Curiosity Unleashed

By Coggin Heeringa, Interpretive Naturalist, Crossroads at Big Creek, Inc.

At Crossroads at Big Creek this week, we will present the final Door County programs for the 2023 Wisconsin Science Festival – Curiosity Unleashed. We are all about unleashing curiosity, and so are our partners, the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society and the Door County Libraries. The Door County Libraries have presented programs over the past week ranging from a timed pumpkin hunt to reptile evolution, all in some way related to the Wisconsin Science Festival 2023 theme of “Time.”

On Thursday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society will offer a planetarium show featuring Time in Space. Most scientists agree that “time” is a very real property, but in space, it’s baffling. Einstein described spacetime as the fourth dimension, explaining that space and time are linked, and can expand or contract depending on momentum and the mass of nearby objects.

Using stunning images in the Planetarium at the Stonecipher Astronomy Center, presenters Amanda and Tim Austin will explain “hard-to-get-your-head-around” concepts. The program is free and open to learners of all ages.

The Saturday Science Program at 1:00 p.m. at the Collins Learning Center also will feature the concept of time, starting with a video followed by hands-on activities. Each student will make a “water clock” to take home. This activity is appropriate for students grade 3 and up, but families and interested adults are welcome at this free program, too.

Finally, in spite the fact that the Science Festival will officially be over, Crossroads’ Book Club will discuss Dan Egan’s book, “The Devil’s Element,” appropriate to the time theme, as it covers the disturbing use of the 13th element on the periodic table – phosphorus – over time. All are welcome, whether or not they have read the book. The group will meet in the Upper Level of the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.

Crossroads at Big Creek Learning Center and Nature Preserve is located at 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay. Crossroads is a 501(c)3 organization committed to offering education, conducting research and land restoration, and providing outdoor experiences to inspire environmental stewardship in learners of all ages and from all backgrounds. We welcome your support.