Science & Technology   

The Bermuda Triangle, deep sea monsters, aliens, Bigfoot, ghosts, Stonehenge, UFOs. Explore, in detail, these and other mysteries while delving into the mind of one of humankind's greatest thinkers: the celebrated author, scientist, and futurist Arthur C. Clarke. The class will be divided into two parts, held during the Winter 2025 and Spring 2025 terms.

This class takes a look at atmospheric pollution and the chemistry of ozone depletion, global climate change, as well as traditional and nuclear energetics.

Learn sky basics along with the winter constellations and planets. Special topics include the search for life on Mars, why Pluto is or is not a planet, and the wonders of the daytime sky, including halos, sundogs, and glories. One of the four classes will be held at the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium at UMD with an optional night out on Skyline Parkway near Hawk Ridge observing with a telescope.

Spiders are very common members of the Northland ecosystem. Despite this, most folks know little about them. In this class, we will learn what is and is not a spider, where they live, and how they live. We will talk about spiders that make webs, but also those that do not. Emphasis will be on local spiders, their feeding habits, life cycle, and how to recognize them.

Explore very current developments in science and technology that are, or will be, impacting our daily lives. Included will be such contemporary topics as artificial intelligence (AI), exciting new medical technology, innovative manufacturing processes and their environmental implications, the latest in drug development, and "adaptive climate change."

Calling all weather enthusiasts! This class will be an opportunity to take a deep-dive into the science and safety of weather phenomena, instructed by meteorologists from the National Weather Service office in Duluth. Topics will include NWS Duluth forecasts, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, winter storms, blizzards, extreme cold, lake-effect snow, fire weather, airport weather forecasting, and conditions on Lake Superior. No previous weather experience or expertise is required. Come join us for an interesting and informative look at weather in the Northland.

Explore some of the workings of the human brain with a sense of wonder and even awe. Topics will include neuroplasticity (how the brain changes and can even change itself throughout life); vision (how the brain sees the world); and the relationship between attention, concentration, and memory.  We will also look at how some of the brain’s quirks and foibles can actually mislead us.

The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) was formed in 1983 by the Minnesota state legislature to provide research and data for informed decision-making concerning the use and sustainability of the state's natural resources. This charter has remained relevant through the decades as challenges, especially related to climate change impacts, have accelerated NRRI's research capabilities and output. The Executive Director of NRRI will start off the class, followed by nine researchers sharing how they are addressing Minnesota's challenges and opportunities.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) promise to be the foundation for future transportation needs. EVs can be three to five times more efficient than gas vehicles, have much lower life cycle costs, and provide a wide variety of other advantages. This class goes beyond the "EV overview" stage to focus more deeply on the scientific and technological aspects that will make the EV the "next big thing" in the transportation sector. 

The transition to EVs changes many of our fundamental assumptions regarding how vehicles are fueled, maintained, and driven and presents serious technological challenges. Topics covered include a comparison with gas-powered vehicles, maintenance, fuel cost, efficiency, security, safety, and driving experience. In addition, we will explore EV battery attributes and look at new, much cheaper, and longer-range battery technologies.