Science & Technology   

Our knowledge of the universe relies almost entirely on the light from distant stars and galaxies that is collected by telescopes. Learn the basic physics of light and the information that it carries, and review the functions and capabilities of current and upcoming telescopes, both on Earth and in space.

Our knowledge of the universe relies almost entirely on the light from distant stars and galaxies that is collected by telescopes. Learn the basic physics of light and the information that it carries, and review the functions and capabilities of current and upcoming telescopes, both on Earth and in space.

Technology and artificial intelligence are evolving faster than ever, from ChatGPT to everyday digital tools that are reshaping how we live and communicate. While these changes bring exciting possibilities, they can also feel overwhelming or even intimidating. This supportive and discussion-based course focuses not on learning specific technologies but on building confidence and reducing anxiety around them. Together, we’ll explore common concerns, talk through real-world challenges, and examine the social impact of AI in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or somewhere in between, this class offers a space to better understand and feel more at ease with today’s rapidly changing tech landscape.

Curious about robotics but not sure where to start? This hands-on course invites participants to explore robotics in a fun, approachable way using the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime platform. Working in small groups, participants will design and build a simple robot with LEGO components, learn the basics of block-based coding, and put their creations to the test in a friendly “hopper race” challenge. No prior experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to try something new. The course is designed to be creative, social, and low-pressure.

Special notes: The nearest visitor campus parking lot is the Nittany Deck, about a 5-minute walk.

Gmail is the most popular email product in the world. It is free and is not dependent on your internet provider. We will be looking at the many options in Gmail: how to organize your email in folders, easier ways to store or delete items in your email, how to create rules, and easier ways to clean out your email, to name a few. If you use Gmail or if you are considering it, this course will go over many of the features.

The field of forensic DNA analysis, with its role in solving violent personal crimes, has grown exponentially over the past three decades. This course will explain the structure and functions of DNA, RNA, the nucleus, and mitochondria in our bodies and their importance in analyzing bodily fluids retrieved from crime scenes. In the 21st century, molecular genealogy has been critical in solving some cold cases. This course will help participants understand how molecular biology has become one of the most important technologies in modern times.

In this course, grandparents and caregivers will explore playful, hands-on games that cleverly engage preschool and elementary grade children in mathematical thinking. The hands-on workshop explores fun activities using cards, dice, puzzles, and household items to build children’s number sense, patterning, and problem-solving skills. Participants will leave with fun resources, ready-to-use games, and ways to enjoy meaningful activities using household items, dice, and cards to build geometric reasoning, logic, and problem-solving skill.

Our brains are made up mostly of water, and just like a river, that water is always moving. This gentle flow helps clear away waste—waste that, if it builds up, can lead to problems like dementia and other neurological diseases. In this course, Dr. Patrick Drew will share how his research uses powerful microscopes to look inside the brain and show how two simple things—sleep and exercise—help this "rinse cycle" work better, keeping our minds sharp and healthy as we age.

Our brains are made up mostly of water, and just like a river, that water is always moving. This gentle flow helps clear away waste—waste that, if it builds up, can lead to problems like dementia and other neurological diseases. In this course, Dr. Patrick Drew will share how his research uses powerful microscopes to look inside the brain and show how two simple things—sleep and exercise—help this "rinse cycle" work better, keeping our minds sharp and healthy as we age.

This course will begin by introducing and highlighting the bloodhound. We'll compare the physiology of the canine nose to that of a human and explain how this marvelous nose can benefit humanity. We'll look at the attributes of the bloodhound, including the often-comical abundance of skin. From puppy beginnings to intensive adult dog training, learn how it all comes to be. Science again comes into play as we learn about the uniqueness of the scent of each of us and how the bloodhound uses that to “find his person.” Safety lessons are shared along the way. The course will conclude with a demonstration.

Be ready to enjoy the presence of the K9 as you learn both the science and the magic of the K9 nose as it is utilized to locate the missing and the wanted.

In this course, we will review photo composition and then go further into all the many things you can do with the camera on your mobile phone, including voice control, stills from video, editing, and much more. Learn to take beautiful, creative photos with your mobile phone camera!

This course will follow Steve's "flight plan" and trace his path from small-town dreamer to the high-technology world of the United States Navy, aviation, and experimental flight testing.

This course will follow Steve's "flight plan" and trace his path from small-town dreamer to the high-technology world of the United States Navy, aviation, and experimental flight testing.

This course title comes from an article in the New Yorker magazine. In this homicide case that occurred in 1985, five individuals confessed to a heinous crime in a small town in Nebraska. Participants will learn how science, justice, and conflict of interest play a major role in our criminal justice system. Five individuals confessed to the crime and testified against the sixth person, and their testimony convicted him. All six spent many years in prison. Reena had a major role in this case, analyzing the evidence; however, she was not asked to testify at the trial until 2016.

From dramatic hacking scenes to futuristic AI, movies and TV shows often shape how we think about technology—but how much of it is accurate? In this engaging and interactive course, we’ll explore how computers and technology are portrayed in popular culture, separating fact from fiction. Together, we’ll break down memorable scenes, uncover common myths, and discover what really happens behind the screen. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite movie or TV clips for discussion, making each session lively, relevant, and fun!

In this course, grandparents and caregivers will discover ways to promote mathematical thinking with their little ones when they read any storybook. A storybook does not have to have a math theme for the reader to pose questions that will spark children’s mathematical thinking. This hands-on workshop will demonstrate strategies to find the math in a storybook and excite your little ones to think mathematically. The course targets strategies for reading storybooks with children ages 3–6.

We're constantly bombarded with unsolicited and dangerous messages in various forms on our devices. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and cunning, making older adults their most vulnerable targets. Learn how to identify these invasive text messages, emails, and calls, and discover the right actions to take (and to avoid) in response. David will present real-life (and unsettling) examples and provide updates on the ongoing battle against these unscrupulous individuals. Whether you use an iPhone or Android device, a PC or Mac, join us for this engaging, fun, and informative session.

We're constantly bombarded with unsolicited and dangerous messages in various forms on our devices. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and cunning, making older adults their most vulnerable targets. Learn how to identify these invasive text messages, emails, and calls, and discover the right actions to take (and to avoid) in response. David will present real-life (and unsettling) examples and provide updates on the ongoing battle against these unscrupulous individuals. Whether you use an iPhone or Android device, a PC or Mac, join us for this engaging, fun, and informative session.

This course is hosted by OLLI at Colorado State University (CSU). Participants will be "in course" via Zoom with members of OLLI at CSU.

Most people grew up trusting photographs and video as reliable evidence—if you saw it, it happened. Advances in artificial intelligence have changed that expectation, and platforms designed for rapid sharing make manipulated media difficult to contain once it spreads. This course explores how digital platforms accelerate the spread of synthetic media, how deepfakes and other AI-generated images and videos are created, and the visual and contextual clues that can help identify them. By the end of the session, participants will be able to use reverse image search tools, trace images and videos to their original sources, recognize common signs of AI-generated media, and apply a consistent set of questions before trusting visual information encountered online. No technical background is required.