Mornings on Mendota: Chemistry of Water

Chemistry of Water in the Lab of Shakhashiri

Presented by Clean Lakes Alliance and the Wisconsin Union

Join us for FREE interactive science stations, art projects with Wheelhouse Studios, and pontoon and sailboat rides! Canoe and kayak rentals are available through Outdoor UW. 

Mornings on Mendota is a FREE, family-friendly event at the Memorial Union in Madison! Explore the Lake Mendota ecosystem and learn how to be good lake stewards with Clean Lakes Alliance and Dr. Shakhashiri of “Science is Fun.”

NOTE: Boat seating is limited. Click here to sign up for a free boat ride.

Activity Schedule

10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

• Watch Dr. Shakhashiri as he explores the chemistry of water in a short presentation

11 a.m. – Noon

• Take a FREE pontoon or sailboat ride on Lake Mendota (registration required)
• Experiment with the effects of salt and water color paint to achieve the “sparkle” effect
• Explore Dr. Shakhasiri’s interactive stations

Pontoon Boat Ride

There will be two pontoon boats to give tours at 11 and 11:30 a.m. Boats will take pre-registered people out on a first come basis, so no need to register for a specific time. To reserve a spot, register on Eventbrite!

Sailboat Ride

There will be one sailboat ride from 11 a.m. to noon. Boats will take pre-registered people on the ride. To reserve a spot, register on Eventbrite!

Paddling Session

There will be two paddling sessions to give tours at 11 and 11:30 a.m. The boats will be taking pre-registered people out on a first come basis, so no need to register for a specific time. To reserve a spot, register on Eventbrite!

NOTE: Children under age 5 cannot participate and children ages 5-8 must be in the same craft as the parent. 

About Dr. Shakhashiri

Dr. Shakhashiri is the master of chemical demonstrations, as well as a professor of chemistry, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison! His presentations help to teach about conductivity, surface tension, floating and sinking, and much more in a fun and engaging way, suitable for all ages. Click here to learn more about Dr. Shakhashiri.

Event Details

The event is held at the Memorial Union Terrace. Come at 10:30 for a presentation from Dr. Shakhashiri and stay untill noon to enjoy pontoon and sailboat rides, art projects, and interactive stations. 

Mornings on Mendota

Mornings on Mendota is a fun new event series located at the Memorial Union in Madison! Join us for three Saturdays filled with watershed education programs and hands-on activities for adults and children of all ages. Explore the Lake Mendota ecosystem and learn how to be good lake stewards.

This event is presented by Clean Lakes Alliance and the Wisconsin Union, in partnership with the UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. 

FAQs

Where do I park?
Event attendees can find parking in University of Wisconsin parking ramps, City of Madison ramps, or on the street. Otherwise, feel free to take the bus or ride your bike!

Does this event cost money?
This event is FREE and open to the public.

Do I have to register?
Registration is not required for Mornings on Mendota but it IS required for the free pontoon and sail boat rides. Sign up for a boat ride here.