Class & Instructor Details
All Washed Up!” Pen and Ink Drawing
Learn to create your own professional quality ink wash, and detail ink drawings just like da Vinci, Rembrandt and Picasso. Experiment with materials and tools. Create a beautiful botanical ink wash for framing or produce your own personal stationary stamp; using initials, silhouettes or other family meaning logos.
LouAnn McKinley, holds a Masters in Teaching, a BA in Visual Arts, and is a certified P-12 Art teacher. She is a practicing fourth generation artist, and currently a Lecturer for the WWU Art Department teaching the ART 382 course Professional Practices in Art Education.
Plastics Engineering: Experiments with Polymers
Experience a variety of plastics, manufacturing methods, and composites used to build everything from iPods to milk jugs. Learn the basics of plastics and composites and then create a variety of useful and fun projects to take home.
Nicole Larson, holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. She is a faculty member of Western Washington University’s Plastics Engineering Technology Program and teaches plastics and composite courses.
ESI: Earth Science Investigations
Explore field geology, biology and natural history using investigative methods of the geological sciences. Learn about rock and mineral identification, plate tectonics, and geochemical analysis, and then perform laboratory analysis using petrographic microscopes, an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and a wave tank simulator.
Dr. Randall (Scott) Babcock has a PhD in Geology and is Chair of Western Washington University’s Department of Geology. He has been an Elderhostel instructor and has taught the Western Washington University Adventures in Science and Arts youth program.
Marca Babcock has a Masters in Environmental Education and is an elementary teacher with the Bellingham School District. She has been a North Cascades Institute instructor and has experience in marine biology, salmon restoration, and geologic adventures.
Both instructors have experience as expedition Leaders for Lindblad/National Geographic.
Everybody is Somebody's Hero: Writing and Publishing a Story With Your Grandparent
Create your own hero story. Learn the basics for writing and publishing your own story while working together to come up with an epic hero’s journey. Use arts and crafts to cut and paste your story together in a magazine style. Show off your storytelling skills by sharing your work with the whole group. Leave with your own audio tape and story to enjoy for years to come.
Bliss Goldstein, teaches in Western Washington University’s English Department. She’s a published writer, including stories in “Spider Magazine.” Her book, “The Age of Bliss: Grandmothering as a Spiritual Practice,” comes out in October.
Light, Color and Vision
Explore the nature of light and color through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Investigate the eye and other optical instruments. Examine a variety of visual effects such as rainbows, mirages and twinkling stars.
Kathleen (Kate) Sandelin, has a Masters in Physics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. She taught high school physics for five years, and currently teaches in the Physics Department at Western Washington University.
The Amazing Human Machine
Examine human motion achieved by the complex function of the body’s muscles, bones, nerves, and senses. Learn about a variety of biomechanical measurements using high-technology instruments such as high speed motion cameras, force platforms, electromyography, and the isokinetic strength system.
Dr. Kathleen Knutzen has a PhD in Biomechanics and a Masters in Physical Education. Dr. Knutzen is the Associate Dean at Western Washington University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences and has taught at WWU since 1977.
Dr. Brandi Row has a PhD in Kinesiology/Biomechanics and a Masters in Exercise and Movement Science. She has taught at Western Washington University since 2006.
Both instructors have conducted numerous research projects related to biomechanics, physical function and exercise.
More Than Meets The Eye: The Amazing Chemistry of Everyday Stuff
Discover why matter behaves the way it does and what it looks like on a very small scale. Conduct fun and exciting scientific experiments with dry ice, air, water, salt and other substances; explore the relationship between temperature and motion of small particles; and investigate chemical reactions.
Dr. Emily Borda, has a PhD in Organic Chemistry and an M.Ed. in Education. She is an Assistant Professor in Chemistry and Science Education at Western Washington University.
Feathered Wonders of the Pacific Northwest: An Introduction to Birds and Birdwatching
Eager naturalists can explore the splendors of birds in the Pacific Northwest. Learn about the importance of studying and understanding birds and how to identify common local birds. Observe birds on Western Washington University’s campus and the neighboring 180-acre Arboretum, and practice using optical equipment while bird watching at Marine Park.
Mark VanderVen is a University Lecturer on the Natural History of Birds of the Pacific Northwest at Western Washington University's Huxley College of the Environment. He is also a guest speaker at North Cascades Audubon Society; and an Ornithological Field Technician.
Marine Biology: Our Neighbors in Bellingham Bay
Discover local marine organisms from a range of phyla. You will participate in a plankton tow and use microscopes to observe and identify the tiny organisms living in Bellingham Bay, as well as the larger organisms living in the intertidal and subtidal zones. Use an algae press to make a bookmark or card from local algae.
Dr. Deborah Donavan has a PhD in Zoology and conducts research on marine invertebrates. She teaches Biology and Science Education courses at Western Washington University.