Math, Science and Technology   

Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and it is getting better as it matures. After an overview of different AIs and how they deliver results, we will focus on interacting with AI in order to get the results we really want. Class time will include real-time examples that participants can then try at home to get more comfortable using AI. Materials: Participants should have internet access and a computer, smartphone or tablet; no subscriptions are needed, although participants may need to create accounts if trying at home.

Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and it is getting better as it matures. After an overview of different AIs and how they deliver results, we will focus on interacting with AI in order to get the results we really want. Class time will include real-time examples that participants can then try at home to get more comfortable using AI. Materials: Participants should have internet access and a computer, smartphone or tablet; no subscriptions are needed, although participants may need to create accounts if trying at home.

Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and it is getting better as it matures. After an overview of different AIs and how they deliver results, we will focus on interacting with AI in order to get the results we really want. Class time will include real-time examples that participants can then try at home to get more comfortable using AI. Materials: Participants should have internet access and a computer, smartphone or tablet; no subscriptions are needed, although participants may need to create accounts if trying at home.

We will discuss the latest in baseball statistics: what they mean, how they are used and which ones we can safely disregard in evaluating players, both current and some long since retired. We will also look at data on baseball strategy, how it is used and what possibly questionable choices are still being made due to recent changes in how the game is played. Notes: This course is designed for serious baseball fans. 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 discuss the latest in baseball statistics: what they mean, how they are used and which ones we can safely disregard in evaluating players, both current and some long since retired. We will also look at data on baseball strategy, how it is used and what possibly questionable choices are still being made due to recent changes in how the game is played. Notes: This course is designed for serious baseball fans. 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.

Beavers—exceptional engineers and North America's largest semiaquatic rodent—have long played a critical and controversial role in the continent’s history, settlement, popular culture, chemistry and ecology. We will learn about the role beavers have played in the history and ecology of water systems, the causes and results of their near-extinction, and their importance in combatting the effects of the climate crisis. We will also consider beavers’ cultural role including folklore, mythology, literature, cartoons and art, and discuss conservation, restoration and relocation efforts for beavers in Europe and North America.

Beavers—exceptional engineers and North America's largest semiaquatic rodent—have long played a critical and controversial role in the continent’s history, settlement, popular culture, chemistry and ecology. We will learn about the role beavers have played in the history and ecology of water systems, the causes and results of their near-extinction, and their importance in combatting the effects of the climate crisis. We will also consider beavers’ cultural role including folklore, mythology, literature, cartoons and art, and discuss conservation, restoration and relocation efforts for beavers in Europe and North America.

We will cover chemical reactions which occur all around us and even within us. Some we notice, like heat generated by fire; others we are less aware of, like those in batteries in cordless tools. We will see results of reactions such as chrome plating on 1950s cars, rusted pliers left outside, photosynthesis, decay, fermentation, soap-making, plastics, metabolism and more!

We will examine four controversial topics in modern medicine: vaccines, autism, foreign workers as healthcare providers and genetic engineering. Drawing on scientific, historical and social perspectives, we will explore why these subjects generate debate and seek to understand the impact of misinformation, politics and financial interests. Discussion will include ethical concerns as well as the potential for misuse and unintended consequences. Thoughtful discussion and critical thinking about complex medical issues will be encouraged. 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 examine four controversial topics in modern medicine: vaccines, autism, foreign workers as healthcare providers and genetic engineering. Drawing on scientific, historical and social perspectives, we will explore why these subjects generate debate and seek to understand the impact of misinformation, politics and financial interests. Discussion will include ethical concerns as well as the potential for misuse and unintended consequences. Thoughtful discussion and critical thinking about complex medical issues will be encouraged. 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 everyday technologies that shape modern life from phone apps and social media to streaming, smart-home devices and emerging AI tools. Through guided exploration and real-world examples, we will build confidence navigating digital platforms, staying connected with others and using technology to make daily life easier, safer and more enjoyable.

We will explore the uniqueness of the southern Appalachian Mountains, one of the oldest and most biodiverse ranges in the world. Each week, a different guest speaker will present their area of expertise, providing participants with an understanding of public lands, adaptive stewardship, hydrology, native and invasive plants, the human ecology of our region and how climate change is impacting these areas.

We will explore the history and future of energy use and its effects on climate. The 10 warmest years on record have occurred in the past decade. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have risen 50% since the Industrial Revolution—overwhelmingly due to fossil-fuel burning—resulting in ongoing warming of the climate. Human energy use has evolved rapidly over the past two centuries. How quickly we transition from non-fossil fuels will determine whether the warming is manageable or catastrophic. Note: Participants do not need to have taken part 1 of this course to enjoy part 2.

We will complete and understand physics experiments performed using materials from the kitchen and garage, including static electricity, home electricity, circular motion, optics and more. We will also revisit previous experiments with new, upgraded equipment. Prerequisites: None; the use of equations is rather infrequent. Note: Participants do not need to have taken part 1 of this course to enjoy part 2.

We will enjoy a different hike each week to learn about the ecology, history and land-conservation efforts of the Southern Appalachian region! Each week we will hike on a different Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy property, conservation easement or U.S. Forest Service land. Prerequisites: Before the course begins, participants must be able to hike at least four miles on varied terrain with an elevation gain of up to 1000 feet. Note: All trailheads are located within a 50-minute radius of the Reuter Center. Materials: Hiking boots, rain jacket, backpack and water bottle.

How did the internet become so central to daily life? We will trace the history of the information superhighway from early foundations through the web era, e-commerce and social networking to today’s digital platforms. Whether you are nostalgic for America Online or curious about what comes next, this non-technical course will inform and broaden our understanding of the online world. Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.

Although plants do not talk the way we do, they absolutely communicate. Plants send chemical warnings through the air, pass defense signals through underground fungal networks, transmit electrical pulses through their own tissues and emit ultrasonic sounds when stressed. Recent research has revealed a communications web that connects individual plants to their neighbors, their predators’ enemies and even plants of entirely different species. We will study plant communication and its broad implications for ecosystem health, sustainable practices and agricultural applications.

Our natural world: Does it move you? Amaze you? Inspire you? We will tour Antarctica, Nepal, Africa, Australia, Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica and Panama, and the Galapagos, Virgin, Pribilof and Hawaiian Islands. Through photographs, anecdotes, basic biological science and discussions of what inspires us, our aim will be to find awe and hope in nature. 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.

Our natural world: Does it move you? Amaze you? Inspire you? We will tour Antarctica, Nepal, Africa, Australia, Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica and Panama, and the Galapagos, Virgin, Pribilof and Hawaiian Islands. Through photographs, anecdotes, basic biological science and discussions of what inspires us, our aim will be to find awe and hope in nature. 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.

Earth has seen major changes in its physical geography, chemistry of oceans and atmosphere, life forms and climate. We will learn how the rock record reveals and displays that history, look at a series of global maps depicting changes in physical geography and continental positions, and discuss topics such as the origin of life, biological evolution, ice ages and catastrophic mass extinctions. Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.

Both Western and alternative medicine have turned their attention to the role breathing plays in health. We will explore the physical, biochemical and spiritual dimensions of breath based on current research outcomes for self-regulation. We will investigate the advantages and disadvantages of breathing techniques to help regulate stress and improve health, mental clarity and sleep. Note: Participants should wear unrestrictive clothing and may choose to do some exercises while lying on the floor. Recommended textbook: Consciously Exhale: The Power of Breath by Lillah Schwartz (2026), ISBN: 978-0964383535. Materials: Yoga mat, small blanket and book to use as a light weight.

Each week we will read and discuss articles and watch lively videos on topics such as solar energy, wind power, geothermal energy, hydropower, marine energy, energy from biomass, energy from waste and other sources of renewable energy. Since many renewable-energy sources depend on storage, we will also look at news on various storage methods such as pumped hydro, batteries, hydrogen, gravity, thermal and more. This course is full of good news. Note: Previous participants are welcome to register, as we will always be considering fresh content.

Grid operation is challenging: most renewable energy fluctuates in availability; grid operators must keep it balanced; and every minute, the supply of electricity must equal demand. We will consider how problems with storage and transmission are handled for renewable energy, since climate change depends on solving them.

Scientists and science communicators from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Centers for Environmental Information and the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies will provide a broad overview of the state of climate change. We will focus on how it affects society, natural systems and the impact on Western North Carolina. We will also foster discussion on how individuals can contribute to climate solutions including both mitigation and adaptation. Notes: Participants will have the option to take a guided field trip to the weather station on UNC Asheville’s campus to see first-hand how climate scientists collect data to support scientific research. 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.

Scientists and science communicators from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Centers for Environmental Information and the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies will provide a broad overview of the state of climate change. We will focus on how it affects society, natural systems and the impact on Western North Carolina. We will also foster discussion on how individuals can contribute to climate solutions including both mitigation and adaptation. Notes: Participants will have the option to take a guided field trip to the weather station on UNC Asheville’s campus to see first-hand how climate scientists collect data to support scientific research. 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.