STEM   

Climate change dominates headlines with dire warnings, yet discussions often fragment into specific topics like electric vehicles, renewable energy, extreme weather events, and climate refugees. It’s hard to connect the dots to see the full picture. How do all these stories – all these pieces fit together?

This 8-week guest speaker series brings together leading researchers and subject matter experts to provide a fuller and clearer view of what is, perhaps, humanity's greatest and most consequential challenge.

Each presenter offers a nuanced perspective on a key aspect of climate change. Collectively they’ll provide an integrated up-to-date understanding of this complex issue already, and perhaps inexorably, impacting Colorado, the nation, and the world.

The series will help us understand: (1) what we’re likely facing, (2) what some of the realistic goals are, (3) some of the options to achieve these goals, (4) the keys and barriers to success that we should consider.

Were you fascinated by the recent eclipse and aurora borealis events? Ever wonder why we have seasons, or why there are spring tides in the summer, autumn and winter? Why do we have leap years and leap seconds? Why does earth have oceans? Using lectures, videos, Q&A and discussion we will answer these questions and more as we take a “big picture” look at our planet. No previous science experience is necessary, just curiosity about our planet and a willingness to participate in Lynn’s Zoom polls. Over the course of four weeks, we will look at Earth in the solar system, the relationship between Earth and the moon, the Earth’s gravitation and magnetic fields, and why the Earth has water and oceans. Relevant and interesting links and handouts will be provided throughout the class.

Quantum Mechanics is arguably the most important invention of the human mind. Our standard of living has increased enormously due to its applications to computers and communications, education, entertainment, medical devices, navigation, energy production, travel safety, and other advances. Yet, many mysteries remain. Experiments show that the quantum world is weirder than science fiction. Scientists cannot agree on how to interpret its seemingly illogical predictions, even though the theory continues to successfully explain the world of the atom and its components.

This class will present the history of quantum science, its key personalities, a non-technical explanation of its guiding tenants, what is and isn’t understood, and the exciting future it offers in computing and communication security.

Professors usually say 'Shut up and calculate' to students who want answers about the foundations of quantum mechanics. We will expose those shadowy areas and offer the best current explanations.

This course on generative AI offers an exploration of its principles, applications, and implications. Through a combination of keynote presentations, interactive videos, dynamic discussions, and hands-on experience, participants will delve into the fascinating world of generative AI and emerge with a solid understanding of its fundamentals and real-world potential.

The facilitators will trace the evolution of AI and explore the basics of artificial neurons and neural network architectures. The class will acquire an understanding of how neural networks are constructed, trained, and used. We will describe several exemplary AI industry pioneers, such as OpenAI and Google DeepMind. We will also explore the use of several text generators and the generation of images, videos, and virtual worlds by Dall-E and Sora. In addition, the facilitators will demonstrate text-to-speech applications and present applications of generative AI to biology and drug discovery. The class will discuss the potential for innovation while mitigating risks as the field undergoes rapid evolution toward AGI.

Do you sometimes feel frustrated because of the complexity of using our computers? Or perhaps you have had years of hit-or-miss learning? We will learn more about today’s computer technology, including PC hardware, the Windows operating system components and settings, peripheral connections and ports, file and application management, Internet connectivity, Cloud storage with OneDrive, security, and maintenance, including backing up your computer. Understand what is happening with Windows 10 and how to use Windows 11. Become more familiar with how your computer syncs with other devices and the Cloud. Come get more comfortable with today’s technology on our desktops and laptops. You will end up with a smarter computer and a smarter you!

The large rivers listed below will be described physiologically, hydrologically, culturally, and politically. Many of these rivers form international borders and are important sources of commerce for more than one country (so-called trans-national river basins). The sessions will show extensive maps, personal and stock photographs and charts related to each river. Descriptions of the historical water use, water rights, international agreements, disputes, impacts of climate change, water quality, and socio-economic issues for each large river will be discussed via Power Point© presentations and group discussions. This constitutes the fourth course on world rivers in a series developed and presented by the Co-Facilitators on behalf of the University of Denver’s OLLI program.

The Facilitator’s personal experience on the river will be highlighted as appropriate. Risks to the rivers also will be addressed as future issues.

Climate change is all about people. A few people (climate scientists) see it coming. Some people seek solutions (climate politicians) and still others oppose those solutions (climate deniers). Climate activists demonstrate, showing their anger and frustration. Climate journalists report on progress and setbacks. Biologists register alarm while theologians provide spiritual context for the threat to planet earth. Financiers and economists propose ways to deal with climate change while averting economic disaster. Entrepreneurs see opportunity in re-engineering the modern economy while farmers revamp their agricultural methods.

Through biographical sketches we will meet climate actors on the warming global stage. Here are a few of them: Scientists Charles David Keeling and James Hansen; Senators James Inhofe, Lisa Murkowski, and Sheldon Whitehouse; lawyer Julia Olson; financier/politician Michael Bloomberg; regulator Rostin Benham; negotiator Christiana Figueres; activist Greta Thunberg; author Elizabeth Kolbert; administrator Gina McCarthy; meteorologist Mike Nelson; and religious leader Pope Francis.

Can we as humans really explore space? Why are we so intrigued by this concept?

Exploring space holds immense appeal for several reasons, ranging from scientific discovery and technological advancement to inspiring humanity and ensuring our future survival. Space missions capture the imagination and inspire people around the world. Achievements like landing on the Moon or sending rovers to Mars foster a sense of pride and wonder. As we gaze up into the sky, can you picture yourself up there, exploring and experiencing the unbelievable expanse of space. The innate human desire to explore and understand the unknown drives space exploration. It is a fundamental aspect of our nature to seek out new frontiers and expand our horizons.

This is not an in-depth discussion of space exploration since the field is so voluminous, to infinity and beyond. We will look at the evolution of this field and imagine where it is going in the future. There will be at least 4 guest speakers who are experts in their field, Lunar, SETI, Space Force, and Planet IQ.

The current tech revolution is the integration of our devices and information through “The Cloud.” But just what IS The Cloud? And what is The Internet?! Let us ride on the cloud to learn about cloud computing and services, cloud storage, backup and sync, file sharing, and much more. Become informed about the Internet, browsers, search engines, and the technologies involved in delivering the Internet, and explore different devices, and security. Understand how your smartphones and PC “sync” with the Cloud, device continuity, and how synced data and info are accessed online. Visit the Internet of Things and see how you are already in that world. Get more comfortable with AI & Augmented/Virtual Reality. Discuss how we are using cross-platform, network-connected devices. Get Smarter about your amazing and sometimes dangerous Smart World.

This class begins by explaining the mysteries of the brain, common neurological diseases, evaluation of healthy lifestyles and a guide to navigating one’s way through today’s complicated and fragmented healthcare system.

Recommended reading: A Migraine in Room 3, A Stroke in Room 4; A Physician Examines His Profession by Paul M. Schanfield, MD [amigraineinroom3.com]

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS)? This course goes backstage into the Science Division, revealing some of the significant and fascinating scientific work being conducted right in our own community.

Each week you'll meet a different expert including a scientist, a curator, a conservator, and the museum’s fossil preparation and field expeditions specialist.

These sessions will delve into the captivating research, (literally) groundbreaking scientific work, intricate preservation techniques, and the art and science of curation and discovery at the DMNS.

We live in an incredible epoch of exploration. We are discovering not merely new continents, like the explorers of old, but whole new worlds circling other stars. Since the first extrasolar planet was discovered in 1995, astronomers have found more than five thousand others in our cosmic neighborhood. We wonder. It’s our nature. How did we get here? Are we alone in the universe? How does the universe work? The James Webb Space Telescope is an ambitious scientific endeavor that will answer these questions. Webb builds on the legacy of previous space-based telescopes to push the boundaries of human knowledge even further, to the formation of the first galaxies and the horizons of other worlds. The class will review the latest startling findings from the Webb and other telescopes to describe our growing understanding of the universe- our home!

Do you wonder how Colorado’s meteorologists figure out the daily and long-term forecasts? How well do you understand the differences between the weather and the climate? And how does climate change affect your life? This course takes you into the science behind and the techniques used in analyzing and forecasting the weather for Colorado and beyond. Veteran meteorologist Tom Corona will help you understand how weather and climate differ and the implications of climate change. The first hour of each class will be a discussion of what goes into predicting current weather and the seven-day forecast. We will cover science, maps, computer forecast models, radar and satellites. Tom will also help us recognize the wide varieties of clouds and how they impact our daily weather. The second half of each class will explore El Niño/La Niña, hurricanes, blizzards, heat waves, droughts and more. Bring your enthusiasm and your questions. Tom will offer his expertise and provide materials for this journey into the wacky, wonderful world of weather.

This course focuses on water as a major natural resource. It includes the study of the hydrologic cycle, and related weather concepts, competing water uses, current and future water issues, and approaches to water management both internationally and in the state of Colorado.

The relationship of water to human use is examined in terms of history, policy, infrastructure, and technology. Topics introduced in this class include hydrology, hydrogeology, basic meteorology, water quality, water/wastewater treatment, wastewater, and water resources management. Additional topics discussed will be the Denver Metro Area water resources, water law, ethics of water use and management, and the “wicked” issues that we face presently and in the future.

Discover the wide-ranging activities where drones are being used. Learn how their small size and cost is changing the face of warfare in Ukraine and the Middle East. Learn how quickly drones can be assembled. We will view an in-person demonstration and hear directly from first responders who use drones in our local area. The class will be seminar style with lots of discussion and short videos.