Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

Ever wonder what's really happening when ice melts, bread bakes, or fizzing bubbles rise in a glass? In this hands-on science class, you'll explore the fascinating world of chemical and physical changes using everyday materials. Conduct safe, simple experiments, observe surprising reactions, and learn how to tell whether change is temporary—or something totally new. No science background needed—just curiosity! Come ready to mix, melt, fizz, and explore the science behind the challenges all around us.

Registration Deadline 2/25/26 Activity Level: easy going

This course will discuss extraterrestrial beings— aliens. We will discuss several of the most prominently asserted alien species, and the role of supposed aliens throughout human history. We will then apply science to several aspects of beliefs about aliens. We will conclude with an exercise of creating our own alien based on conditions on a known exoplanet and the principles of exobiology.

Co-Facilitator: Karen Christensen

What is color? What are the various mechanisms for creating color in nature? How do we see and interpret color? Why does the same color look different in different lights and with different backgrounds? Course participants will explore the physics and psychology of color through mind-bending visual demonstrations and optical illusions. We will discover how our eyes and brains work together and how they can easily be tricked. Whether you are a science enthusiast, artist, nature lover, or someone who just loves color, this course will literally change the way in which you see the world.

Dr. Roger G. Johnston, our guest presenter, has conducted extensive research and development in applied physics. In addition to work at both Los Alamos and Argonne National Laboratories, he holds multiple patents and has received numerous awards. He has lectured in ten countries, and teaches at WCC, North Central College, Aurora University, and Lewis University.

Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

Step into the world of crime scene investigation and discover the hidden science that helps solve real-life mysteries! In this hands-on workshop, you'll explore how forensic scientists use glowing materials like UV light, glow powders, and chemiluminescence to detect fingerprints, analyze evidence, and uncover clues invisible to the naked eye. Try your hand at dusting and lifting glowing fingerprints, experiment with glow sticks, and uncover secret features with blacklight tools. It's science, it's mystery, and it's just plain fun-no lab coat required!

Outing - Class will be held at SciTech, 336 McKee St., Batavia

Registration Deadline: 3/25/2026

Activity Level:easy going

Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

This same class is a repeat of the class on 4/8/26.

Step into the world of crime scene investigation and discover the hidden science that helps solve real-life mysteries! In this hands-on workshop, you'll explore how forensic scientists use glowing materials like UV light, glow powders, and chemiluminescence to detect fingerprints, analyze evidence, and uncover clues invisible to the naked eye. Try your hand at dusting and lifting glowing fingerprints, experiment with glow sticks, and uncover secret features with blacklight tools. It's science, it's mystery, and it's just plain fun-no lab coat required!

Outing - Class will be held at SciTech, 336 McKee St., Batavia

Registration Deadline: 4/6/2026

Activity Level:easy going

Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

Ready to get your hands wet (and maybe a little windy)? In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, learners explore two of the most powerful weather forces on earth: tornadoes and floods. Build your own tornado model using simple materials and see what makes twisters spin. Then, put your engineering skills to the test by creating barriers to protect a miniature town from rising floodwaters. You'll walk away with a better understanding of storm science and how to protect yourself when nature gets extreme.

Registration Deadline 4/29/26 Activity Level: easy going