Discover a fascinating world beyond what the eye can see. Participants will explore microscopes, crystals, cells, and magnified everyday objects while learning how microscopic discoveries transformed medicine, science, and technology. Through guided discussion and hands-on investigation, participants will uncover the beauty and importance of the tiny world around us. Activity Level: Easy Going.

The Registration DEADLINE is 9/7/2026. (No Exceptions)

Has the degradation of the Earth been worth it? We will look at six different raw materials that have altered civilization throughout history from the stories of how they were first discovered to the environmental impact their production has had on the Earth.

Book:  Material World, The Six Raw Materials That Shape Modern Civilization by Ed Conway (Required)

Co-facilitator:  Carl Hays

NASA's renewed lunar missions reignite debate about humanity's next giant leap. Supporters argue that living on Mars could expand scientific discovery and ensure our long term survival. Critics warn of extreme risks, high costs and ethical concerns. As we return to the moon, the question grows sharper: should Mars become humanity's next home or remain a distant dream?

Co-facilitator:  Carolyn Hopkins

The US POINTER study led by the Alzheimer's Association showed that a structured healthy lifestyle program combining exercise, healthy diet, cognitive engagement and health monitoring can protect cognitive function. This presentation will explain how brain health is important now and across our lifetimes, help us recognize actions that can help protect our brain health, and assist us in making plans to build brain-healthy habits.

Speaker:  Hadi Finerty (Alzheimer's Association IL Chapter)

Co-facilitator:  Carolyn Hopkins

Multiple studies have shown that healthy lifestyle habits can improve brain health and significantly reduce your chance of developing dementia. Using information from the Alzheimer's Association and "The Alzheimer's Solution" book and related podcast, we will learn more about the brain and specific, simple actions we can take to invest in our brain health. We will also discuss ways to turn this knowledge into daily habits, as a structured lifestyle program has been shown to give the most benefit.

Book:  The Alzheimer's Solution by Dean & Ayesha Sherzai, MD (Not Requiired)

Explore the science behind the sounds and music that shape our lives. Participants will investigate vibrations, pitch, sound waves, and acoustics while discussing how music connects to memory, emotion, and technology. Interactive demonstrations and simple instrument-building activities bring the science of sound to life. Activity Level: Easy Going

The Registration DEADLINE is 10/1/2026. (No Exceptions)

From electricity and motion to renewable resources, energy powers nearly everything we do. Participants will examine how energy is created, transferred, and used in everyday life through discussion, demonstrations, and simple engineering challenges. The session also explores how energy technology has evolved over time and what the future may hold. Activity Level: Easy Going

The Registration DEADLINE is 10/28/2026. (No Exceptions)

Co-facilitaator:  Evelyn Porter

Never took a physics class - or understood very little if you did? We can fix that! In a fast-paced class full of cool demos, we'll cover everything currently known about physics - and touch on some astronomy as well. Topics will include how science works, the physics of motion and fluids, electricity and magnetism, light, relativity, time travel, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, black holes, the beginning and end of the universe - and how to throw a baseball!

No previous knowledge of science or poetry is required, nor are math skills. Come learn what a truly amazing, beautiful, and incredibly bizarre universe we live in.

Speaker:  Dr. Roger G. Johnston