Science & Math   

Part of the Anthro is Fun series, this class focuses on two of the most important aspects of world-wide human culture: How we obtain food and how we exert power in our society. We will explore the ways that humans, through prehistory and around the world today, share food resources. Do we grow it, buy it, steal it, trade for it? We will also explore how humans share power around the world.

Visit the Llano Seco Viewing Platform to learn to identify the ducks and geese that spend the winter here. Then, at dusk, the waterfowl fly out from the ponds to nearby fields to feed at night. This can be an impressive sight with the large number of flocks in the air. Bring a folding chair and binoculars, and we’ll sit back and enjoy the scenic view as we watch them flying against the sunset and full moon.

Through observation and the use of binoculars and field guides, class participants learn to identify birds in their natural habitat. We will meet once a month at different birding locations for field trips that typically involve one to two miles of walking.

Through observation and the use of binoculars and field guides, class participants learn to identify birds in their natural habitat. We will meet once a month at different birding locations for field trips that typically involve one to two miles of walking. 

Chico State's tradition of academic excellence goes back more than 130 years. With 1,000 faculty members and 15,500 students, the University's teaching and learning community is thriving. Discover the imagination, cutting-edge research, and expertise that flourishes in our own backyard!

Chico State's tradition of academic excellence goes back more than 130 years. With 1,000 faculty members and 15,500 students, the University's teaching and learning community is thriving. Discover the imagination, cutting-edge research, and expertise that flourishes in our own backyard!

California's temperate climate allows an amazing array of plants to be grown locally. Edible gardens, pollinator gardens, native gardens, contemplative gardens, and demonstration gardens are some of the many varieties to tour. Inspired by the successful model of the "Arts & Eats" OLLI class, "Garden Gourmands" will focus on touring the art of garden landscapes combined with eating locally. Join two Master Gardeners as we explore different area gardens followed by a no-host lunch at various local eateries to enjoy the bounty of Butte County.

Bidwell Park is to be enjoyed and protected. Experienced hikers will get a strenuous workout and learn about Bidwell Park and its flora, fauna, volunteerism, and history. We will hike up to six miles, with 1,000' elevation change on less familiar trails. Get your endorphins pumping and meet some new hiking friends in your own Bidwell backyard.

This class will cover the science of forensic anthropology (the forensic study of human skeletal remains), including the investigation of crime scenes, forensic casework, and the development of forensic standards. Each session will cover a different aspect of forensic anthropology and time will be allotted for questions. We will first outline the practice of forensic anthropology, followed by the application of forensic anthropology to crime scenes and to human identification. Then we will focus on the development of forensic standards and why they are important for criminal trials.

The class covers core concepts that every skeptic should know: Mechanisms of deception, memory fallibility, fallibility of perception, metacognition issues, science versus pseudoscience, and skepticism and the media. We will suggest tools useful for helping us recognize our own biases and cognitive barriers to rational assessment.

TED Conferences, LLC is a media organization that posts talks online for free distribution under the slogan "ideas worth spreading." TED's early emphasis was on technology and design, consistent with its Silicon Valley origins, but it has since broadened its repertoire to include talks on many scientific, cultural, and academic topics. Join us for the opportunity to view and discuss various TED Talks and get to know fellow OLLI members better.

This moderate out-and-back hike in the Sacramento River Bend Area is six and a half miles with 500’ elevation gain. We’ll hike through varied landscapes, meandering along a bluff overlooking the Sacramento River with excellent views of Lassen Peak. After a short climb up to Paynes Creek Point, we’ll eat lunch and enjoy more views. We’ll look and listen for birds (perhaps we’ll see the beautiful Lewis’s Woodpecker), and learn about the flora and fauna along our path. The return route takes us through the picturesque Perry Ravine.