Science Expeditions 2005 opened on April 2, 2005, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Science Expeditions is a perennial public outreach event, coordinated by Science Alliance, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison which is held each year in April. Science Alliance and University Communications publicly promote a month-long series of events. The month kicked off on April 2, 2005 with Exploration Stations, Science Spectaculars, Open Houses and other events at a number of sites on campus. The bulk of the Exploration Stations during the kickoff event in 2005 were at the Engineering Centers Building on the Engineering campus at the corner of Breese Terrace and University Ave.

We had 8 presentations from 3 Science Spectaculars. There were 39 Exploration Stations with over 110 volunteers welcoming visitors to experience science as discovery. Our volunteers recorded 1372 visitors in 3 hours, at the doors of Engineering Centers Building. One local television station covered the event. News coverage was probably reduced because of the death of Pope John Paul II the same day.

Featured items at the kickoff event

E. coli: Devil, Angel, or Both?
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Gourse Lab, Dept. of Bacteriology
The purpose of this exploration station is twofold--to inform people about the dangers of pathogenic strains of E. coli while simultaneously explaining to people the many "positive" aspects of E. coli, especially how they are used in research (which is especially appropriate to UW, since the genome of E. coli was sequenced here). There will be a 4-panel poster: (a) Harmful E. coli in our meat and other foods; (b) Harmful E. coli in Lake Wingra; (c) Helpful E. coli in our intestines; (d) Helpful E. coli--how we can use them to make lots of human proteins! The poster will feature pictures of Bucky Badger as an angel or as a devil. For adults (and older children too) there will be handouts on how to prevent sickness from E. coli (food safety) as well as handouts listing many of the fascinating discoveries made at UW using E. coli as a research organism. For kids, there will be some activities to introduce them to the world of bacteria. E. coli in (sealed) Petri dishes will be on display, and a microscope will be set up to allow kids (and adults) to look at stained E. coli on a glass slide. There will also be slides of other bacterial shapes so that people can look and compare, and there will be a 3-D model of a bacterial cell to touch. Finally, there will be a demonstration that will explain to kids just how small bacteria are (probably something involving estimating the number of E. coli in a colony on the Petri plate, then using sand grains to show how big the actual number is). I saw some cute bacteria stickers the other day and I will try to get some to pass out to people.

Science is Fun
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Wisconsin Initiative for Science Literacy
In addition to the chemical demonstration shows, the Science is Fun crew will have three or four hands-on chemical demonstrations for children to discover. These will demonstrate chemical phenomena as well as encourage the participants to think scientifically and stir their interest in science.

If I Only Had a Brain
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Neuroscience Training Program
Hands-on neuroscience activities lead by neuroscience undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty. Learn about the brain and the nervous system.

Engineering Expo 2005
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Engineering Expo 2005
Come see what's happening at Engineering Expo 2005! We will be promoting Engineering Expo 2005 by selling tickets, answering questions, and giving out other information about all of the exciting activities happening at Expo on April 14, 15, and 16, 2005!

Who Lives Where? - Animals and Habitats
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: School of Veterinary Medicine
Not all animals are adapted to a Wisconsin environment. Some pets need a wetter or drier, hotter or colder climate. What characteristics can help you predict the type of environment an animal needs? Let veterinarians-in-training guide you through the physical features that help them determine what environment and care best suits different animal species, including turtles, tortoises and reptiles.

The Flu - People, Pigs, and Birds!
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: School of Veterinary Medicine
Have you ever had the flu? Do you remember how terrible you felt? Did you ever wonder whether animals also get the flu? Well, they do. Influenza or "the flu" is caused by infection with an influenza virus. Influenza viruses infect many different kinds of animals. And not only can this be a problem for the animal, flu virus infections in animals are part of the reason why new influenza viruses show up in people every few years. When a new influenza virus appears and spreads throughout the human population of the world it's called a pandemic. Pandemic viruses arise because influenza viruses in birds develop the ability to infect people, sometimes by first infecting pigs and adapting to life in a mammal instead of a bird. Understanding how and why this happens is one example of how veterinary research improves not only animal health, but also human health.

What's up at the primate center?
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: National Primate Research Center at UW Madison
Children and adults can learn about primate research and animal care. Kids can spin a centrifuge, click and view DVD video clips, and work a puzzle-feeder.

Exploring the Nanoworld
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC)
Come explore the Nanoworld, the world of super small! Participate in hands-on, table-top demonstrations featuring advanced materials, such as memory metal (a metal that remembers its shape) and ferrofluid (a magnetic, liquid-like material), and scanning probe microscopes (tools used by scientists to "see" the nanoworld).

12,000 years on Lake Mendota
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Cultural Landscape Resource Plan
The UW-Madsion campus has a rich cultural landscape history. From Native American effigy mounds to summer lakeside cottages and agricultural experiments, people have inscribed their values on the land. Displays of rare campus photographs, maps and archaeological artifacts from on-going research of the campus landscape.

Smooth Swallowing
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: UW/VA Swallowing Program
Eating not only provides us with our daily nutritional needs but it is also an important time when many of us socialize and relax with friends and family. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects nearly 40-60% of the ever-growing aging population and can lead to problems such as discomfort while eating to more serious health problems such as choking, malnutrition, dehydration, or pneumonia. This exploration station will allow participants to explore the different types of tastes and textures of food and how they play a role in successful swallowing while also allowing participants to explore the truth behind the "tongue map" theory.

1/4 Scale Tractor
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: American Society of Agricultural Engineers Preprofessional Group (ASAE)
American Society of Agricultural Engineers Pre professional Group (ASAE) \| 1/4 Scale Tractor, and Other Interesting Projects From Biological Systems Engineering \| Engineering Centers Building \| Come take a look at whats going on in the department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE). The 1/4 scale pulling tractor which competed in the national ASAE competition last year will be on display, along with some other interesting student projects from BSE.

Wonders of Physics
Date April 2	Location: Lecture Hall in Engineering Hall	Sponsor: Physics Department
The Wonders of Physics brings you face-to-face with some of the most exciting physics demonstrations from the University of Wisconsin--Madison Department of Physics. Intended to engage and excite students of all ages, the Wonders of Physics covers all six areas of classical physics (motion, heat, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism) during an entertaining and informative hour long presentation. More information about Wonders can be found at our website: http://uw.physics.wisc.edu/~wonders

Fruits, Veggies & Fiber, OH MY!
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Dietetics & Nutrition Club
Based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines, this interactive booth will allow people to experiment with healthy menus while at the same time learning about how to make healthy choices.

Mapping Your Face: See Yourself in a Different Light
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Biotrek and Dane County 4-H
Maps help us see information and make connections. Here, you'll use a mineral light to cast a glow so you can see and map the condition of the skin of your face. You can design and try experiments testing skin treatments, with the left half getting one treatment and the right half another. Try out two key ideas in science: to describe nature (in this case, your face) and to test ideas by experiment.

What makes feathers tick?
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Wildlife Ecology
Feathers put birds in the air, keep the warmth in a quilt, and pen words to paper. Explore the look and feel of feathers from chicken and guinea hen. Check out tough barbed feathers and fuzzy barbless down under a light microscope and in pictures taken with an electron microscope. Try your hand at penmanship with a plume, and test the insulating value of feathers compared to down. Find out about the genetics that drive whether a feather will be toughened up or down.

Fields of Discovery
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Campus Information and Visitor Center
The UW-Madison Campus as Your Destination for Exploration! Find out about fascinating sites on campus from 12,000 years ago right up to today that you can explore year-round! Come to campus to experience science as probing the unknown. Bring your family and friends to visit our science venues, including the Geology Museum, Allen Centennial Gardens, the Botany Gardens and Greenhouse, Babcock Hall and the Dairy Cattle facility. The Campus Information and Visitor Center can help you arrange a tour so your group can come explore more at UW-Madison!

Ice Fishing for Neutrinos
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: IceCube
Astrophysicists have buried more than seven hundred sensors deep in the Antarctic ice cap to watch for the faint flashes of light produced by the passage of high energy subatomic particles called neutrinos. IceCube is an international collaboration of physicists who worked very hard to begin construction on the detector this past winter (during the South Pole summer). IceCube will encompass its predecessor, the Antarctic Muon and Neutrino Detector Array (AMANDA). The scientists are searching for energetic neutrino emissions from active galaxies as well as supernova explosions within our own galaxy. Cold weather gear will be displayed. Discover what it’s like to live at the South Pole and find out why neutrino physics is cool!

Sizing Up the Solar System
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: UW Space Place
Did you know that Venus is the hottest planet even though it's not the closest to the sun? Play Match the Planets and learn other fun facts about our solar system. Get information about the latest space missions, such as the Cassini spacecraft, and learn what scientists are discovering about nearest neighbors.

The "Who's Who" of the Insect World
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Department of Entomology
We will have a exploration station that will allow people to look insects from around the world, hold live insects and study insect detail through a microscope

Turf Tough to Top
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Badger Turf and Grounds Club
Convey the importance of turfgrass in Wisconsin's economy and in our every-day lives!

Biology Libraries
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Univeristy of Wisconsin Biotechnology Center
Exploiting genomic data. Bioinformatics can be used to probe genome databases. In some ways matching data to these databases is like putting a puzzle together. We will search through some passages from Shakespeare to demonstrate how to use the blueprints that the field of genomics is providing. We will then apply these algorithms to identify proteins using mass spectrometry.

Fill the Bill: Difference in Bird Beaks
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society
Come explore how different types of bird beaks are better adapted to certain foraging methods. Multiple stations are setup allowing participants a "hands-on" approach to discovering just what it means for the "form to fit its function" and why this is so important in all aspects of biology. See what it is like to be a toucan, or an owl, or a hawk, while trying to "catch" food with the different beaks. Come explore while having fun!

Science of Snowflakes and Frost
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Center for Climatic Research
We will explore how snowflakes are formed, how they get their shape and how to capture them. There is hand out information sheets with instructions of how to capture your own snowflakes and how to look at them. There will be a cutout snowflake for the kids to take home and make. We will look at the word snowflake in different languages and try to guess which word goes with which language. One computer will have a slide presentation showing many of the different snowflakes I have captured. There will be another computer with an applet that lets kids move a snowflake around in a cloud to show how movement changes the shape and size of the snowflake We will also examine how jack frost forms and look at some of its wonderful patterns.

Achy Breaky Chicken Heart
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: UW Nutritional Sciences
Our station outlines the main events of chicken heart development through pictures, real embryos, and interactive computer simulations. Chicken heart development is very similar to that of humans. Both begin as staight tubes which ultimately loop and form the four-chambered heart. In this station, you will discover that heart formation is very sensitive to its environment showing that it could easily become an achy breaky heart.

Alcohol Causes Birth Defects
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Nutritional Sciences
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is one of the leading known causes of mental retardation in the United States. Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause a spectrum of effects on the fetus, with FAS being the most severe. There are three main characteristics unique to FAS: brain damage, abnormal facial features and body growth deficiencies. There is no known safe dose of alcohol consumption during pregnancy; however, FAS is 100% preventable. Using the chicken embryo model system, we will demonstrate the effects of alcohol on fetal development

Fluids and Fun in Zero Gravity
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: RM Zero-G student organization
Have you wondered what fluids and people act like in Zero Gravity? Take a virtual ride with us aboard NASA's KC-135a Weightless Wonder to explore these wonders and more.

Funny Bones?
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Mechanical Engineering
Do you know how many bones you have in your body? We invite you to explore the bones of our skeletons through computed tomography (ct) images, three dimensional computer models, and physical models.

The Future Energy Challenge
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: ECE Department
The era of easily accessible fossil fuels is coming to an end. The new "challenge" is to find solutions for clean renewable energy for our sustainable future- hence Future Energy Challenge. This display explores various sources of carbon free electrons, such as hydrogen, wind and solar power. A bicycle mounted generator lets participants generate their own electric energy. Discussions also about efficient lighting and summary of present energy consumption in the US.

Sustainable Fuel
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Engineers Without Borders
Briquetting Press Demonstration. Fuel briquetting is a sustainable way of providing fuel to areas where wood, oil, gasoline, etc. are not readily available. The press compresses bio-mass into bricks which are then dried and eventually burned as fuel. Come get your hands dirty and learn about this and other sustainable projects Engineers Without Borders is currently working on.

Weather Balloons
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Space Science and Engineering Center
Weather balloons are more than just thermometers in the sky. The twice daily launching of weather balloons across the country is essential to accurate weather forecasts. We'll introduce you to the instruments a weather balloon carries, how the measurements are used, and answer the age-old questions of how high and how big the balloon gets before it finally pops. Weather permitting, we'll also launch a weather balloon and show you the measurements in real-time.

Exploring Nano Tools and Sensors
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Materials Research Science and Engineering Center
Come explore the tools used in cutting edge nanotechnology applications! Learn how nanosensors work and how they compare to the sensors we see every day in our own homes. Experience the microscopy tools nanotechnologists use to "see" nanoscale objects that cannot be seen with ordinary microscopes.

The Art and Science of Chocolate
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Food Science Club
If you're interested in how and why chocolate behaves the way it does, this exhibit will answer all your questions. Come experience how chocolate gets put on all sorts of foods. You'll have plenty of opportunity to coat and dip your own cookies, pretzels and candy.

Vitamins: You Can't Do Without Them
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Center for Biology Education
I will use multivitamins, cereal packages, and several other foods, with an interactive computer exercise for visitors.

Science is Fun in the lab of Shakhashiri

Date April 2

Location: Lecture Hall in Engineering Hall

Sponsor: WISL

"Scientist by training, teacher and public servant by trade, advocate by conviction, optimist by nature" — that is the way Bassam Z. Shakhashiri describes himself. As Professor of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Shakhashiri finds outlet for all four attributes, to which he might add a fifth: entertainer by avocation.

Dr. Shakhashiri, as a matter of fact, is probably best known to the public at large for his annual program, "Once Upon a Christmas Cheery/In the Lab of Shakhashiri,"; seen on television throughout the country. The science-oriented "magic" show has played to packed houses at such varied places as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the National Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, and Boston's Museum of Science. The one-hour show as well as two half-hour shows are featured year round on PBS and on other stations.

The shows are Dr. Shakhashiri's way of proving that "science is fun" (the legend on a T-shirt he dons for the show). By demonstrating how much fun it can be, Dr. Shakhashiri, in his role as advocate for science, seeks to impart the joy of discovery that has aroused young minds throughout history. This excitement, he believes in his role as optimist, will lure future generations to careers as researchers, entrepreneurs and teachers on whom the nation's continuing economic health and national security will depend. More importantly, he advocates the achievement of literacy in science, mathematics, and technology among those who choose other pursuits. He believes it is essential for the well being of our society that all citizens develop an understanding and an appreciation of science, the benefits of technology, and the potential risks associated with advances in both.

Kiss of Life
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: CALS
"The Kiss of Life: In Vitro Fertilization" with Professor Jack Rutledge and Rick Monson. Shows at 1:30 and 3 p.m.

Everything Stems from Here
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Wisconsin Stem Cell Research Program
An interactive display on embryonic stem cells. Living human stem cells for people to look at under the microscope, and other information about stem cells. An interactive Stem Cell display with a contest with prizes for those who learn a lot about stem cells!

Exploring Wetlands
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Arboretum
How are wetlands important to people and other forms of life? Explore how wetlands help clean water and provide homes for wildlife big and small. Learn ways people impact wetlands and how we can be better stewards of water.

Operation Asthma
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: WSPS
Operation Asthma is an interactive station where kids and adults alike can simply learn about asthma. Weaved into activities such as the "jog and straw" and "mega memory" is helpful information to better understand asthma, a disease-state that impacts so many in our society today. The Wisconsin Society of Pharmacy Students (WSPS) brings a fun pharmacy perspective to this event with Operation Asthma.

The Sweet Truth about Diabetes
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Operation Diabetes: Wiscosin Society of Pharmacy Students
Interactive learning experience put on by pharmacy students involving what diabetes is, how and why to test your blood sugar, and the effects diabetes can have on the body.

See Wisconsin from Space
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: WisconsinView
View the changes of the seasons from 400 miles above the Earth! WisconsinView is an initiative funded by the US Geological Survey to provide satellite imagery of Wisconsin to the public. Visit our booth and our website: http://www.wisconsinview.org

Let the Light Shine!
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: Synchrotron Radiation Center
Science research using light from an electron storage ring. At the Synchrotron Radiation Center, scientists use light to uncover nature's secrets. Learn about the nature of light, how a synchrotron storage ring works, and how to put light to work.

Rapid 3d Prototyping and Creation
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: New Media Center
The Biology New Media Center has the tools needed to create 3D objects and print them out into a physical structure. A printed object allows students to better visualize their subject matter as well as being cost effective to manufacture. Some examples of printed materials on display for your perusal at the BNMC will be biological molecules, artifacts, engineering samples, and bones.

Micropipette! A measure of Wisconsin Ingenuity
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: BioTrek: Biotechnology Outreach, UW-Madison/Extension
Use a $200 adjustable micropipette to measure and move as little as a millionth of a liter of water. Micropipettes are the icon of molecular biology; if you watch CSI, you've seen'em on TV. Adjustable micropipettes are an example of Wisconsin Ingenuity: they were invented here in Madison and Middleton. Since you can't take one home, you'll get a chance to invent one yourself.

Extracting DNA Glop from Wheat Germ
Date April 2	Location: Engineering Centers Building	Sponsor: BioTrek: Biotechnology Outreach, UW-Madison/Extension
DNA is like the genetic recipe card for living things on Earth. Try your hand at extracting DNA glop from wheat germ. Get a feel for the power of being able to record, edit, copy, express and share information, whether it's a recipe, a DVD, or DNA. Extracting DNA is your hands-on introduction to the ideas of genetic engineering, of DNA fingerprinting, and of DNA mapping.

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