By Lisa Curley
Did you know the human brain makes up about two percent of your body weight—and feels surprisingly wiggly when you hold it? Or that sound waves can turn ordinary sand into mesmerizing patterns? Or that you can build an oscilloscope using items from around the house? These were just a few of the discoveries that had kids amazed at the Fifth Annual Dane County 4-H Science Fright Night, held Nov. 6.
This one-night STEM celebration was designed to ignite curiosity and showcase the range of 4-H projects while welcoming the broader community. And it delivered! More than 110 youth in grades K-12 and 80 family members packed the event, with 20 percent of those youth brand new to 4-H. Behind the scenes, 21 youth volunteers and 20 adult volunteers worked together to make the magic happen. Best of all? It was completely free.
The theme this year, inspired by the Wisconsin Science Festival, was Rock & Roll: Music, Motion & Geology, and the activities were as lively as the name suggests. Youth-led stations included laughing cups, squealing sticks, screaming balloons, and oscilloscopes and a Chladni plate made with household items. There was even an interactive Theremin demonstration that let youth play music without touching a single string or key.
And that was just the start. Guests got to hold a real brain with students from the UW-Madison Neuroscience Program, explore the cosmos with the Astronomy Club, and learn the physics behind sound with the UW Physics Department. The Kelch Aviation Museum showed off tools that move air, while the Madison West High Rocket Club helped kids launch air rockets they made into the night sky. Everywhere you turned, there was something new to discover.
Science Fright Night began as a way to connect Dane County 4-H with the UW Biotechnology Center and the Wisconsin Science Museum, but it has grown into so much more—a celebration of STEM, community, and youth leadership. The planning committee included the Dane County 4-H Educator, five 4-H youth members, staff from UW- Biotechnology Center and the Wisconsin Science Museum. Youth didn’t just help plan; they researched activities, pitched ideas, and even created their own stations. That’s leadership in action!
The impact was clear. Reflection sheets encouraged participants to jot down what they learned and share it at home, and evaluations showed that the activities were engaging and educational. When asked what they would change, participants had one unanimous answer: “Make it longer!” Looks like next year’s challenge is clear. 4-H Science Fright Night isn’t just an event—it’s a launchpad for curiosity, creativity, and community.
