Science & Technology   

From the empty promise of a mirage to giants that hold their breath whenever the sun is out, to polyandrous raptors, the Sonoran Desert holds many wonders—an extreme environment full of remarkable life. The Arizona Natural History course will introduce students to the geology, flora, fauna, and human history of Arizona. Drawing on information and theories from biology, ecology, geology, and archaeology, the class will explore the adaptations of desert animals, plants, and other life forms, the landscape that set the stage for their evolution, and the human cultures that have called this desert home.

Learn the basics of operating a computer-controlled laser cutting machine to create geometric fabric quilting blocks. These machines use computer designs to precisely cut shapes that participants can sew together into a quilt. This class includes one hour of design and machine operation instruction, followed by 30 minutes of open cutting time to cut your fabric. Designs will be limited to basic geometric shapes—such as squares, rectangles, triangles, and other polygons—no larger than 18” x 24” per individual shape. Participants will leave with several laser-cut fabric pieces, each cut to the geometric design and size of their choice.

The essence of humanity—looking up and wondering—is universal. What’s up there? Can we go there? How does it all work? What makes satellites unique? What are orbits? How do I become an astronaut (even at our age)? This course will explore many of these questions in a non-math, non-engineering way, designed to explain our fascination and wonder about space. We are living through a remarkable shift—both government and commercial—toward space exploration. How does this affect you? Could your grandchildren be involved? Might they even go out there? This course will explain it all at a top-level view: orbits, the vacuum of space, and other complexities—all explained through engaging conversations. Please note that parking is the responsibility of the member. 

This class explores how mathematics helps us uncover patterns and solve problems in medicine and biology. We’ll examine how mathematical modeling is used to study disease spread and the role of superspreaders, understand hospital-acquired infections, and track the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (superbugs). The talk will also delve into models of cancer growth and how concepts like fractals and recursion appear in biological systems. From predicting outbreaks to visualizing tumor development, math provides powerful tools for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare.

Did you know that some insects can survive temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, with little or no water? Welcome to the often-overlooked world of insects and other arthropods. Kurt Leuschner, Professor of Entomology at College of the Desert, will highlight remarkable desert species such as the yucca moth, antlion, and tarantula hawk wasp, emphasizing their ecological roles and survival strategies. This presentation will examine the adaptations, behaviors, habitats, and life histories of these and other arthropods—the most diverse group of animals on Earth. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the small but vital organisms that shape ecosystems, many of which thrive right here in the Sonoran Desert.

Grocery shopping can be overwhelming—with countless products, confusing labels, and endless marketing claims competing for your attention. Making smart choices at the store is the first step toward better nutrition and overall health for you and your family. In this engaging presentation, Tina Shepard, a Clinical Nutrition Professor at Arizona State University and a Registered Dietitian, will guide you through the essentials of smart grocery shopping. You’ll learn how to: read and understand nutrition labels with confidence; identify nutrient-dense foods and avoid misleading packaging; make budget-friendly, healthy choices in every aisle; compare products to find the best options for your family's needs. Join us and gain the tools to shop smarter, eat better, and feel more in control of your health every time you step into the grocery store.

This class, led by Kathe Anderson, community scientist and conservation educator, will feature a 30-minute video created in Southeast Arizona—the Hummingbird Capital of the U.S.—which highlights the different kinds of hummingbirds found in Arizona and their behaviors. In addition to the video, you'll have the chance to see a hummingbird, a hummingbird nest, and a hummingbird feather up close. Learn about their unique anatomy and lifestyle, as well as where and when to find these amazing birds. Please note that parking is the responsibility of the member.

Many birds of the desert-urban interface may be familiar to you, but they are often misidentified and misunderstood. This class focuses on a dozen of our most common species to help you learn more about them. We’ll cover the cactus wren (our state bird!), the whimsical and popular Gambel’s quail, the noisy mockingbird, and the ubiquitous Anna’s hummingbird and mourning dove. We’ll also discuss invasive species such as the city pigeon, European starling, great-tailed grackle, and house sparrow. Discover which bird is a medal-winner, which is a real estate developer, and which appears on the Audubon Watchlist for declining populations.

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The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the natural world. However, nearby mining operations and local coal-fired power plants contribute to air pollution that can obscure its majestic views and leave a lasting legacy of toxic contamination. This course will examine the sources of heavy metal pollution found in the canyon and explore how scientists study its impacts.

Join an engaging expert panel exploring how social connection, community involvement, and lifelong learning contribute to healthy aging. Moderated by OLLI at ASU Director Jared Swerzenski, this session features Dr. Aaron Guest, renowned gerontologist and Assistant Professor of Aging at ASU’s Edson College, alongside Sandra Freyer from ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation. Together, they will share insights into how staying socially embedded and intellectually active can enhance well-being and longevity, offering evidence- based strategies for thriving in later life.

The age of technology has changed the way we access and process information. The challenge isn’t finding enough information on topics of curiosity—it’s sorting the good from the bad. While many excellent sources exist on the web, there is also a great deal of misinformation, both intentional and unintentional. In such an environment, pseudoscience thrives. What are some of the most common scientific misconceptions propagated by modern media? What aspects of human psychology make us so prone to believing pseudoscience? And how can we distinguish scientific reality from conspiracy theories and snake oil?

You’ve probably heard of ChatGPT or spoken to a voice assistant like Alexa or Siri — but what’s really going on behind the scenes? In this class, we’ll explore how today’s artificial intelligence can carry on conversations, help you write emails, answer questions, and even make decisions. We’ll look at how these “AI assistants” work in simple, everyday terms—and what they might mean for the future of work, learning, and daily life.

Tiny microbes shape the world in ways we are only beginning to understand. From soil to the human gut, microbiomes regulate health, drive nutrient cycles, and buffer ecosystems against collapse. In this class, Dr. Glen D’Souza explores the surprising ways microbial life underpins the stability of our planet—from agriculture and climate resilience to human well-being. Join us to discover how these invisible communities connect personal and planetary health—and how future innovations may rely on learning to work with microbes, not against them.

Humans have been intrigued by Mars since they first gazed into the night sky. In just the past 50 years, we have seen spacecraft orbiting Mars and surface rovers exploring the planet for evidence of past climates and the potential for life. This class will focus on some key unanswered questions about Mars before moving on to the process of how an actual space mission is built. We will follow the steps from the initial concept through the design, fabrication, and testing of spacecraft and instruments. We’ll also examine mission operations and scientific results. ASU has a long history of participation in planetary exploration, including the development of nine instruments for NASA and international missions to explore Mars, asteroids, and Europa—a moon of Jupiter with a subsurface ocean that may contain life. The final class will include a tour of the labs on ASU’s Tempe campus, where these instruments are designed and built!

From 1831-1836, Charles Darwin circumnavigated the globe aboard the HMS Beagle. In the Galapagos Islands and elsewhere, Darwin collected data that, after decades of study and reflection, formed part of the basis for his publication On the Origin of Species. The ideas presented in that volume remain the foundation of all modern biological thought. Drawing upon original source materials and the instructor’s photos, this course will present the historical and cultural context of Darwin’s era, follow the five-year journey, discuss how Darwin came to his ideas, and explain his theories in detail. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

Botany is becoming a lost art. We will convene in a four-acre rewilded habitat garden in South Phoenix to bolster our botanical skills. Students will learn the basics of botany and delve into controversial new findings on plant ‘intelligence.’ We will sketch botanical details, meet regional plants, learn to recognize three plant families, and observe plants alongside their pollinators. We will discuss the ways in which plants benefit us and explore some of the decisions plants make in their own lives. The session will end with a discussion circle centered on quotes from five botanical authors.

Join Dr. Jonathan Parrott, Assistant Professor of Forensic Science, to explore the fascinating world of forensic entomology—the use of insects in solving crimes! Discover how tiny clues left by insects can provide crucial insights to crime scene investigators and scientists. Dr. Parrott will also share innovative research from Arizona State University, demonstrating how forensic experts—including DNA specialists—are unlocking new ways to understand and solve mysteries involving blow flies, maggots, and other insects at crime scenes.

As we age, maintaining cognitive vitality becomes increasingly important—not just for memory, but for overall quality of life. In this engaging and informative workshop, we’ll explore six key habits backed by recent scientific research that support brain health in later life. The class is led by Helen Hayes, Program Director of ASU’s Distinguished Innovation Fellows, an innovation-focused program for individuals 55 and older. You'll learn practical strategies for protecting and enhancing your mental sharpness, emotional resilience, and daily functioning. Participants will create a personalized plan to integrate brain-boosting activities into their everyday routines, and begin shaping a thoughtful, proactive retirement plan centered on lifelong cognitive well-being.

How did ancient people cope with infectious diseases, climate change, and environmental toxins? Join Dr. Jane Buikstra, Regents Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, to hear archaeological case studies from the ancient Andes that illustrate the unexpected origins of tuberculosis, effective pre-Colonial mechanisms for coping with El Niño events, climate change without increased violence, and the impact of both anthropogenic and natural toxic environments. We will explore the deep history and resilience of tuberculosis, how traditional Andean ontologies addressed climate change and short-term challenges, and how humans have adapted to toxic environments.

This interactive session reviews the components of executive function (EF), including attention span, working memory, planning and mental flexibility, physical inhibition, and emotional regulation (self-control). The discussion will cover how and when EF skills develop, and how to keep these essential brain functions active throughout our lives. Tips for maintaining memory and problem-solving abilities will also be demonstrated.

Learn the basics of operating a computer-controlled laser cutting machine to create geometric fabric quilting blocks. These machines use computer designs to precisely cut shapes that participants can sew together into a quilt. This class includes one hour of design and machine operation instruction, followed by 30 minutes of open cutting time to cut your fabric. Designs will be limited to basic geometric shapes—such as squares, rectangles, triangles, and other polygons—no larger than 18” x 24” per individual shape. Participants will leave with several laser-cut fabric pieces, each cut to the geometric design and size of their choice.

Explore the Arizona Science Center in a new way with a three-hour adventure through our newest galleries and makerspace! Start the day before the Center opens to the public with an exclusive demonstration on the Daniel Cracchiolo Stage. After kicking things off, join the team for a behind-the-scenes look at the newly reimagined Dorrance Planetarium. End the morning in CREATE with a hands-on creative challenge: using vector graphic design and laser cutting, you’ll assemble a one-of-a-kind table (or desk) lantern. Bring your walking shoes and get ready to embrace your inner child!

Many birds of the desert-urban interface are familiar, but often misidentified and misunderstood! This class focuses on a dozen of our common species, including our state bird, the Cactus Wren; the whimsical and popular Gambel’s Quail; the noisy Northern Mockingbird; and the ubiquitous Anna’s Hummingbird and Mourning Dove. We’ll also discuss invasive species such as the city pigeon, European Starling, Great-tailed Grackle, and House Sparrow. Find out which bird is a medal-winner, which is a real estate developer, and which is on the Audubon watch list for declining populations. Part of the class will be held outdoors, with the hope of seeing some of these birds. Please bring binoculars, if you have them, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Is beauty truly only skin deep, or can it be understood as a measurable trait, similar to features like blue eyes or blonde hair? To what extent do humans differ from birds and other mammals in selecting mates based on physical appearance? In this class, we will examine human mate preferences alongside those of other species, drawing on evolutionary biology and psychology to gain deeper insights into the concept of beauty and its underlying significance.

In a recent congressional hearing, the nominee for NASA Administrator stated, "We don't have to make a binary decision when it comes to U.S. aspirations to land astronauts on both the Moon and Mars." This statement has sparked widespread discussion—and some confusion—within the space community regarding the United States' strategic direction in space exploration. Dr. Peter Swan, a distinguished expert in space systems engineering with decades of experience in both governmental and private aerospace sectors, will examine the complexities of current U.S. space policy. He will focus on the nation's plans for lunar and Martian exploration, analyzing NASA's Artemis program—which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence—as well as the ambitions of private industry, particularly SpaceX’s progress toward Mars missions.

Shakespeare lived during the Scientific Revolution, a time of rapid advancement in scientific understanding. For the first time, academics were writing in English rather than Latin, making these revolutionary ideas accessible to the average educated person—Shakespeare among them. From hidden praise for Galileo in Cymbeline to the possibility that one of his plays serves as an allegory for the shift toward heliocentrism, Shakespeare’s work reveals a deep awareness of contemporary science. This class is designed for lovers of both literature and science!

With Arizona’s rapid growth in STEM industries—tech, aerospace, biomedical, and more—Arizona Science Center is evolving to stay at the forefront of innovation. Join us for an exclusive 90-minute tour offering a behind-the-scenes look at the groundbreaking technology fueling the transformation of the Center’s galleries and signature experiences, including the reimagination of the Dorrance Planetarium. This is your chance to witness the future of stargazing before it’s unveiled to the world. For this program, participants *must* wear closed-toed, sturdy shoes. Steel-toed shoes are preferred as you will be at an active construction site.

The essence of humanity—looking up and wondering—is universal. What’s up there? Can we go there? How does it all work? What makes satellites unique? What are orbits? How do I become an astronaut (even at our age)? This course will explore many of these questions in a non-math, non-engineering way, designed to explain our fascination and wonder about space. We are living through a remarkable shift—both government and commercial—toward space exploration. How does this affect you? Could your grandchildren be involved? Might they even go out there? This course will explain it all at a top-level view: orbits, the vacuum of space, and other complexities—all explained through engaging conversations. Please note that parking is the responsibility of the member. 

Before the huge steam-driven machines that cut through the Suez and Panama Canals, magnificent canals and aqueducts shaped civilizations from ancient times through the Industrial Revolution. In this class, we follow the story of how humans learned to move water. Cultures that began with primitive irrigation channels, dug to water a few meager crops, eventually built canals that connected Europe to Asia and the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. These canals changed the world long before the age of steam, internal combustion engines, or electric power. We’ll also explore how human ingenuity used downhill-moving water to propel boats uphill. Our journey takes us to China, Egypt, the Pontine Marshes south of Rome, the French Riviera, England’s coal country, and finally the early American frontier—where a four-foot-deep ditch became the information superhighway of its time.

Join Water Resource Management Director Mike Boule for a walking tour of the City of Surprise Wastewater Facility. The tour will provide an in-depth look at the processes and technologies involved in wastewater treatment. Participants will explore the various stages of treatment—including preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary processes—while gaining insights into the environmental impacts and regulatory requirements of wastewater management. The tour will also cover the role of innovative technologies in enhancing treatment efficiency and sustainability. Please bring a jacket and wear closed-toed shoes. The tour includes both indoor and outdoor areas, with about half a mile of walking, some stairs, and gently sloping small hills around the facility.

In collaboration with the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve and Dr. Ken Sweat, this community service opportunity invites participants to take part in the removal of stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum), an aggressive invasive plant from South Africa that is rapidly spreading across Maricopa County. This hands-on activity will support the preservation of the native Sonoran Desert ecosystem and reduce local fire hazards. As part of this course, participants will also explore the broader impact of invasive species on biodiversity, with a focus on the challenges posed by stinknet. Learn how increased global travel has enabled certain species to thrive in new environments and discover how land managers are responding to these ecological threats with innovative control strategies. Join us in making a meaningful impact on our desert landscape while deepening your understanding of invasive species and ecosystem resilience.

Chico State's tradition of academic excellence goes back more than 130 years. With over 850 faculty members and 13,000 students, the University's teaching and learning community is thriving. Discover the imagination, cutting-edge research, and expertise that flourishes in our own backyard! Please take care of time zone changes towards the end of this course due to shifts in Daylight Saving time as this class meets from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in PST.

In this course we will look at what research in neuroscience is teaching us about how the brain and mind work. We will also learn about using that knowledge to provide better care for patients. The role of AI, brain imaging, immunology, and genetics will be included. Please take care of time zone changes due to Daylight Saving.

The outer reaches of our solar system represent a true frontier for space exploration. Dominated by the colossal ice giant planets Uranus and Neptune, the region also plays host to diverse icy worlds and remnants from the formation of the Solar System. This class will examine the dynamic atmospheres, unique compositions, bizarre magnetic fields, and faint ring systems of both ice giant planets as well as explore the array of fascinating moons in orbit around them. While neither planet has been explored directly by spacecraft since the late 1980’s, the James Webb Space Telescope’s incredibly sensitive infrared instruments are allowing scientists to study both planets and their moons in unprecedented detail from afar. Not surprisingly, these observations provide stunning new insights into these distant worlds. Venturing further out we will discuss how the New Horizons mission transformed our understanding of the dwarf planet Pluto from that of a presumed "dead" ice ball into the remarkably complex and geologically active world that it actually surveyed from space. Finally, we’ll examine the icy world of Arrokoth located in the vast Kuiper Belt which offers a pristine snapshot of the materials present in the outermost, coldest regions of the solar nebula when the solar system formed 4.6 billion years ago.