Grandchildren's University "Majors"

Art Metals

Heirloom Project

Design and fabricate a piece of jewelry influenced by an existing familiar object. Gain confidence in creating an original design or concept for a piece of jewelry that will be a physical reminder/ celebration of the past, present and future. Grandparents and grandchildren will work collaboratively to fabricate a new treasured piece of jewelry from something old, using basic metalsmithing techniques. Investigate ways to redesign memorable or sentimental objects, either conceptually or physically.

This “major” has an additional supply fee of $25 which includes copper and brass, safety glasses and other supplies.

Capacity: 15

Ages Recommended: Ages 8-14 

Physical Activity Level: Low.

Instructor:  Dr. Teresa Faris directs UWW’s Metals program and is co-author of the Women of Metal Exhibition and Oral History Project.  She has received a number of awards including a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts 2008. She exhibits extensively in Europe and the US. Recent work, publications and exhibition are listed on her website at teresafaris.com

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Biology - SESSION FULL

Freshwater Biology

Learn about the small (but oh so important) organisms found in local lakes and streams, and how surrounding land use can influence these organisms. In this major, you will collect organisms from local bodies of water, and then examine the organisms you’ve collected in the laboratory. You will sample plankton and measure water quality at a local lake, sample aquatic insects at a local stream and use microscopes in the laboratory to view the plankton and aquatic insects you’ve collected.

Ages Recommended:  Ages 7-14

Physical Activity Level: Moderate during the two field trips (we will park close to the lake and the stream, but some walking is necessary); low during the indoor lab. 

Instructor: Dr. Elisabeth Harrahy conducts research on the effects of water pollution on aquatic organisms, and teaches courses in ecology, aquatic biology and environmental toxicology at UWW.

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Communication

Your Radio Voice Heard Around the World

Ever wonder what it is like to be on-air at a radio station? You will learn how to write and produce a radio commercial and you will get to air your spot on our radio station while you are here (you will even get a copy to take home). You will also get to showcase your personality “behind the mic” as we get you on-air at the radio station where you will be heard in Whitewater and around the world. Join the ranks of many celebrities who got their start in radio.

Ages Recommended:  Ages 7-14

Physical Activity Level: Low. There will be a guided tour through the studios and some time sitting at a computer. 

Instructor:Brian is the Director of Radio at 91.7 The Edge-WSUW on the UW-Whitewater campus. WSUW is a student run radio station that broadcasts 24 hours a day 7 days a week throughout the school year. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of WSUW, Brian also teaches courses in audio production and mass communication. In his spare time, he is a gigging musician and likes spending time recording bands in the studio.

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Geology

Earthquake, Volcanoes, Tsunamis and Other Geologic Events

What causes geologic disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis? How do scientists study these geologic disasters? Can you build earthquake resistant buildings? Can we stop a lava flow? In this major we will explore geological questions through various hands-on activities. You will explore data from the UW-Whitewater seismograph to see how we measure earthquakes, building earthquake resistant buildings and simulating lava flow and explosive volcanism in a laboratory.

Capacity: 20

Ages Recommended: Ages 8-14

Physical Activity Level: Low

Instructor: Prajukti (juk) Bhattacharyya (bhattacj@uww.edu) is an associate professor in the Department of Geography and Geology at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, with a background in “Hard Rock Geology” and Geoscience Education.  She teaches courses on volcanoes, mountain building, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, and environmental geology. 

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Forensic Science

The Case of the Stolen Kiss

You will learn forensic techniques while working to solve a case of theft. In this major, you examine a virtual crime scene in Second Life in order to figure out who stole the wallet of one of the clients during a night of speed dating. You will secure the crime scene, interview suspects, identify fingerprints and lipstick prints and photograph and map the crime scene. Will these clues help you find the missing wallet and figure out who is responsible?

Ages Recommended: Ages 7-14

Physical Activity Level: Low while in lab, moderate while searching and mapping crime scene.

Instructor:Pete Killoran is a Biological Anthropologist specializing in Forensic science and Bio-archaeology and a consultant and researcher with the Kentucky Archaeological Survey. This ongoing research allows him to participate in the recovery and analysis of human skeletal remains. Research projects include the Historic Frankfort cemetery, EasternStates Cemetery, and documentation of African American and Poor House cemeteries.

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Media Digital Arts - SESSION FULL

Create Your Video Game

Do you like playing games on the computer?  What would your videogame look like? Students in this program will learn the art of game design and will spend time together building a videogame that they can be proud of. The tools you will learn are widely available, and make it easy to share your games online with friends and family members.

Capacity: 20

Ages Recommended: Ages 8-14

Physical Activity Level: Low

Instructor:  Josh Fishburn is Assistant Professor of Communication at UW-Whitewater. He teaches in the Media Arts and Game Development program and his games have been exhibited in Colorado, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Brazil.