Science Saturdays offer hands-on learning for kids, parents

Science Saturdays are returning this fall at UW–Madison.

Whether it’s exploring the physics of a wind instrument like a clarinet, creating a terrarium of recyclable materials and then observing the living residents, making your own polymer, or developing models of genes and how they work, Science Saturdays offer a variety of activities for middle school children and their parents.

The four programs, which will be taught by UW–Madison faculty and staff, have been organized by Bassam Shakhashiri, professor of chemistry, and his Wisconsin Initiative for Science Literacy. Shakhashiri is well-known for his annual Christmas chemistry show which is also broadcast on PBS.

Each Science Saturday program meets on the UW–Madison campus for three Saturday mornings from 9 a.m.-noon and costs $30. The topics, grade levels and dates are as follows:

* “Bottle Biology,” grades 5-8, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. Register by Sept. 24.
* “Artistry and Science,” grades 6-8, Oct. 4, 11 and 18. Register by Sept.19.
* “Understanding Genetics,” grades 6-8, Nov. 1, 8 and 15. Register by Oct.15.
* “Energy Matters,” grades 6-8, Nov. 8, 15 and 22. Register by Sept.19.

Additional details and registration information is available at www.scifun.org.

“The programs are for one parent and one child together,” notes Shakhashiri. “Our efforts are not aimed at children only. Studies have shown that the parents are key to encouraging their students’ continuing interest in science. We want to show parents, too, that science can be fun.”