More than 200 children and adults attended the Wisconsin Science Festival, “MCHS Science for Families,” an interactive event hosted by Marshfield Clinic Health System Oct. 13 in the Erdman Lobby of the Melvin Laird Center at Marshfield Medical Center.

The event introduced children to the science taking place in their community. Marshfield Clinic Research Institute scientists and staff demonstrated scientific principles with fun hands-on activities such as making ice cream in a ziploc bag, elephant toothpaste, dry ice boo bubbles, iron for breakfast, an archaeological dig and farm safety jeopardy.

“Not only did we succeed in promoting interest in science among youth and their families in our community, but the level of enthusiasm and engagement our staff brought to the event was incredible,” said Molly Dowden, one of the organizers of the event and IRB administrator for the Research Institute. “As this was the first year for this event, we weren’t quite sure what to expect, but it will surely become an annual occurrence.”

Besides this event, Health System entities including All of Us Wisconsin and New Visions Gallery also hosted Wisconsin Science Festival events in Marshfield.

The local events were hosted in coordination with events happening across Wisconsin for people of all ages. These events included hands-on science exhibitions, demonstrations, performances and much more.

For more information on this statewide celebration of science, go to www.wisconsinsciencefest.org/.