Campus Connection

Event attracted about 300 middle school students who shared science projects, math games and research

Area middle school students are studying everything from what works in DIY teeth whitening to how gender affects food preference. They shared their interests in science and math topics during the 26th Science and Math Expo Tuesday, April 17, at the UWL Student Union. About 300 students in grades 6-8 from ten area schools presented to reviewers, other participants and visitors. They shared a total of 166 science projects, 16 research projects and eight math games they had designed. [caption id="attachment_51905" align="alignnone" width="685"] Area students in grades 6-8 presented scientific experiments and math games they designed during the Science & Math Expo. This is the 26th year of the expo.[/caption] The expo aims to demonstrate the importance of mathematics and the sciences to middle school children no matter what profession they ultimately select. Gundersen Medical Foundation and UWL Continuing Education & Extension sponsored the event. Through the Science & Math Expo, students learn: The scientific process, including how to evaluate problems and think like a scientist; new research and discoveries in science; equipment used in science; fun ways to apply the mathematics they know; going beyond the classroom in developing their ideas; and more about careers in science and math. [caption id="attachment_51907" align="alignnone" width="685"] Benjamin Geister, of Onalaska Middle School, shares his research during the expo.[/caption] They also learn how to communicate their work to a general audience. Many were interviewed by local media with stories to follow in the La Crosse Tribune and on local TV stations including, WXOW and WKBT. The planning committee for the expo included: Milandrie Wakim, Jenni Carlson, Basudeb Bhattacharyya, Heidi Masters, Susan Kelly, Jennifer Docktor, Samantha Foley, Mary Rathgaber and Faye Ellis. For more information visit www.uwlax.edu/conted/science-math-expo/