Science Strikes Back Community Science Fair Goes Virtual for 2021

Science Strikes Back is a community science fair usually held at Escuela Verde in Milwaukee. This year the all ages community science fair will be virtual with a synchronous component on February 3rd at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, entry cost for a project is $25. Science Strikes Back encourages community members in Milwaukee to critically analyze and evaluate their surroundings. The community science fair provides a space for stakeholders and science lovers of all ages to share their projects, passions, and solutions together.

The emphasis is on the scientific process and exploring questions. Previous projects have examined water quality to determine which Wisconsin river a mermaid could live in, exploring the physics of sledding, and a knitter wondering if her knitting changed when she watched Frasier. The science fair accepts projects from learners and scientists at any age and stage in their career about whatever they are interested in.

The grand prize category this year is Lake Michigan. Any project that addresses Lake Michigan issues will automatically be considered for the grand prize – an original sculpture designed by a local artist. This could include stormwater runoff, algal blooms, spearfishing sturgeon, or anything else that impacts Lake Michigan. In addition to the grand prize, there are six categories to enter projects into and a winner for each. The categories are Science: the Science of Food, Technology: Use the Right Tool, Engineering: Solutions-based Design, Art: Science is Beautiful, Math: Driven by Data, !: Weird Science. Each category winner wins a plaque designed by Escuela Verde students. Additional prizes are available for winners as well!

Last year science flourished amidst the diverse group; one high school student commented that they, “loved the opportunity to get community members, scientists, and students all in one place.” Every year attendees are struck by the ingenuity of the science projects. One judge commented on a project where students designed a ‘sick sleeve’, “I loved how your experiment was derived from a daily problem you have. You wanted a solution to your problem, a true engineers mind.”

You can get involved by registering to attend the synchronous portion of the science fair, by volunteering to moderate breakout rooms or serve as a judge. Science Strikes Back welcomes individual, group, or even class-wide project submissions. Projects have varied widely in the past. Last year, Science Strikes Back showcased a traditional volcano project and a study on the correlation of stinkiness with loudness of flatulence. Projects will be featured digitally after the event on the Science Strikes Back website on a map showing the geographic distribution of our community of scientists!

To learn more visit www.sciencestrikesback.com.