Science   

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the U.S government, the media, and most national institutions quickly established the "official story" of what led to and occurred on that fateful day. At 25 years on, that story is not so certain. Questions have been raised. Through viewing segments of an acclaimed documentary and in-class discussion, students can confront these questions and consider whether they have merit. It will not change the outcome, but it may give new insights.

You know you are getting old when: 

• It takes a couple of tries to get over a speed bump
• You have a party and your neighbors don't realize it 
• The candles of the birthday cake cost more than the cake

What constitutes a life well-lived? What are the ingredients for lasting happiness? We'll explore the findings of those who continue to research this topic. 

These three body functions--digestion, skin and sleep--are distinct, but, oh, so necessary for good health and energy.  We'll explore each in the way it works, how it gets disrupted, and how to help remedy disorders or prevent problems. 

The world certainly has an interesting geology, but, once in a while, geology takes an odd turn and presents us with formations that almost look like they don't even belong on our planet.  We'll see, via Zoom, some of these strange, mysterious and intriguing places in our world.

This course is an overview of a week spent with the meteorologists of Penn State University.  We'll learn about forecasting fundamentals, weather analysis, satellite imagery, observational networks, severe storms, weather on the web, hurricanes, emergency management and human impact.  A demonstration of the Mountain Rain or Snow interactive citizen science data collection will be included.

This course is an overview of a week spent with the meteorologists of Penn State University.  We'll learn about forecasting fundamentals, weather analysis, satellite imagery, observational networks, severe storms, weather on the web, hurricanes, emergency management and human impact.  A demonstration of the Mountain Rain or Snow interactive citizen science data collection will be included.

National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore started the Photo Ark in 2006 when he was homebound in Lincoln, Nebraska caring for his sick wife and their three children. In order to continue working, he decided to photograph some of the animals at the Children's Zoo near his home. This led him to create what he called a Photo Ark recording images of 12,000 species in captivity as a way to promote animal conservation. The 25-year project has received worldwide acclaim and has grown toward the current goal of recording images of 25,000 species.

An exploration into California’s signature mountain range. Geology and geography - glaciers, weathering and time. Review its rich fauna and flora, its diverse suite of plants and animals, and its endless ecological associations. A review its environmental history and rejoice in its historic contributions to the conservation movement. What roles climate change, drought, and fire have on the future of John Muir’s “Range of Light.”

A story of an iconic and remarkable group of large and once-abundant fish species. The amazing history of Pacific and Atlantic salmon species – wonders of the cold waters of the northern hemisphere. Who are these fish? What is their story and, most importantly, what is their common fate?

A closeup on the many salmon species of the Pacific Northwest. Native American fish culture and the current state of the salmon fishery, beginning, where it started, on California’s Sacramento and north coast rivers and thence northwards to Canada and Alaska. A tragic story of cultural and habitat destruction, dams, water diversions and the failure of hatcheries and farms.

From the rainy Northwest to the snowy Sierra, California’s rich watery resources have provided both natural riches while yet fostering intense and unending political wrangling. Learn whence the water emerges, where it flows (naturally and not), and the mind-boggling engineering transfers from watershed to watershed. Can 40 million Californian's share the wealth?