WEI welcoms hundreds during UW Science Expeditions

The Wisconsin Energy Institute opened its doors to the public for the sixth time on Saturday as part of the institute's involvement with the UW Science Expeditions. Scientists within the WEI and beyond volunteered to staff interactive exhibits, leading kids through activities that presented the importance of biofuels and other sustainability concepts.

April 09, 2024 Annie Pulley

Two young boys, with faces lit in soft lamp light, hold thermometers to sheets of paper.

Two boys engage with an albedo activity, testing to see how different colors reflect or absorb light. As seen here, different sheets of paper, representing unique landscapes, are illuminated under lamplight before visitors have a chance to measure how much heat the paper absorbs via laser thermometers. Cat Ferrante

The Wisconsin Energy Institute welcomed an estimated 350 visitors Saturday as part of its participation in the 22nd annual UW Science Expeditions.

Open house visitors learned about the cutting-edge bioenergy research happening at the energy institute and Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center and across campus. WEI scientists and staff at more than a dozen interactive stations led children and families into larger conversations about bioenergy, clean energy, and sustainability.

A young girl wearing a bright yellow jacket and protective glasses engages with a staff member at a booth.

Derek Ho, a PhD research assistant at the WEI, helped develop the Plastic Panic! interactivity pictured above. The activity is meant to help children understand the presence of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants. Ultimately, kids learn steps they can use to mitigate this form of pollution. Cat Ferrante

“Most people don't ever get a chance to talk to a scientist,” said WEI outreach program manager and open house mastermind Allison Bender. “I think it's really cool to see our scientists step up into a role where they're becoming ambassadors. It means a lot to be able to facilitate that exchange.”

Holly Luerssen, a 4-H educator in Marathon County, led one of four student groups from northern Wisconsin to Madison to experience the atmosphere of a large university and enjoy the wonder of science as part of the weekend’s festivities.

Three 4-H students gathered near the Plants vs. Petroleum activity, matching plants to petroleum-based products they can replace. Charlie Brietenmoser, 16, noted his favorite station was the Genetic Symphonies activity. He admired the art and design of it. Abby Brietenmoser, 18, another 4-H student, came away with a newfound knowledge of roots. Gracie Sanford, 12, summed her experience saying, “We get to meet new people, and you just learn a lot.”

A woman in white stands behind a booth, leading a young boy through a matching activity.

Kids engaging with the Plants vs. Petroleum activity learned how plant products, like biofuels, can substitute petroleum-based sources of energy, which are a major contributor to fossil fuel emissions. Cat Ferrante

Kelly Senecal of Middleton brought his 10-year-old son and his son’s friend. The two boys enjoyed pedaling the stationary bicycle, which powered light bulbs and small appliances via a small generator.

“A lot of the focus here is on sustainability, and I think that that’s something that we need the kids, even at a very young age, to start thinking about because it’s going to affect their lives,” Senecal said “Seeing that they can do really cool science and affect that … is great for the kids, and I think it will maybe motivate them to keep doing science perhaps throughout their schooling.”

A wide shot displaying the crowds gathered in the WEI lobby.

About 350 visitors from across the city and state filtered through the WEI's lobby throughout the 3-hour event. Cat Ferrante

For some, an experience like Science Expeditions might just be the moment that sparks a life-long interest.

“When you talk to the scientists, so many of them say, ‘I did this summer camp or that outreach program when I was a kid,’” Bender said. “You never know when even just a 10 minute interaction might really open someone up to a new idea for their future, even if they’re little.”

UW Family Gardening Day will also find a home at the WEI on May 4 at 10 a.m. Visitors can expect more hands-on activities revolving around themes of seeds, plants, and soil.