Waukesha's Second-Annual Science Fest Will Be 'Hands-On'

WAUKESHA, WI -- Waukesha County is inviting the public to their second-annual Science Fest on Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Retzer Nature Center. Science Fest will illuminate the world of science with many family-friendly activities from 1 to 4 p.m. Retzer Nature Center is located at S14W28167 Madison Street, Waukesha.

“Last year’s event was so popular, we are excited to again offer this family event to provide a fun way to explore science,” said Dale Shaver, Director of Waukesha County Parks and Land Use in a statement to Patch. “Visitors will have an opportunity to see how their daily actions matter while enjoying our programs, hikes, and activities throughout the afternoon.”

Waukesha County Parks and Land Use staff and Horwitz – DeRemer Planetarium staff will present programs on natural resources, water conservation, recycling, space, Earth science, wildlife, citizen science, sustainability, and more. Visitors will also be able to participate in hands-on table activities throughout the nature center.

Admission is $3 per person or $10 per family. Full event schedule available below:

1:00 p.m.
Community Room
Green Cleaning: Find out what common household ingredients can be used to keep your home healthy, clean and safe. Make and take home Creamy Soft Scrub, along with the recipe.

1:10 p.m. Horwitz – DeRemer Planetarium
Planetarium Show:
“Our Place in Space” (Recommended for grades 1-3) This show introduces jungle animals and a space crossword puzzle to explore the wonders of the universe.

1:15 p.m.
Outside Hike:
“Life in Retzer Creek: A nature experience awaits you on this hike. Explore Retzer Nature Center trails and discover the variety of life in the creek.

1:40 p.m. Community Room Program: Papermaking: Where does paper go after putting it in the recycling bin, and how does it get turned into new paper? Learn the process and then create paper!

1:45 p.m.
Outside Hike: “Your Actions Matter to Our Land - Learn how your actions matter to the land while hiking the Retzer Nature Center trails.

1:50 p.m. Horwitz – DeRemer Planetarium
Planetarium Show: Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?
(Recommended for grades 3-8) Explore the possibility that an asteroid caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. Realistic and scientifically-accurate animations bring dinosaurs back to life in a big way!

2:15 p.m.
Outside Hike: Water Cycle Discover the main aspects of the water cycle while hiking the Retzer Nature Center trails.

2:20 p.m.
Community Room Program: Wild in Waukesha - Be introduced to the first-ever Waukesha County Citizen Science Program kicking off in 2019! Learn how you can help study and protect rare plant and wildlife populations.

2:30 p.m. Horwitz – DeRemer Planetarium
Planetarium Show: Our Place in Space (Recommended for grades 1-3) - A family classic! This show introduces jungle animals and a space crossword puzzle to explore the wonders of the universe.

2:45 p.m.
Outside Hike: Your Actions Matter to Our Land - Learn how your actions matter to the land while hiking the Retzer Nature Center trails.

3:00 p.m.
Community Room
Program: I Live in a Watershed - Learn what a watershed is, how it functions, and how we are part of it with a hands-on, interactive model that demonstrates of the sources and effects of runoff pollution.

3:10 p.m. Horwitz – DeRemer Planetarium
Planetarium Show: Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?
(Recommended for grades 3-8) - Explore the possibility that an asteroid caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. Realistic and scientifically-accurate animations bring dinosaurs back to life in a big way!

3:15 p.m.
Outside Hike: Your Actions Matter to Our Water - Learn how your actions matter to our water while hiking the Retzer Nature Center trails.

3:40 p.m.
Community Room Program: Wisconsin Turtles Up Close - Discover fun facts and details about Wisconsin turtles.

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