Discussions of the relationship between “science” and “religion,” as stated by historian Ronald L. Numbers, originated in the early 19th century, when students of nature first began referring to their work as science rather than as natural philosophy. Before that time, no one pitted religion against science. We will explore the evolving relationship between science and religion in the U.S.—from Puritan natural theology to Darwin, the Scopes Trial, Intelligent Design, climate change, vaccines, and AI. We examine how religious beliefs and scientific knowledge have interacted in public and private life, sometimes clashing, but most times coexisting, and often shaping each other. $5 copy fee.

This course is the first of a planned two course sequence on physics (statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics). The second course would follow in the spring. In this fall course, the calculus, probability and statistics, and linear algebra and operator theory needed for quantum mechanics will be covered. Along with these mathematical foundations, the Lagrangian approach to classical mechanics and the basic theory of harmonic oscillators will be developed. The requirement for the course is high school algebra.

Join a park naturalist for this indoor/outdoor course and explore ways of seeing and recording observations in nature. Topics included will be inquiry and investigation, articulated thought and storytelling, and basic art skills. 

No art experience is necessary and a simple journal will be provided. Optional journaling supplies will be discussed the first day of class. Please bring a notebook with a pocket or folder. 

Access to a computer and internet is needed for homework, resources, and printable materials. 

PLEASE NOTE: class will meet at St. Patrick's Park in the Brown Barn. Field trip days will be noted on course calendar given on first day of class. *Tell gate you are there for class.

This class covers the history, discovery, & understanding of inheritance through the study of genetics, genetic diseases, treatments, and the role genetics plays as the driver of evolution & diversity.

More than one hundred years ago, Albert Einstein, armed with nothing more than paper, pencil and his intellect, radically changed our view of the universe. Einstein’s enormous influence is still being felt today with the exciting new discovery of gravitational waves. This talk will attempt to explain a few of his most significant discoveries, how they changed our understanding of the laws of nature and their relevance to today’s world. While the focus will be on Einstein’s science, the presentation will include some discussion of Einstein the person.

Once each month, meet a naturalist at a County Park for an introduction to what’s going on with plants, animals and insects as nature gradually prepares for winter. Then head out for a naturalist-led hike to look and listen for nature in action. Dates and locations: September 19 at Bendix Woods Nature Center; October 17 at Spicer Lake Visitors Center; November 14 at St. Patrick's County Park Brown Barn. All dates meet 9-11 am.

This lecture provides an introduction to the field of particle physics (also known as high energy physics) for the general public. The context of the presentation is historical, from the early 20th century until the present. Some of the key people and their contributions to the field will be discussed.