Science Talk (50 Minute) - Let's Discuss the World Around Us!

Advancements in science happen every minute of every day and there is always something new to discuss.  Since things can happen quickly in science, topics will change weekly and may change suddenly.  A new development is most interesting to talk about while it is topical and classes will follow a format that can adapt to new information.  Some weeks may be slower than others, at which time topics will divert to interesting scientific history and things that students have experienced that have piqued their scientific curiosity.  You are welcome to jump in and out of this ongoing weekly meeting at any point, topics will not necessarily relate to each other.  All disciplines of science are welcome here and students are encouraged to come and share their interests with the group.  Topics can range from:

Chemistry
Zoology (Terrestrial Biology and Marine Biology)
Plant Biology
Astronomy
Physics
Anatomy
Psychology
Geology
and much more!

Some specific examples of topics that could be discussed are:
The physics of space travel and SpaceX’s Crew-2 launch to the International Space Station
How the helicopter (Ingenuity) was able to fly on Mars
Why food smells and tastes better when we’re hungry
Artificial Intelligence
Submarine volcanoes and the energy they expend
Newly discovered species throughout the world

Topics such as these, and many others are the type of content that will be discussed, however, students are highly encouraged to come to the meeting with questions or observations of their own that interest them.  Classes will be discussion-based and will adapt each week to what students seem most interested in at the moment.  If I have prepared an entire presentation based on something I found interesting but students have arrived to class with interesting observations of their own, we will forgo the presentation and simply converse about the interesting things in their lives.  

This course is meant to foster active engagement in their world and encourage an interest in all things scientific.  We will engage in a comfortable learning environment where students practice their social skills, including listening and speaking.  Students will use their critical thinking skills to engage in topics they are familiar with, as well as topics entirely new to them.  Any level of prior scientific knowledge is welcome!  Students are likewise encouraged to send me messages at any time about something they are curious about that could be discussed in future classes. 


*This is a 50-minute version of the course.  There is also a 25-minute version of the course, if that is your preference.