Science is Fun in the Lab of Shakhashiri
During graduate school I have been working with the Wisconsin Initiative for Science Literacy (WISL) and the Science is Fun group run by Bassam Shakhashiri. These programs are designed to foster community appreciation of science in Wisconsin and across the country.
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With the Science is Fun group, I work on a variety of efforts to bring science to everyone. These include creating new experiments for people to do at home and at our stations, running hands-on science tables at various community events, putting on science shows, and talking with the community on all topics science and how it integrates with our lives.
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Below are activities and pages I have specifically created or majorly contributed to. Feel free to check them out and try them!
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Distinguishing Smell-An at home experiment where you can learn about how even your nose can become exhausted
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Tasting and Smelling Jelly Beans-An at home experiment for learning about how our sense of taste and smell are connected
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Climate Science Concepts Fit Your Classroom: A Workbook for Teachers - A valuable tool for teachers that I helped to edit and make graphics for. I have also co-presented workshops on this workbook
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Blue Ice Cube Density Experiment Video-Learn about how density affects what happens when glaciers melt.
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Super Absorbent Polymer Learn About- Learn all about the material that makes diapers super absorbent! (Created Images and Graphics)
Talking with some young curious minds at the Westside Community Farmer's Market where we commonly have a hands-on, minds-on science experiment table for people of all ages
Discussing an experiment at a middle school show (left) and at a hands-on table at Engineering Day at UW-Madison (right)
A few of the many events I have worked on with the group are highlighted below!
Talking to state politicians and staff about the importance of science during UW-Madison Day at the State Capitol in April 2019 (Photo by Jeff Miller)
Science is Fun group at the ChemEd Conference in summer 2019 where we led workshops on integrating climate change experiments with current classroom topics
Annual Christmas Show: I have provided the backstage science expertise at the 49th and 50th annual Christmas Cheery in the Lab of Shakhashiri Show. There are two live shows for several hundred people and the show is also recorded and broadcast on TV. The full show can be found here.
LEFT: Back stage view looking into the audience getting seated for the 50th Annual Christmas Cheery in the Lab of Shakhashiri Show
RIGHT: Preparing experiments on stage before the show starts!
Science is Fun group looking fancy and presenting bubble themed experiments at the Wisconsin Academy Gala in March 2020 (Photos by Althea Dotzour Photography)