This seminar explores a range of geology topics to deepen understanding of the planet on which we live. Participants will examine common rocks and minerals and learn basic identification techniques, along with the structure of the Earth, including global plate tectonics and rock deformation. The seminar investigates volcanoes, earthquakes, and other potentially life-threatening geologic phenomena, as well as the processes that shape the land through rivers, oceans, wind, and glaciers, with special emphasis on glaciation in the Dayton area. Additional topics include Earth’s history as revealed through fossils, interpretation of topographic and geologic maps, and an in-depth look at Ohio’s geology.

Our modern society is immersed in science based systems and high-tech gadgets,; including GPS, satellites communication and space exploration, fiber optics and lasers, medical imaging (MRI), and emerging technologies such as Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence. If you wondered how these gadgets do their magic, this seminar is for you. After a review of basic concepts of modern physics, we will describe the operation principles of GPS and atomic clock, medical MRI, cryptocurrency, artificial neural networks, and quantum computers. Leave your advanced calculus and differential equations at home. All the Math that you will need will be provided.

The influenza pandemic of 1918-19 killed 50-100 million people. Reasons for such fatality included: The influenza variant was highly virulent and infectious. Young adults were killed by their own immune responses. Medical education and practice in the United States was often defective. Government political decisions (elections and World War I) blocked valid scientific recommendations and even spread the disease. This series of talks will examine these factors and explain how diseases spread (epidemiology). It will look at lessons learned. It will also examine the current Covid pandemic in light of these lessons.

Embark on this fascinating journey through the cosmos, from the wonders of our solar system to the uncharted depths of distant galaxies. This seminar will explore the life cycle of stars, the mysteries of black holes, and humanity’s most ambitious space missions. Stunning images and videos of celestial bodies will stimulate your imagination. And as always, the Apollo moon mission will be revisited through actual video footage.

The purpose of this seminar is to gain and share a basic understanding and appreciation of the treasure that exists in our Miami Valley wetlands with particular emphasis on those around the Beaver Creek. We will start by describing what wetlands are and their basic classifications. We will discuss how they are formed and their critical value. We will move on to discuss our local wetland reserves and how they are managed through the Beavercreek Wetlands Association. One of the greatest values of wetlands is the preservation of species, so we will attempt to understand what this means locally with unique examples, and we will discuss some of the evolving citizen science tools available to understand components of our wetland ecosystem. Along the way, we will attempt to highlight the wonder and beauty of our wetlands. Time and weather permitting, our last class will involve a wetland walk.

It’s everywhere, accessible to anyone. It offers glimpses millions of years into the past, yet is always new. Though most of it is impossibly distant to visit in person, it has been an inseparable part of human culture for millennia. It is the night sky. No previous skygazing experience, astronomy textbook, or telescope is needed, just curiosity and simple tools which I will introduce. Discover new cosmic realms and revisit familiar ones. Learn how the universe’s diverse objects are born, mature, interact, and fade away. With time, patience, and quiet night moments, you may even perceive “the music of the spheres."

Watch spring unfold with trips to three different MetroParks as we discover the variety and beauty of ephemeral wildflowers and spring trees and shrubs. Each week a different park, each week a wonderful experience!