Nights Volunteers
For example, this request from Jen Grosh at Waunakee Prairie Elementary School:
I am helping to put together a family science night for Waunakee Prairie Elementary School. We are looking for a variety of fun science activities to put on display during the evening of Thursday, November 10 at the school in Waunakee for Kindergarten through 4th grade.
Would you be available to help that evening by bringing a hands-on Exploration Station to our event?
Thanks for sharing your science with the families at Waunakee Prairie!
Jen Grosh
Researchers & Outreachers, if you’d like to help with this or with other Family Science Nights over the coming months, please sign up here.
Parents & Teachers, if you’d like help in inviting UW researchers & outreachers to participate in your Family Science event, please sign up here.
8. Dane County 4-H STEAM Team Invites Your Exploration Stations for the “Science Fright Night” Thursday, October 20 at UW Space Place
Fire up your carbon-dioxide cauldron, break out your luciferase light-sticks, or invent a new schtick with light, sound, color, smell or touch to add some shivers to your hands-on Exploration Station.
Contact Tom Zinnen at the Biotech Center, or Lisa Curley at Dane County UW-Madison Extension 4-H to register your interest and reserve a space. We’ll be outside in the dusk and dark, weather permitting, at 2300 S. Park Street. Hosted by UW Space Place and the Wisconsin Science Museum, both located in lower level of The Atrium at the Village on Park, 2300 S. Park St, Madison.
9. The “Resources and Opportunities for Science Education” ( The ROSE Project) has resumed for the 2022/23 school year at Edgewood College just west of the UW Campus on Monroe Street. If you are interested in being a science expert for a ROSE event (which includes dinner, a $100 budget for supplies and a $100 honorarium for your work), please contact Sarah Stoehr, ROSE Project Coordinator, at sstoehr@edgewood.edu.
Edgewood Science Outreach ROSE Project
10. “The Physics of Climate Change” Invites STEM Teachers to Collaborate
Are you a STEM teacher interested in incorporating climate science concepts into your curriculum but don’t know where to start?
The Physics of Climate Change project, a collaboration between the UW–Madison Department of Physics and Wisconsin’s 4-H program sponsored by the Wisconsin Idea Collaboration Grant, has you covered! Adding climate science concepts into your curriculum this school year is made easy with an engaging activity, easy-to-use teacher materials, and in-class support from the project team.
If you are interested in having the project team join your class for a session during the 2022-23 school year, or if you’re simply interested in receiving the activity instructions, please fill out this form. Please reach out to Mallory Conlon (mallory.conlon@wisc.edu) with any questions.
11. UW Science Alliance is continuing its collaboration with the Healing Labs Consortium to present in the underserved communities throughout Madison.
The newest opportunities have been set up in the Madison Public Library – Goodman South Madison located at 2222 S Park St, Madison, WI 53713 from 5pm – 7pm.
The idea is to have smaller science hands-on events on different dates this fall. We are looking for 3-4 science hands-on stations on each of these dates in this part of the city and to reach out to this side of Madison’s underserved communities:
•Thursday, October 20 from 5-7pm
•Thursday, November 15 from 5-7pm Cool
•Thursday, December 1 from 5-7pm
To sign up for one or more events to participate with a hands-on station or to volunteer, please contact Ana Garic (ana.garic@wisc.edu)
12. UW Arboretum Fall Events
Saturday 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/
Taking a self-guided stroll is one way to explore the Arboretum on your own terms. Some of the most popular routes include the Grady Tract Loop, the Curtis Prairie, or a five mile loop through the whole arboretum. Always remember to stay on the paths to preserve wild plants + wear appropriate shoes.
You can also take one of the free guided nature walks offered for different skill levels and ages on a weekly basis. Most meet at the Visitor’s Center, located right in the heart of the arboretum.
- Nature Walks — Every Sunday at 1 p.m., learn about the land, plants, and animals from local naturalists.
- Nature Hikes — On the first and third Sundays of the month, adults are invited on these longer walks.
- Family Nature Walks — On the second Sunday of the month, families can explore the arboretum with a guide.
- Garden Strolls — On the fourth Sunday of the month, gently-paced strolls are offered with wheelchair-accessible routes.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. Check out the calendar for monthly night walks, seasonal birding hikes + more family-friendly events.
The arboretum is open daily from 4 a.m.-10 p.m. and is always free.
UW Arboretum Events
See Arboretum events calendar for details and registration: https://arboretum.wisc.edu/visit/events/
October
– Saturday, October 8, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Core Area and Curtis Prairie
– Saturday, October 8, 1–3 p.m. Garden Tour: Conifers
– Saturday, October 8, 8:30–10 p.m. Full Moon Night Walk
– Sunday, October 9, 1–3 p.m. Nature Hike in the Grady Tract
– Sunday, October 9, 1–3 p.m. Family Nature Program: Welcoming Fall
– Tuesday, October 11, 7–8:30 p.m. Fall Lecture: Relationship and Connection – Community and Ecological Restoration
– Friday, October 14, 4:30–6 p.m. Class: Following W.S. Merwin – The Well-Being of Poetry in Nature ($, registration required)
– Saturday, October 15, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Grady Tract
– Saturday, October 15, 1–3 p.m. Garden Tour: The Colors of Fall
– Saturday, October 15, 1–3:30 p.m. Class: Reading the Landscape – Woodlands ($, registration required)
– Sunday, October 16, 1–2:30 p.m. Nature Hike
– Thursday, October 20, 7–8:30 p.m. Fall Lecture: Restoring Healthy Food Connections on Madison’s South Side
– Saturday, October 22, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Core Area and Curtis Prairie
– Sunday, October 23, 1–2 p.m. Garden Stroll
– Tuesday, October 25, 7–8:30 p.m. Fall Lecture: Dream of Wild Health
– Sunday, October 30, 1–3 p.m. Touring the Lost City (free, registration required)
November
– Saturday, November 5, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Wingra Oak Savanna
– Saturday, November 5, 1–3 p.m. Class: All About Owls ($, registration required)
– Saturday, November 5, 7–8:30 p.m. Full Moon Night Walk
– Sunday, November 6, 1–3 p.m. Touring the Lost City (free, registration required)
– Saturday, November 12, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Core Area and Curtis Prairie
– Sunday, November 13, 1–3 p.m. Nature Hike in the Grady Tract
– Sunday, November 13, 1–3 p.m. Family Nature Program: Loving Nature
– Saturday, November 19, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Grady Tract
– Saturday, November 19, 1–3 p.m. Class: History of the Arboretum’s Lost City ($, registration required)
– Sunday, November 20, 1–2:30 p.m. Nature Hike
– Saturday, November 26, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Ecological Restoration Work Party: Core Area and Curtis Prairie
– Sunday, November 27, 1–2 p.m. Garden Stroll
13. Events from Madison Friends of Urban Nature
QUICK CALENDAR OF OCTOBER BIRD AND NATURE ADVENTURES
“Migration Magic” Sat Oct 01, 2:30pm at Tenney Park Beach with Bird Guide Dane Gallagher
“Fall Colors at Cherokee” Sun Oct 02, 1:30pm at Cherokee Marsh North Unit with Tree Expert Sean Gere
“Insect Superpowers” Sat Oct 08, 2:30pm at Owen Conservation Park with Master Naturalist Marjorie Rhine
“Fall Trees at Turville” Sun Oct 09 1:30pm at Turville Point Conservation Park with Tree Expert Sean Gere
“Who’s Still Here?” Wed Oct 19 10am Senior Adventure with Naturalist Nancy Fonzen, register 608-222-3415
“Native Plant Workshop” Sat Oct 15, 10am at Starkweather Creek with Master Naturalist Jeff Steele
“Reflections and Change” Sun Oct 16, 1:30pm at Warner Park Rainbow Shelter with Lynn Persson and Eva Roos
“Fall Comings and Goings” Sat Oct 22, 10am at Edna Taylor/Aldo Leopold Nature Center with Julie Melton
“Night Isn’t Scary For All” Sat Oct 22, 1:30pm at Pheasant Branch Creek with Master Naturalist Alex Singer
“Poetry in the Preserve” Sun Oct 23, 1:30pm at Lakeshore Nature Preserve with Will Vuyk and Paul Noeldner
For more events, see https://cityofmadison.com/parks/events/bird-nature.cfm
HOW CAN I JOIN THE Friends of Urban Nature?
* Join the FUN with Friends of Urban Nature Parks and Partner Groups co-sponsored nature outings!
* Outings are FREE, healthy, welcoming, diverse and family and kid friendly
* Just show up, no registration required unless noted, rain or shine unless weather is dangerous; no pets
* See guided outing details below and at http://CityofMadison.com/Parks/Events/Bird-Nature.cfm
* Find maps, fun facts and activities for self-guided walks at http://Tinyurl.com/MadisonFUNAdventures
* Connect with outing co-sponsor parks, environmental and friends groups for more great nature activities!