Campus to be an exploration destination in April

Researchers and outreach specialists from all paths of science are invited to participate in events in April that invite the public to experience science as exploring the unknown.

The series is called “Science Expeditions,” and its organizers welcome all interested faculty, staff, students and retirees to get involved by hosting an event or by informing them of one planned during April.

Science Expeditions emphasizes that scientific and educational enterprise at UW–Madison does not stop at the shores of Lake Mendota — it exists throughout the state, the country and the world.

“Whether visiting the 933 acres of the main campus or any of the off-campus research sites, we encourage people of all ages to see the university as a destination for exploration,” says Tom Zinnen of the Biotechnology Center and an outreach specialist involved with Science Alliance, which organizes Science Expeditions and coordinates other activities.

Researchers and outreach specialists can offer presentations, demonstrations or hands-on “Explorations Stations” at the kickoff event on Saturday, April 3. They can plan other activities throughout April, such as forums, workshops, family science nights, tours and laboratory open houses.

Science Expeditions organizers would like to promote science outreach activities on tap for April in news stories, ads and a brochure, and via http://science.wisc.edu.

Faculty, staff and students can volunteer as judges, hosts and guides for the statewide Science Olympiad for high school students hosted by the College of Engineering and Science Expeditions.

The tournament promises all the excitement of the state basketball playoffs, but in science, says Kevin Niemi, an outreach specialist with the Center for Biology Education and the Science Alliance liaison to the Science Olympiad.

For information on how to be involved in Science Expeditions or the April 3 event: zinnen@biotech.wisc.edu, 265-2420.

To learn more about the Science Olympiad: kjniemi@wisc.edu, 262-5480.