Topics for 2010

  • Earthquakes and Volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest
    Discover the natural processes that formed and shaped the Pacific Northwest. Investigate which hazards pose a threat to the local area and find out how to live with earthquakes and volcanoes. We’ll learn about volcanic rocks and create our own earthquakes in a scientific lab.

    Age Recommendation: All ages are appropriate

    Physical Activity Level: Low while in class and moderate hill climbing while on Sehome Hill.

    Instructor: Jackie Caplan-Auerbaugh is a seismologist at WWU whose research focuses on volcanic earthquakes and ice avalanches. She previously worked in Volcanic monitoring at the Alaska Volcano Observatory.
     
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  • 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.

    Age Recommendation: All ages are appropriate

    Physical Activity Level: Low while walking about campus and moderate hill climbing while on Sehome Hill.

    Instructors: Dr. Randall (Scott) Babcock has a PhD in Geology and is Chair of WWU’s Department of Geology. He has been an Elderhostel instructor and has taught the WWU Adventures in Science an Arts youth program.
    Marca Babcock has a Masters in Environmental Education and is and 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. Marca was named Bellingham Teacher of the Year in 2009 • Both instructors have experience as expedition Leaders for Lindblad/National Geographic.
     
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  • Fossils, Bones and Dinosaurs
    How are fossils formed and what do they tell us about dinosaurs? We will create simulated fossils in the lab to explore the fossilization process. Then we will examine bones of living animals and learn what they can tell us about how dinosaurs lived.

    Anticipated activities:
    • Make Plaster of Paris “fossils” including a T. Rex Tooth.
    • Assemble a llama skeleton
    • Identify shark teeth

    Age Recommendation: All ages are appropriate

    Physical Activity Level: Low

    Instructor: Thor Hansen received his Ph.D. at Yale University, 1978. His specialties are invertebrate paleontology, and paleoecology and evolution. Professor Hansen has conducted numerous workshops on fossils and dinosaurs for children and has written “Adventures in Paleontology”, a collection of fossil related activities for middle school children.
     
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  • Move to the Music
    Dazzle everyone with an original piece of choreography! Learn how your body language shows others how you feel and all of the unique ways that your body can move. Collaborate with your partner to create a spectacular show that the grandchildren will perform!

    Age Recommendation: All ages are appropriate

    Physical Activity Level: Moderate, depending on your fitness level

    Instructor: Cher Carnell is the Acting Director of Dance at WWU, has taught ballet for more than 35 years and danced professionally for 11 years. Material for this class is based on public school workshops that she developed: “Creative Movement for Self-Esteem”
     
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  • Summer Snap-Shot Safarii
    We will sing our new anthem to the tune of Surfin’ Safari by the Beach Boys……….. "Let's take pictures now, everybody's learning how, come on and Safari with me!" I'll wear my favorite Safari hat, khaki camp shorts, hiking boots, and a tropical shirt. We’ll sing this song wherever we may go….. to get that perfect picture. I’ll share catchy tips and techniques to remember, how to use your digital camera and use Photoshop on a computer.

    Age Recommendation: All ages are appropriate

    Physical Activity Level: Low. Required walking on campus for photo opportunities.

    Instructor: Lou Ann McKinley holds a Masters-In-Teaching and a B.A. in Studio Arts. She is an instructor at Western Washington University’s Art Department and the High School Art teacher at Lummi Nation School. She is a fourth generation artist and has been an artist/teacher for over twenty years.