Math, Science and Technology   

We will explore the Big Bang theory of cosmology and demonstrate how subatomic-particle physics can explain the details of the first few minutes of our universe. We will also build a device in class to see cosmic rays as they fly through the Reuter Center. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

We will explore the Big Bang theory of cosmology and demonstrate how subatomic-particle physics can explain the details of the first few minutes of our universe. We will also build a device in class to see cosmic rays as they fly through the Reuter Center. Note: There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

William Shakespeare’s The Tempest conveys the disruptive impact of a great storm, and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World presents a dystopian world vision. Both seem prescient as increasingly intense and destructive storms become more commonplace, as demonstrated by Hurricane Helene. Some climate models project a climate-induced dystopia for the near future; whereas other models, involving carbon capture and geoengineering, predict a more benign future. We will examine the geological history of climate change and the probabilities for these two alternative futures. Note: Participants may choose each week whether to attend in-person or online.

Since coming to widespread public attention in 1975 through Raymond Moody's popular book Life After Life, near-death experiences continue to be both compelling and controversial phenomena. We will challenge ourselves to understand the many different and highly conflicting views about NDEs using Bruce Greyson's book After and other sources as our guides. Required textbook: After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond by Bruce Greyson (2021), ISBN: 978-1250263032.

Since coming to widespread public attention in 1975 through Raymond Moody's popular book Life After Life, near-death experiences continue to be both compelling and controversial phenomena. We will challenge ourselves to understand the many different and highly conflicting views about NDEs using Bruce Greyson's book After and other sources as our guides. Required textbook: After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond by Bruce Greyson (2021), ISBN: 978-1250263032.

We will review the evolution, history, science, engineering skills and cultural and artistic influences of wasps. We will gain an appreciation of wasps’ remarkable diversity, ecological value and engineering brilliance.