Major Information

Dean:
Doug Whittle, Artist and Director of Educational Travel, Division of Continuing Studies

Description:
Let the world be your canvas as you experience the fundamentals of landscape painting. Create your own inspiration by using artists' guidelines to take photographs of landscapes. Then, choose the one that will be the subject of your own painting. Through examples of the instructor's own work and explanation, explore light and color and experiment with your own combinations. Finally, get started on your painting. While you might not finish your creation during the program, you will leave with the know-how to complete your masterpiece.

Anticipated Activities:

• Use your own photograph as an inspiration for your painting
• Learn about proportion and dimension in sketching
• Explore the effects of light and color and learn to mix your own combinations
• Begin to paint a landscape

Age Recommendation:
Session I: All ages

Physical Activity Level:
Low to Medium
Participants may be asked to walk outside.

Note: This major is limited to 20 participants. Also, please wear clothes that you do not mind spilling on to this major.

Instructor:

• Doug Whittle

Dean:
Jim Lattis, PhD, Director, UW Space Place, Department of Astronomy

Description:
Get started celebrating 2009 International Year of Astronomy! Stargazers and astronomy buffs will learn to study the sky using the instruments astronomers depend on to find stars and planets. We will help you become acquainted with celestial objects and how to find them and make a visit to UW's historic and newly remodeled Washburn Observatory.

Anticipated Activities:

• Make a star chart and create your own constellation
• Build a telescope and learn how it works
• Tour the newly remodeled Washburn Observatory

Age Recommendation:
Session II: 7 to 11 years

Physical Activity Level:
Medium

Note: Washburn Observatory is accessible only by stairs.

Instructors:

• Jim Lattis
• Kay Kriewald, Senior Outreach Specialist, UW Space Place

Dean:
Catherine Vrentas, Biotechnology Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Biotechnology Center, UW-Extension Family Living Programs

Description:
Join the scientists at the Biotechnology Center to become a biotechnologist yourself! In this major, you will get the chance to experience hands-on science experiments in a real lab. Extract DNA from wheat germ, learn about the science of cheese-making, see firsthand how yeast makes bread rise, learn about the role of helpful microbes and more!

Anticipated Activities:

• Extract DNA from wheat germ
• Learn which makes better bubbles — skim milk or whole
• Explore "yeast on the rise" and the science of baking bread
• Build a human DNA model
• Examine the chemistry of cabbage juice

Age Recommendation:
Sessions I and II: 7 to 11 years

Physical Activity Level:
Low to Medium
Participants will be walking around the building.

Note: Dress appropriately for the weather. Make sure to note any allergies on your registration form.

Instructor:

• Catherine Vrentas

Dean:
Michael Peters, Research Program Manager, Department of Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Description:
Life on a dairy farm is anything but ordinary. Do you know how much science is involved in producing one gallon of milk? Become a dairy science major and find out! From taking part in a scientific cow beauty pageant to studying rumen microbes, this major will introduce you to "farming" like you have never seen it before.

Anticipated Activities:

• Evaluate cows for correct structure to learn what really goes into judging them at state and county fairs
• Learn about rumen symbiosis, and why cows chew their cud
• Perform basic cattle husbandry to see how much work goes into caring for a 1,500 pound critter

Age Recommendation:
Session II: 9 to 14 years

Physical Activity Level:
Very High
Participants will be working with large dairy cattle and should anticipate being on their feet for the entire time. Some manual tasks should also be expected.

Note: This program will bring participants into close contact with cows and is not recommended for those with compromised immune systems or animal allergies. Please wear clothes and shoes meant for work and bring extra clothing. While coveralls will be provided, it is likely you will want to change clothes after the session.

Instructors:

• Michael Peters
• Elizabeth French, Research Assistant and PhD Candidate, Department of Dairy Science
• Ted Halbach, MS, Program Manager, Department of Dairy Science

Dean:
Catherine Woodward, Associate Lecturer, Institute for Cross-College Biology Education

Description:
Plants make it possible for all animals to live. In this major, you will explore the relationship between animals and plants, and understand the vital role that plants have in all ecosystems. You will also have the opportunity to learn about what plants are made of, from the cellular level to full grown trees. Finally, you will learn how to identify native species plants and trees in Wisconsin by visiting different sites on campus.

Anticipated Activities:

• Use microscopes to study plant and tree cells
• Learn how to identify common plants and trees
• Take a walk around campus and test your identification skills
• Compare plants and trees in different natural settings
• Visit the UW Botany greenhouses to view a wide variety of plants from all over the world

Age Recommendation:
Session II: All ages

Physical Activity Level:
High
Participants will be walking around to various parts of campus.

Notes: Dress for the weather, even rain, and wear comfortable shoes.

Instructors:

• Catherine Woodward

Dean:
Philip O'Leary, Department Chair, Engineering Professional Development

Description:
Whether building an automobile, hospital instrument, MP3 player, productions line, skyscraper or pharmaceutical plant, the same engineering design approaches are used. In this major, you will join a team to figure out how to solve problems, with guidance and support from engineering faculty and students. You do not need to be a technical whiz to participate, just a willingness to be creative and test new ideas.

Anticipated Activities:

• Use a computer to design a bridge - then test the design
• Build a simple machine to learn how it works on the inside
• Work in a test lab (where we may break some things!)

Age Recommendation:
Sessions I and II: 11 to 14 years

Physical Activity Level:
Low
Participants will be walking short distances in between buildings.

Instructors:

• Philip O'Leary
• Katie Thousand, Engineering Student
• UW-Madison Engineering Students

Dean:
Walt Goodman, Professor and Chair, Department of Entomology

Description:
Enter a world as seen only through the eyes of insects. Discover how they are classified and "put together." Plus, look at aspects of their amazing diversity: the vastly different shapes, sizes and forms of insects, their behavior and natural history. In this major, you will examine preserved and living insects, and see how they feed, grow, develop and recognize the world. You will also have opportunities to ask research questions, conduct experiments and learn more about what entomologists do in their careers.

Anticipated Activities:

• Examine diverse anthropods and insects using microscopes
• Handle and observe a variety of live insects
• Take a nature walk to study insects in their habitats and collect specimens for a closer look back at the laboratory

Age Recommendation:
Session II: 7 to 11 years

Physical Activity Level:
Medium to High
Participants may take a walk along the Lakeshore Path to observe insect diversity and natural history.

Instructors:

• Walt Goodman
• Dan Young, Professor, Department of Entomology

Dean:
Samantha Kaplan, Assistant Professor,Center for Climatic Research

Description:
How has global climate change affected Wisconsin? Find out what Wisconsin's climate was like in the past as you explore in and around Madison's lakes, and the remains of plants and animals that have accumulated in lake sediments. You will learn scientific techniques to reconstruct lake environments due to climate conditions and cultural activities. You will also get the tools necessary to predict potential changes in lakes.

Anticipated Activities:

• Assist in taking short sediment cores from Lake Mendota
• Measure and describe the sediment cores
• Make slides to observe under the microscope and identify organisms
• Discuss what changes in the cores over time might mean for climate conditions

Age Recommendation:
Session I: 7 to 11 years

Physical Activity Level:
High
Participants should expect some walking, including stairs, and standing outside along the lake edge.

Note: Activities will occur rain or shine so dress appropriately. Also, there is a good possibility of getting a little dirty while working with mud. Slickers will be provided.

Instructors:

• Samantha Kaplan
• Patricia Sanford, Associate Scientist, Center for Climatic Research

Dean:
John Magnuson, Professor Emeritus of Zoology and Director Emeritus of the Center for Limnology, College of Letters and Science

Description:
Lake Mendota is the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon and explore a freshwater ecosystem. As a limnologist, you will test the water for oxygen and temperature and take samples of the lake's murky bottom aboard Limnos, a 28-foot research boat. You will also join our Sea Grant experts to explore the ecology of our Great Lakes.

Anticipated Activities:

• Take a ride aboard the Limnos to collect samples from Lake Mendota
• Learn about Great Lakes food web dynamics
• Examine aquatic nuisance species
• Find out about remote sampling technology
• Visit the UW Aquatic Laboratory facilities

Age Recommendation:
Sessions I and II: 9 to 14 years

Physical Activity Level:
Medium to High
Participants will take water samples and board a boat from a wooden plank pier. There is no seating on the boat. You will be standing or leaning on the (side rails) for approximately 90 minutes.

Note: Dress for the weather, rain or shine! Bring your water bottles, hats and sunscreen because some activities will be outdoors.

Instructors:

• John Magnuson, Professor Emeritus
• Mary Possin, Center for Limnology
• Jim Lubner, Aquatic Sciences Center
• Dave Harring, Center for Limnology
• Philip Moy, Aquatic Sciences Center
• UW-Madison Limnology Students

Dean:
Margaret Mooney, Outreach Specialist, Space Science and Engineering, College of Letters and Science

Description:
Learn about forces that create our local weather patterns, while marveling at UW contributions to the field of satellite meteorology. In this major, you will view real-time imagery of Earth and its atmosphere on a 3-D globe and investigate weather phenomena like tornadoes and hurricanes via interactive computer activities. At some point, the Weather Guys will stop by to answer your weather-related questions. You will also test your orientation skills by identifying campus landmarks on satellite images while comparing them to your birds-eye view from the roof of our 16-story building.

Anticipated Activities:

• Build an anemometer and a model weather satellite
• Assemble a solar bead bracelet to learn about the electromagnetic spectrum
• Take a virtual trip to Antarctica
• Learn how scientists first studied snow crystals and then design your own
• Enjoy a breathtaking view of Madison from the second tallest building on campus

Age Recommendation:
Session II: 9 to 14 years

Physical Activity Level:
Low to Medium
Participants will take a tour involving a flight of stairs.

Instructors:

• Margaret Mooney
• Jean Phillips, Co-chair, Suomi Science Museum
• Matthew Lazzara, Research Scientist, SSEC

Deans:
Teri Dobbs, Assistant Professor of Education, School of Music
Tony DiSanza, Associate Professor of Percussion, School of Music

Description:
Students will have the opportunity to experience making music by participating in world percussion, composing original music using computer technology and learning how to conduct a large music ensemble.

Anticipated Activities:

• Participate in a world percussion/drumming circle — playing drums from Africa and Latin America
• Compose music using Mac computers and produce a personal CD
• Learn basic conducting patterns for large ensembles through pieces such as "On, Wisconsin!"

Age Recommendation:
Session I: All ages

Physical Activity Level:
Low to Medium
Participants will be walking in between classes and some stairs might be involved.

Note: Dress comfortably.

Instructors:

• Teri Dobbs
• Tony DiSanza
• Melissa Weis, Graduate Student, Music Education


• Stefan Brueck, PhD Student, Music Education

Dean:
Katie Cadwell, Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center

Description:
NanoTechnology has been dubbed "the next best thing," but many people still do not know what it is! Through multiple hands-on activities, demonstrations and laboratory experiments, learn what the excitement of NanoTechnology is all about.

Anticipated Activities:

• Find out about the different types of carbon nanotubes and then race to build the best two-story tall carbon nanotube balloon model
• Synthesize different sizes and types of nanoparticles in the lab and learn about their cool properties
• Learn about the societal implications of nanotechnology by becoming a "Nano-inventor" and playing Nanoventure game

Age Recommendation:
Session II: 11 to 14 years

Physical Activity Level:
Low to Medium
Participants may be standing for extended periods of up to 20 minutes.

Note: Participants should wear closed-toed shoes, long pants (preferable but not required) and appropriate clothing as lab chemicals may stain. Gloves, aprons and goggles will be provided.


Instructors:

• Katie Cadwell
• Kimberly Duncan, Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center
• Greta Zenner, Director of the Interdisciplinary Education Group, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center

Dean:
Sara Arscott, Graduate Student and PhD Candidate, Department of Nutritional Sciences

Description:
Have you heard that to be healthy you should eat a rainbow of colorful whole foods? As a nutritional scientist in the Rainbow Café, you will analyze the Food Guide Pyramid and use paper chromatography to dissect the colors in fruits and vegetables. You will also discover how to test the acidity of foods with red cabbage. Finally, you will get to make carrot muffins, do a taste test, and deconstruct (eat!) a rainbow fruit salad.

Anticipated Activities:

• Learn about the MyPyramid good guide pyramid and explore the health properties of colors of whole foods
• Use paper chromatography to test for color pigments in carrots
• Create a food acidity indicator from red cabbage and then test different foods
• Make and taste-test carrot muffins and rainbow fruit salad

Age Recommendation:
Sessions I and II: All ages

Physical Activity Level:
Low
Participants will be walking in between classrooms.

Note: Those with food allergies should exercise with caution.

Instructors:

• Sara Arscott
• Mallory Koenings, Graduate Student, Department of Nutritional Sciences

Dean:

• Jesse Richuso, Outreach Specialist, Department of Physics (Session I)
• Rachael Lancor, Graduate Student, Curriculum Instruction, Science Education (Session II)

Description:
Physics is the study of motion, so whether you know it or not, you are already an expert! Your study of physics in this major will include motion, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism with hands-on learning activities and projects to build. It is a great opportunity to experiment with the physics of everyday objects and explore the workings of molecules and electrons using equipment from the UW-Madison Department of Physics.

Anticipated Activities:

• Make ice cream using liquid nitrogen
• Build musical instruments and see their sound waves
• Dissect household appliances

Age Recommendation:
Sessions I and II: 7 to 11 years

Physical Activity Level:
Low

Note: Participants should wear closed-toe shoes.

Instructors:

• Jesse Richuso (Session I)
• Rachael Lancor (Session II)

Dean:
Rupa Shevde, Senior Scientist and Director, WiCell Research Institute

Description:
Become a stem cell scientist and explore the dynamic world of stem cells. Learn how these tiny cells are responsible for making the entire human body. Come and interact with scientists, and learn how these cells are grown and maintained in a lab. You will observe a variety of stem cells under a microscope and learn techniques such as staining and counting cells. You will have fun playing games, watching videos and creating your own Play-Doh stem cell culture in a petri dish to take home with you.

Anticipated Activities:

• Learn how scientists grow stem cells in a lab
• Watch cool videos that show how stem cells can become any cell type in the body, including beating heart muscle cells
• Create your own stem cell culture using Play-Doh
• Play fun games like Stem Cell Jeopardy

Age Recommendation:
Session II: 11 to 14 years

Physical Activity Level:
Low

Note: Participants will need to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes since they will be working in a lab.

Instructors:

• Rupa Shevde
  
• Amber Mael, Research Specialist, WiCell Research Institute
• Travis Cordie, Research Specialist, WiCell Research Institute
• Carl Cassel, Research Specialist, WiCell Research Institute
• Tanya Zimmerman, Outreach Coordinator, WiCell Research Institute

Dean:
Michele Traband, General Manager, University Theatre

Description: "All the world's a stage" and in this major we will be the actors by learning how to bring a role to life with improvisation, movement and makeup.

Anticipated Activities:

• Participate in improvisation and theatre games
• Explore movement for the stage
• Learn how to apply stage makeup

Age Recommendations:
Sessions I and II: All ages

Physical Activity Level:
Medium
Participants should expect a lot of movement, but moderate exertion.

Note: Participants need to wear comfortable and loose clothing and socks.

Instructors:

• Michele Traband
• UW-Madison Theatre and Drama Students

Dean:
John Stier, Professor and Chair, Department of Horticulture

Description:
"Backyard Safari: Bugs, Plants, Dirt and Games" is a great description on what to expect in this major. You will learn how glaciers formed different types of soil by viewing soil pits, see and feel insects common to urban landscapes and touch and learn different grasses and plants. You will also explore our rain gardens and water resources and have fun playing lawn games with John Powless, a Senior Tennis Champion and UW graduate.

Anticipated Activities:

• Play lawn/golf games: croquet, bocce ball, golf and tennis
• See and touch insects, plants and different types of soil
• Use microscopes to see fungi and other microbes
• See rare and unique equipment for golf and sport turf management
• Plant and take home grass plant samples

Age Recommendations:
Session I: All ages

Physical Activity Level:
Medium
Participants will spend a majority of the time doing outdoor activities.

Note: Wear sunscreen and bring rain gear just in case. High heels not recommended.

Instructor(s):

• John Stier
  
• Doug Soldat, Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science
• Jim Kerns, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology
• Chris Williamson, Associate Professor, Department of Entomology

Dean:
Chuck Henrikson, Senior Lecturer, Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine

Description:
Find out what it takes to become a veterinarian. In this major, you will give a dog and a horse a physical at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine. You will also learn how to use a stethoscope to listen to heart, lung and gut sounds in dogs and horses. Discover how similar humans are to dogs, horses and cows — and learn about plenty of differences, too!

Anticipated Activities:

• Give a dog and a horse a physical
• Use a stethoscope to listen to heart, lung and gut sounds in dogs and horses
• Use problem-solving skills to determine what is wrong with a sick animal
• Learn the similarities between the human anatomy and the anatomy of dogs, horses and cows

Age Recommendation:
Session I: 9 to 14 years

Physical Activity Level:
Medium
Participants will be walking in between labs.

Note: This program will bring participants into contact with animals and is not recommended for those with compromised immune systems or animal allergies.

Instructors:

• Chuck Henrikson
• UW-Madison Veterinary Medicine Students

Dean:
Jamie Nack, Wildlife Outreach Specialist, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Description:
Take a walk on the wild side! In this major, you will learn about dozens of Wisconsin's fascinating wild animals, from ruby-throated hummingbirds to black bears. Then, pick up the basic techniques of bird identification and bird-watching. Finally, test your new skills by going on a scavenger hunt around campus in search of wildlife and the clues they have left behind.

Anticipated Activities:

• Take a fun quiz to test your knowledge about wildlife
• Tour the wildlife museum and see hundreds of specimens
• Test your birding skills
• Go on a nature walk

Age Recommendation:
Sessions I and II: 7 to 11 years

Physical Activity Level:
Medium to High
Participants will take a nature walk outdoors.

Note: If you have binoculars, please bring them along. This program will occur rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Instructor:

• Jamie Nack