Science & Technology   

Often called “Indicator Species,” bats serve as a vital pulse for the health of our environment. This course offers an in-depth exploration of the nine bat species native to Massachusetts and the critical roles they play in our local ecosystem.  We will address the modern challenges facing these mammals, including the impact of White-Nose-Syndrome - a fungal disease that has claimed the lives of millions of bats - and the common misconceptions regarding Covid-19. Drawing from years of experience in wildlife rehabilitation and my time spent with Batty, the Big Brown Bat, my educational ambassador, I will share unique, firsthand insights into their complex social behaviors, (such as purring when content). I look forward to leading you on this educational adventure to uncover the wonders of the misunderstood bats and the vital conservation efforts needed to save them!

A significant percentage of the world’s population lives with the threats posed by various natural hazards. In this course we’ll explore the causes and effects of natural events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, and the places most likely to experience them. We’ll also look at reasons why people choose to live in risky places and some of the factors that affect their perceptions of risk and their likelihood of preparing for potential disasters. Finally, we’ll address some of the social and psychological reactions of disaster victims and factors that can help in recovering from such traumatic events.

Although this course will build on a class previously offered last year, new participants can join and participate fully.   It is suitable for either those who use smart phones or dedicated cameras. The class won't focus on how to use a particular “camera” but rather, how to compose and get a better image out of whatever device you have.  We will review basic photographic fundamentals and qualities that create a “good” image.  Students will be asked to submit photos for critiquing and constructive criticism by class members. Although our goal will be to take a so-called “perfect” photo in-camera, we will see how to improve images by post-processing, using software: the so-called “digital darkroom.” I use Photoshop Elements, but the principles may be transferred to other software.  It’s not essential to have any software.  Questions and comments are encouraged with plenty of back-and-forth interaction.  Weather permitting I’d like to schedule a “meet and greet” field trip at a time convenient for as many people as possible.  I’d appreciate suggestions from you as to possible destinations.  

Learn and discuss the US involvement in space exploration from its beginnings to how far we are going in the future. The class will discuss the technical details of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions. We remember seeing these missions; but did not understand why, I will discuss the why and reasoning behind all these missions. What were these missions to accomplish and their final goals? Show the science and engineering advancements we have made in the Shuttle and International Space Station programs. When will we return to the Moon and how far are we willing to travel into space? Is SPACEX the answer? The big question, “are we alone?” will be discussed. Math and science backgrounds are not required.

Our backyard is far more active than you might realize! In this class we will explore the “night shift” of the wild animals that share our spaces, especially as habitat loss brings them closer to our doors. This course offers an in-depth look at the wildlife navigating our residential landscapes. Having seen a threefold increase in rehabilitation calls over the years, I am dedicated to teaching homeowners how to trade fear for understanding. Join me to learn how we can advocate for our wild nocturnal neighbors and foster an environment where we move toward a model of informed, peaceful coexistence.   

In this class will cover wild bird attributes, including habitats, habits and diets as well as the different classes of birds: Raptors, Songbirds, Sea Birds, Game Birds, Wading Birds and Waterfowl. We will discuss different poisons and diseases, including rodenticides. We will focus on how we can protect our native birds from extinction. I am teaching this class with my new Education Barn Owl, Baby.

I plan to begin with man’s first attempts to fly like a bird then move on to the early days of flight and eventually go higher and higher into deep space.  Along the way, I want to examine the physical principles that govern how we stay aloft.  What’s it like to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom and live in a so-called “weightless” environment?  We’ll examine the physics behind satellites and space telescopes and what we learn from them.   In particular, I want to discuss the Space Shuttle and Teacher in Space programs and offer personal reflections from my own experiences while being a NASA Space Ambassador and Regional Representative for the National Air and Space Museum.