Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Science Festival is set to return with both in-person and virtual events across the state from October 14-20. The festival invites students, educators, and science enthusiasts to participate in a statewide celebration.

This year's theme focuses on agriculture and its connection to Wisconsin's economy, society, well-being, and future. Governor Tony Evers has officially proclaimed the week as "Wisconsin Science Week." Over 200 unique events will be hosted in more than 45 counties, offering demonstrations, performances, nature hikes, pub talks, and hands-on exhibitions for all ages.

"The Wisconsin Science Festival is all about celebrating curiosity and community," said Sam Mulrooney, director of the Wisconsin Science Festival. "This year’s focus on agriculture highlights both the tradition and innovation shaping our state."

The popular Science in a Bag project will be available at participating libraries statewide. The take-home kit includes activities for K-12 students featuring science and research happening in Wisconsin. More than 70 libraries will participate by hosting programs such as makerspace events, story times, citizen science BioBlitzes, and volunteer-led activities.

"Science literacy is essential to understanding the world," said Jane Rotonda, director of the Wisconsin Book Festival. "We’re excited to celebrate that through our decade-long partnership with the Wisconsin Science Festival."

The Discovery Expo presented by the Morgridge Institute for Research will offer Field Trip Day and Community Day for hands-on exploration of science. Attendees can engage with scientists at stations featuring STEM activities ranging from virtual reality to health and medicine.

A new addition this year is the Badgers on Tap program at partnering pubs throughout Wisconsin. This series features flash talks on agriculture mixed with trivia and prizes.

Science on the Square will again merge with the Madison Night Market on October 17 for an evening filled with hands-on science activities and local vendors in downtown Madison.

For a full schedule of events and an interactive map, visit the Wisconsin Science Festival website.

Events include:

- Northern Wisconsin: Nature exploration at Cable Natural History Museum; cheese making at Shell Lake Public Library; BioBlitz in Boulder Junction; Apostle Island Sea Caves formation study in Ashland.

- West Central Wisconsin: Popcorn science in Augusta; Family Science Expo at Pablo Center in Eau Claire; agriculture exploration at Food+Farm Exploration Center in Plover; fermentology class with Fizziology Foods in Holmen.

- Northeast Wisconsin: Knowledge sessions at Badger State Brewing; glacier studies in Green Bay; curiosity growth at The Building for Kids in Appleton; Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center visit in Manitowoc.

- Madison: Traditional Menominee basketry workshop; Crossroads of Ideas panel discussion; Big Ideas for Busy People event at Majestic Theater.

- Milwaukee: Pre-festival event with Bill Nye at Riverside Theater; astrophotography session at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center; sunset meditation hike in Waukesha.

For further details or inquiries:

Office of Strategic Communication

165 Bascom Hall

500 Lincoln Drive

Madison, WI 53706

Email: contact.strategiccommunication@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-265-4151

© 2024 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System