Time

Activity

Ages

Details

11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hands-on Activities

All Ages

Learn about science throughout Waukesha County! Investigate natural resources, water conservation, recycling, wildlife, sustainability, and more with fun and educational booths.

11 a.m.

or
12 p.m.

or

1 p.m.

PLANETARIUM SHOW - Galileo: The Power of the Telescope      

All Ages

Experience Galileo’s early experiments with gravity and the laws of motion, his advocacy of the idea that the Earth revolves around the sun, and his work with early telescopes. You’ll see how his keen observations culminated in The Starry Messenger, an early masterpiece in which Galileo described all his dazzling discoveries in a straightforward, easy to understand way.

11 a.m.

or
12:30 p.m.

HIKE
Colors in Nature

Families with Kids

Join a color scavenger hunt though the Retzer Children’s Garden, prairie and forest looking for colorful flowers, plants, butterflies, birds, and insects. We will discover what these colors mean and how they help with these living things communicate.

11 a.m.

or
1:15 p.m.

PROGRAM
Animal Adaptations

Families with Kids

Come meet our animal ambassadors! See how an animal’s physical and behavioral traits can help it to survive as we explore the concepts of habitat and adaptation.

11:15 a.m.

HIKE
Birds and Binoculars with the Benjamin Goss Bird Club

Adults and Ages 13+

Learn the skills necessary to view the birds of Retzer through binoculars. We will also utilize several birding apps to assist in proper identification of birds and their songs. Bring your own binoculars or a limited supply of binoculars will be available on a first come basis.

11:15 a.m.

PROGRAM
Recycling: Up Close and Personal

Adults and Ages 13+

We use a lot of finite resources. Take a closer look at consumption on a global scale and how you can reduce this number.

11:45 a.m.

HIKE
Crystal's Clean Water Adventure

Families with Kids

Join Crystal, the clean water drop, as she takes you on an adventure hike to see where water goes when it goes down the storm drain and how it gets polluted.

11:45 a.m.

PROGRAM
Under the Lens Look into Decomposition Critters

Families with Kids

Home composting has become all the rage lately. Take a closer look at the critters that help create quality compost.

12:15 p.m.

HIKE
Hikin' for Lichens

Adults and Ages 13+

Take a short walk to take a close-up look under the lens of the beautiful world of lichens. This often over-looked, unique organism composed of fungi and algae isn’t as simplistic as it looks. Hand lenses will be provided.

12:15 p.m.

PROGRAM
Caring for Wells and Septics

Adults and Ages 13+

Have a well, septic, or both? Stop by to learn more about these systems and how to care for them!

12:30 p.m.

PROGRAM
Under the Lens Look at Your Watershed

Families with Kids

We will take a close look at water’s movement in a watershed and how it becomes polluted using the watershed model. 

1:15 p.m.

HIKE
Soil Ninja Certification

Adults and Ages 13+

Our entire world relies on the soil beneath us. Join us for a hike, dig in the dirt, and learn how to interpret soils scientifically. From colors, textures and chemical properties, you will become a soil ninja!

1:15 p.m.

PROGRAM
Through the Lens: Nature Photography with the Retzer Camera Club

Adults and Ages 13+

Photo opportunities surround us every day, especially in nature. We just need to stop and look closely through the lens to see them. Join the Retzer Camera Club as we explore these opportunities. Participants will need to bring their own camera for this walk and demonstration.

1:15 p.m.

HIKE
Recycle Raccoon Adventure

Families with Kids

Join Recycle Raccoon on a hike to learn about recycling and composting.  Fun stops with activities along the trail will make this an adventure!

2 p.m.
(*2:15 p.m. start time)

FINALE EVENT
"Fire and Ice" Show by Mad Science of Milwaukee, Inc.

All Ages

First come, first serve. Limited seating.

Be dazzled and entertained by the Mad Scientists! This spectacular show will thrill audiences with impressive science experiments. Includes foggy dry ice storms and demonstrates how giant beach balls can float in the air. Volunteers from the audience can taste a special Mad Science "burp" potion. Be amazed by sizzling, shivering scissors and special bubbly showers.