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Biosphere 2 wants people to experience science up close and personally.

By Lori Stiles, University Communications
October 9, 2008

You don't have to be enrolled in or work for The University of Arizona to help its students and scientists get a handle on environmental and conservation issues that affect us all. And you can learn a lot, and have fun, too, whatever your age, by taking part in Science Saturdays at Biosphere 2.

Biosphere 2's Science Saturdays fall program is designed to encourage people to meet some of the best UA scientists, who are eager to talk about their environmental research and opportunities for the public to help them do it, said Matt Adamson, Biosphere 2's program coordinator for education at outreach.

"We're inviting those who visit our 3.14-acre living laboratory to participate in some hands-on science," Adamson said. In addition to talking with researchers during guided tours, visitors can get an introduction to bird species in the Southwest combined with some on-site birding experience. They can gain a new appreciation for insects and experience at handling live insects. Saturday visitors can also participate in physics demonstrations, and demonstrations that show how water moves in urban environments.

In addition, Biosphere 2's first group of "Science and Society Fellows" will talk about their research during Science Saturdays this fall. The five 2008 fellows are highly qualified UA graduate students who were chosen not only for the caliber of their science, but for their desire to explain science to the public.

The fellows have started research blogs on the Biosphere 2 Web site. Their research focuses on such topics as the nesting success of songbirds, how urban development in the desert is affecting native bees, how climate change is shaping the structure of pinyon-juniper woodlands, local-scale watershed patterns in response to climate change, and how plants can be used to prevent toxic heavy metals in mine tailings from polluting surrounding land and groundwater.

"We're tremendously excited about how Science and Society Fellows will advance the outreach mission of Biosphere 2," Adamson said. "Science outreach is really important because we live in times that require more scientifically sophisticated decision-making. Science outreach is one of the UA's core missions at Biosphere 2, which has unique attributes as a setting to engage the public in science and interact with researchers."

Biosphere 2 Science Saturday events and times are:

• Oct. 11 Physics Factory, 1-4 p.m.
• Oct. 18 Insect Discovery, Kathleen Walker, Ming Huang, 1-3 p.m.
• Oct. 25 Tucson Bird Count, Rachel McCaffrey, 2 p.m.
• Nov. 8 Urban Streamflow, Kitty Lohse and Erika Gallo, 2 p.m.
• Nov. 15 Science and Society Fellow Stephanie McAfee, 2 p.m.
• Nov. 22 Science and Society Fellow Richard Rushforth, 2 p.m.
• Nov. 29 Science and Society Fellow Anna Howell, 2 p.m.
• Dec. 6 Science and Society Fellow Kathi Borgmann, 2 p.m.
• Dec. 13 Science and Society Fellow Troy Knight, 2 p.m.
• Dec. 27 Physics Factory, 1-4 p.m.
• Jan. 3 Physics Factory, 1-4 p.m.

Science Saturday events are included in the cost of Biosphere 2 admission. Admission costs $20 for adults, $13 for children ages 6 and older and is free to children 5 and younger. UA CatCard holders are admitted at half price. UA students who accompany their parents also entitle their parents to admission at half price. All admission fees fund Biosphere 2 research. Individual and family memberships are also available.

For more information before planning a visit, call 520-838-6200 or check the Biosphere 2 Web site.