Science   

Why are plants given such lowly status? Without them we would have nothing but barren rock surfaces. Professor Medeiros reviews the never-ending and amazing characteristics of members of the plant kingdom - who they are and what they provide every other living species on Earth. We’ll review current research that demonstrates more sensory abilities than humans, communication skills as complex as the modern internet and myriad partnerships with fungi. Are plants intelligent? We'll let you decide once you know the facts! They are also our primary solution to climate change!
 *This class is being recorded.

California's Governor's Executive Order requires electric cars be the only new cars sold in the state starting in 2035. In a recent survey 20% of Americans said their next car will be electric. Electric cars save their owners at least $1,000 per year and soon the cost to purchase an electric powered vehicle will be comparable to gas-fueled models. So far, the number of electric cars sold this year has been nearly double the number sold in 2020. Many automakers are in the process of transitioning to manufacturing only electric cars. With every passing year the cost of batteries goes down and before long the cost of an electric car will be similar to those powered by fossil fuel. In addition, some electric cars now have a range of over 500 miles and can receive a fresh charge in twenty minutes. In this course we will examine the history of electric cars and take a lot at the wide range of vehicles now being sold or under development. By the end of this class participants should have a better idea about whether or not they are ready to buy and electric car. 

 *This class is being recorded. 

This class will explore the history of Earth from the formation through the geologic history and the present time. How did our planet come to be? What is the impact of atmospheric oxygen? What creatures have come before us? Are humans changing the Earth forever? The class is based upon the book, "A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight Chapters" by Andrew H. Knoll. Class members are invited to but not required to read the book.

This class will explore the history of Earth from the formation through the geologic history and the present time. How did our planet come to be? What is the impact of atmospheric oxygen? What creatures have come before us? Are humans changing the Earth forever? The class is based upon the book, "A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight Chapters" by Andrew H. Knoll. Class members are invited to but not required to read the book.

In these times of dire environmental predictions, when our beloved California ecosystems are in obvious distress, it’s time we educated ourselves. Join me to take a deep dive into Robin Wall Kimmerer’s insightful book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants”. As a botanist and professor of plant ecology and a Native American woman, Kimmerer brings together the newest and the oldest information about the lives and roles of plants. She is a nearly poetic storyteller with a knack for making scientific information clear to readers. Botanist and naturalist Joe Medeiros will join Joan Griffin to share his expertise. A book discussion class, we’ll meet three times in five weeks. Videos and photos will enhance our experience and understanding.

In these times of dire environmental predictions, when our beloved California ecosystems are in obvious distress, it’s time we educated ourselves. Join me to take a deep dive into Robin Wall Kimmerer’s insightful book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants”. As a botanist and professor of plant ecology and a Native American woman, Kimmerer brings together the newest and the oldest information about the lives and roles of plants. She is a nearly poetic storyteller with a knack for making scientific information clear to readers. Botanist and naturalist Joe Medeiros will join Joan Griffin to share his expertise. A book discussion class, we’ll meet three times in five weeks. Videos and photos will enhance our experience and understanding. 

 *This class is being recorded. 

The course covers the historical circumstances that led to the decision to spend over 20 billion 1960 dollars to put an American on the moon within the decade, and the remarkable program that achieved that goal. It includes discussions about technical challenges and innovations, dangers encountered by the crews, some of NASA"s daring and questionable decisions, and much more. The course includes several rarely seen videos.

 *This class is being recorded.