Science, Nature & Discovery   

Stories, personalities, and discoveries in the development of modern science over the last several centuries.

SEA CATS: Science Education for Adults—Citizens at The Sea Jump into real marine science with SEA CATS, a hands-on adult outreach program at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory! Participants head out by boat to explore nearshore seagrass beds, actively sampling vertebrate and invertebrate communities while experiencing the excitement of fieldwork firsthand. The day continues in the lab, where discoveries from the field come to life. Along the way, participants learn not just what marine ecologists know—but also how they create knowledge—by asking questions, collecting data, and making sense of patterns in coastal ecosystems. Through engaging activities and conversation, big ideas like biodiversity, interdependence, and ecosystem health take center stage.

This course is appropriate for the novice to average+ bird watcher. We will address the what, who, where, and how of bird watching in your backyard and the Tallahassee area during Fall migration. Emphasis will be to teach new ID tips & other tools for seeing & identifying birds plus introducing 3 incredible birdwatching locations near Tallahassee. We may even net a bird, band a bird and will definitely see/experience incredible bird habitats.

Class includes:

• How to make your backyard enticing where birds eat and nest

• What are basic & advanced observation tips for identifying all bird species, especially back yard birds and birds in nearby birding hotspots

• What tools (equipment, phone applications, books) are available to enhance your bird watching experiences

• When and where are bird watching hot spots in the Tallahassee area, Florida & the world; and,

• How to make the most of your fun bird watching experiences.  

Mobility Requirement: Participants must be able to walk without a walker or cane and hold binoculars at shoulder level for 2-3 minutes. This class is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

Suggested Reading:

1. The Crossley ID Guide Eastern Birds, Crossley
2. Birdwatching Basics or https://myfwc.com/media/10650/birdwatching-basics-2010.pdf
3. Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America, Kaufman

Have you ever been dive-bombed by mysterious winged creatures at twilight? You may have had an encounter with bats. These incredible animals have created wonder, trepidation and an entire franchise of super hero movies, but they're so much more! Learn about the real-life super powers bats have, and what to do if they decide to take up residence in your Belfry (er, attic)!

 

The debate about climate change can be summarized in four basic questions. These include 1. Is it warming?, 2. Why?, 3. What's the risk, either economic or otherwise? and 4. What can we do and at what cost? The current debate - as limited as it is - has focused generally on the last two but with some politicians renewing old arguments about settled science - questions 1 and 2. We will review the status of each of these questions while depicting pros and cons of various stakeholders.

This course is a continuation from last semester’s examination of human sexuality through an evolutionary and cultural perspective. Sexual selection theory is the lens through which we will view human sexuality in a biological and cultural framework. Topics include attractiveness, sexual orientation, parental investment, and the science of sex. Online research survey results will also be discussed.

During this three-part course, we will cover the behavior, ecology, conservation, and management of the manatees and sea turtles​​​​​​​ that are found in Florida's waterways, coastal areas, and beaches. We will share how FWC and our numerous partners help conserve these iconic, imperiled species.

Through evocative photos and descriptions, this talk will cover the many ways to explore our Big Bend region by foot, bike, and​​​​​​​ kayak. It is also an armchair journey through our remaining wilderness, where native creatures still roam through unspoiled landscapes and waterways, and where we are only visitors who stay long enough to snap a few photos and absorb the feeling of wildness.

Insect are the most successful land animals on earth, with 30 million species and an enormous range of life habits and forms. They evolved from segmented worms into several major body plans through modification of the exoskeleton. Insects have been flying for over 350 million years, ranging from meters to miles, and up to the troposphere. Insects exploit almost every conceivable terrestrial niche: they live on or in plants, wood, fungus, dead or live animals, blood, hair, manure, soil, and even exploit oil seeps and very likely, your bathroom drains. These marvels will be explained with images, lectures, and an optional field trip.

Meet the Purple Martin, North America’s largest swallow and a beloved, social bird now in decline. Learn about its unique habits, migration, challenges, and how you can help protect its future.

 

In this course, students will explore how stars are born within vast clouds of gas and dust, how they shine and evolve over millions or even billions of years, and how they meet their dramatic ends as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes. Along the way, we will investigate stellar color, temperature, size, and energy, while discovering how these attributes shape our universe. This course blends astronomy, physics, and cosmic storytelling into an engaging exploration of the universe’s most brilliant inhabitants.