Science for the family: Mini-workshops, short lectures explore scientific topics

Family Science Exploration Nite, part of the popular series Wednesday Nite at the Lab, will be held Wednesday, July 14 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Genetics-Biotechnology Center, 425 Henry Mall.

The event, from 7-8:30 p.m., will feature scientists and educators presenting Exploration Stations, mini-workshops and short lectures on topics ranging from “How Clean is Too Clean? The Hygiene Hypothesis and the Prevalence of Allergies and Asthma” to “Protein Recycling: The Other Green Side of Plants” to “Advances in DNA Sequencing.”

Exploration Station participants will be able to explore chromatography through Kool-Aid and Skittles, perform DNA extraction using household products, participate in a giant microbe game or “build a chromosome” to determine mouse coat color.

The event will also feature an interactive display on Wisconsin’s geological and natural history and a puzzling challenge from the folks at the Mass Spectrometry Facility.

Participants may choose from one of two mini-workshops. One will allow participants to learn how to culture stem cells in the hands-on Stem Cell Outreach Lab and the other tests out the “Curious Case of the Color-Changing Pencils.”

Exploration Stations will be set up in room 1360, and mini-lectures will be held in the auditorium, room 1111. The stem-cell lab will be set up in room 1340 and has limited capacity. Call Nadia Dominguez to reserve a space at (608) 265-2420.

Wednesday Night at the Lab is co-sponsored by BioTrek, the Science Alliance, the Wisconsin Alumni Association, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.