- Amazing Fibonacci Sequence
Learn about the amazing Fibonacci sequence (0+1=1, 1+1=2, 1+2=3, 2+3=5) that is found in nature and featured in five art installations in the Town Center of the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. Children of all ages will make a bead spiral and discover the secrets of the Fibonacci sequence. Students also will use music, light and art to explore the intersection of art and science.
- Fossil Explorations
Explore the worlds of paleontology and archaeology, focusing on the formation, excavation and examination of fossils. Students will make their own fossils, "dig" for fossils and examine the fossils contained in the limestone floor of the Town Center. In addition, students will explore and discover basic concepts and examples of fossils from a variety of locations and time periods.
- Journey to the Mesozoic
Explore the history, evolution and composition of plants that existed 65-250 million years ago during the time period known as the Mesozoic Era. Activities will be based out of the Mesozoic garden in the Town Center. In addition to the plants themselves, students will learn about scientific inquiry and how scientists work in real life.
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Genetically Modified Organisms
Middle/High School
Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, students will participate in a laboratory activity to detect the presence of genetically modified organisms in everyday foods found at a local grocery store. Students will learn to prepare samples, use proper lab techniques and follow safety protocols in this hands-on experience. This lab was created and tested to be used specifically in the teaching labs by industry partners and researchers from UW–Madison.
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Materials Science
Materials Science is the science of making stuff. Materials scientists and engineers believe that we are not stuck with what already exists because we can make new materials. By studying the structure and composition of materials and then putting things together in new ways, materials scientists and engineers have created everything from computer screens to airplane wings. Learn about and make cool materials based upon research by material scientists and engineers at UW–Madison.
- Graphene
Elementary/Middle/High School
Carbon has many forms (allotropes), from graphite to diamonds. Learn about graphene, a recently discovered form of carbon with amazing properties that hold great promise for future applications. After the graphene is made, you will look at it under optical and scanning electron microscopes to see this amazing material.
- Liquid Crystals
Elementary/Middle/High School
Liquid crystals are used for things like computer screens and thermometers because of their unique color-changing properties. Make some liquid crystals and test the effect of composition on the properties of the materials you made. mrsec.wisc.edu/Edetc/nanolab/LC_prep
- Nanoparticles
Middle/High School
Nanotechology is the science of the very small. Learn about nanotechnology and synthesize your own nanoparticles. After the particles are made, you will observe them using various methods.
- Raspberry Solar Cells
Middle/High School
Renewable energy is an important topic in our world today. Make a raspberry (as in the fruit) solar cell that turns the energy of the sun (or a light) into electricity. mrsec.wisc.edu/Edetc/nanolab/TiO2
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Playsquads – Games for Learning
Middle/High School
These games engage players in roles that take them inside the worlds that captivate top scientists every day. In some games, players act as scientists or doctors, interpreting scientific data. In others, they play the role of a virus seeking to destroy a cell. While engaged in these scientific worlds, players not only experience the fun of problem-solving, but also learn factual information, concepts, skills and the values of the scientific enterprise.
- Citizen Science
Citizen Science is an online Flash-based computer adventure game in which the player is a young adult who becomes concerned about the health of a local lake threatened by eutrophication. Based at Lake Mendota in Madison, Wis., the player's goal is to restore the lake. By focusing on the ecological needs of Lake Mendota as well as the surrounding community, the game is able to bring together real-world issues and scientific practices.
- Progenitor X
The world is overrun with zombies. You, as a member of the Progenitor X Defense Force are a part of a highly trained squad of scientists who can save us. Using highly advanced biomedical technology, you locate, seek out and treat infected humans to contain the threat. With your help, the Progenitor X Defense Force will prevail. But be aware: Zombies are out there, and we are all susceptible.
- Studio K
This game design curriculum, online community and set of teacher-support tools is intended to enable teachers to help learners make their own video games using Microsoft Kodu. The Studio K curriculum supports the development of computational thinking skills and problem solving skills, which have been identified by policymakers as critical skills needed to be successful in STEM careers, as well as to fully participate in today's and tomorrow's creative society.
- Virulent
Control "Raven" virus particles trying to infect, replicate inside of and escape from a host cell. Fight off host and cellular immune responses with armies of viral proteins while stealing precious energy and production facilities to make more of yourself. You have numbers and speed on your side, use them wisely or recklessly.
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Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem cell science at the Morgridge Institute for Research focuses on pluripotent stem cells. This collective term is used to describe both human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. These cells differ from adult stem cells by their ability to become any of the 220 cell types found in the human body and their ability to replicate indefinitely in culture. By studying human pluripotent stem cells, scientists can contribute to the fields of drug discovery, regenerative medicine and developmental biology. Learn about these amazing cells and their potential applications from stem cell scientists at the Morgridge Institute for Research.
Each field trip group will learn about the origins of stem cells, their uses and the tools scientists use in the lab to culture and maintain stem cells. This portion of the field trip includes looking at stem cells under the microscope and taking a lab tour. In addition, each field trip group can learn about one or two additional topics related to stem cells, including:
- Cryopreservation
Middle/High School
Cryopreservation is the storage of materials at very low temperatures to provide an indefinite, near infinite, longevity to cells. Learn how scientists use liquid nitrogen to preserve cells. Students will have a chance to participate in hands-on experiments. Note: Students must be wearing closed toe shoes and long pants.
- Directed Differentiation
Middle/High School
Pluripotent stem cells have the ability to become any cell type found in the human body. Scientists exploit this ability to develop new medications and study disease, human development and regenerative biology. Learn how scientists direct the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into specialized cells through a hands-on lab activity simulating the differentiation process to nerve, skin, blood, muscle and pancreatic cells.
- Media Optimization
Middle/High School
Cell culture medium (liquid food that cells need) is the basis of successful culturing of pluripotent stem cells. Learn about the history of stem cell culture medium and observe demonstrations relating to pH and osmolarity. Each student a;so will get a chance to use the tools that scientists use to feed stem cells.
- Drug Discovery
High School
Stem cells are the new models for testing drug efficacy and safety. Stem cells can differentiate into any cell type in the human body, allowing scientists to test a new drug on liver, brain, heart or kidney cells without having to ask a person to volunteer to test the drug. This makes new drugs safer and cheaper. Learn about the ins and outs of drug discovery and how stem cells play an important role. Each student will get a chance to test a “new drug” to see if it works and then determine the appropriate concentration of the drug.
- Culturing Live Stem Cells
Middle/High School
Stem cell researchers spend time every day maintaining stem cell cultures to be used for research. In this unique experience, learn how scientists feed and passage their stem cells to keep the conditions optimal for growth and maintaining pluripotency. Students will work in the biosafety cabinet with live human stem cells to learn the techniques used for culturing stem cells. Long pants and close-toed shoes are required for this experience. Students will wear appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles and lab coats. This experience cannot be conducted with more than 15 students in the group, takes at least two hours and will incur an additional materials cost.
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The Wonders of Physics
Elementary/Middle/High School
The Wonders of Physics is a fun, engaging and educational program that covers the six main areas of classical physics: motion, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism and light. The demonstrations help students better understand the physics in the world around them while having fun. After the show, students can visit the L.R. Ingersoll Museum for a hands-on experience with physical concepts ranging from mechanics to modern physics in a kid-friendly environment.
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