Test your wildlife identification skills with Project Snapshot's flashcards! These flashcards use photos from the Wisconsin DNR's statewide network of trail cameras, giving you a glimpse into the diverse animal life of Wisconsin. Challenge yourself with beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels:

Ever wonder what lies beneath your feet? Get hands-on with Wisconsin's geology by building a groundwater model, sculpting the state's aquifers from clay, and uncovering its ancient past. For a deeper dive, explore the Quaternary Geology of Wisconsin to understand the forces that shaped the landscape we see today.

Explore the intersection of music and technology with educational resources from the Les Paul Foundation. Delve into the world of STEM and STEAM with slide decks and maker kits inspired by the legendary musician and inventor. Discover how Les Paul's innovative spirit continues to inspire creativity and learning in science, engineering, and the arts.

Sound Sandwiches

Get ready to rock by building your own musical instrument with household supplies like craft sticks and rubber bands. "Sound Sandwiches" are a fun experiment that let you actually feel the vibrations of sound waves as you play. Enjoy a jam session demonstrating how vibrating sound waves form the foundations of rock and roll.

Code to Connect

Crack secret codes with a Caesar Wheel from Code to Connect, a UW-Madison student organization passionate about computer science. Use a simple substitution cipher to decode and create messages; a fun introduction to the logical problem-solving at the heart of computer science. See if you have what it takes to crack the codes and reveal hidden messages about science and geology!

Become a microbe detective! Grab a spoon and follow Tiny Earth’s soil-collection video to capture samples that might hide antibiotic-producing microbes. Use the USDA texture-by-feel ribbon test to classify your dirt on the spot and compare your find to Wisconsin’s soil map or the NRCS interactive map to see if you uncovered sandy outwash, Antigo Silt Loam (Wisconsin's State Soil), or another local treasure. Then dive into the Tiny Earth site, PBS Wisconsin’s “Microbe Hunters,” and the “Wonderful World of Microbes” zine to turn one backyard scoop into a scientific adventure.

Resources

Maps

Videos

Hit the Ice Age Trail for a scenic footpath that winds across Wisconsin from the St. Croix River to Lake Michigan, threading glacial ridges, prairies, and forests. Perfect for quick day hikes or longer outings, with maps and trailheads available across the state.

(Photo by Dave Caliebe)

Read the "Power Chronicles," a snappy STEM adventure for grades 5–8 that follows Akilah on energy-powered adventures. The series includes three comics, each paired with short videos and are available in English and Spanish. Created by Alliant Energy, it’s a fun way to spark curiosity about science and energy.

Nature Explorers: Join the Wisconsin BioBlitz!

Have you ever wondered how many species exist in our environment? From the shores of Lake Michigan to the forests of the Northwoods or the soil in your backyard, Wisconsin is teeming with life – and the Wisconsin Science Festival is launching a statewide BioBlitz project to learn more!