Discover the little-known story of William Dunbar and George Hunter, explorers commissioned by Thomas Jefferson alongside Meriwether Lewis. Learn how their expedition into the Louisiana Territory advanced scientific discovery while assessing the region’s economic potential. Explore Dunbar’s expertise as a naturalist and the lasting significance of this often-overlooked journey.

Learn the differences between drugs and supplements, where they overlap, and how to better understand health-related advertising. Questions and discussion are encouraged, and participants may suggest topics throughout the course. No medical background is required. This class is for informational purposes only and participants will sign a related acknowledgment form.

Travel through human history as we explore the inventions and discoveries that transformed civilization. Using the “What, Who, Why, When, Where, and How” approach, we’ll examine breakthroughs in transportation, medicine, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, communications, warfare, artificial intelligence, and more.

"Have you ever wondered how those beautiful rocks on Lake Michigan’s beach were made? Why do some look like coral you’ve seen in Florida? Some look as black as lava. Some look to be layered with sands of a different color. Each of these rocks tell a story that we will explain in this course. We will tell the story of how the earth evolved and the unique process that formed the continents. Rocks can also tell the story of the evolution of life. Come learn these processes and you will never see beaches, mountains and plains in the same way. Finally, you will learn to appreciate the time involved in the development of the earth’s surface you see now.

Explore probability’s evolution from coin, dice, and card games into a vital modern discipline. This two-semester course will cover statistics, hypothesis testing, and real-world models, culminating in financial derivatives and statistical physics. Any mathematics beyond high school algebra will be developed in class.

Discover how your brain works and why caring for it matters. Learn practical strategies from NEAR-P science to improve personal well-being, strengthen relationships, and support community resilience. The course also explores Trauma-Informed Care and the Self-Healing Communities of Michiana movement. All materials are provided.

Take an exciting five-week journey through the history, operations, and conservation work of the Potawatomi Zoo. Explore animals from around the world, learn about the people who keep the zoo running, and enjoy a special visit from animal ambassadors. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for one of our community’s treasured attractions.

Can we predict elections, weather, stock markets, disease outbreaks, or the next big trend? Explore forecasting, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence in everyday language. Through demonstrations, activities, case studies, and discussion, you’ll learn how experts make predictions, how computers uncover patterns, and how AI is reshaping our world. No technical background required—just curiosity.