Community invited to solve mysteries using science

For the City Times

Mid-State Technical College is offering the community a chance to use science to solve mysteries during its first-ever Wisconsin Science Festival event.

Participants in “Solving Mysteries at Mid-State” will be presented with an unsolved mystery and combine clues and problem-solving activities to arrive at a solution. The event is free and open to the public.

“The mystery you solve will depend on which of our campuses you choose for attending the event,” said Megan Kundinger, natural science instructor at Mid-State. “Participants will receive clues and then apply science concepts related to the courses and programs offered at that campus to figure out the answer. It’s a great way to build an appreciation for science while exploring the hands-on problem-solving embedded in our programs.”

Now in its sixth year, the annual Wisconsin Science Festival will feature nearly 250 events at more than 90 venues in over 30 communities across the state. Its stated mission is to inspire and engage us all in the enterprise of science and discovery, to cultivate curiosity and communicate the power of knowledge and creativity to change our world view, to promote innovation and to cultivate the next generation of global citizens.

Mid-State’s plan to involve participants in a scientific quest to solve mysteries is unique among the events in this year’s festival. Mid-State is also one of the few participating organizations located in central Wisconsin.

“Solving Mysteries at Mid-State” takes place on the college’s Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids campuses on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 4:30–5:30 PM, and on the Marshfield campus on Friday, Oct. 21, from 4:30–5:30 PM.

There is no need to register, and all ages are welcome. For more information, visit www.mstc.edu/mysteries.