1. education
2. alumni and reunions

2015
GRANDPARENTS
UNIVERSITY
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
Make lasting memories and bridge the generation gap by enjoying three
days and two nights on the beautiful Michigan State University campus
while learning side by side with your grandchild(ren) during the 10th
anniversary of Grandparents University at MSU.
Classes for this inter-generational event are coordinated by participating MSU colleges and units. New for
2015, the class listing is grouped by session; pick one class for each session. The classes you select are the
ones you will attend at Grandparents University. You will choose your classes during registration.
While every effort is made to ensure no changes happen, unforeseen circumstances may lead to a class
cancellation or rescheduling. If this happens to a class you are registered for, you will be asked to pick a
new class.
Registration will open on Wednesday, March 18 at 10 a.m. ET. Prior to registering, please review
all the details on the registration page at grandparents.msu.edu.
The Grandparents University committee would like to thank the following for their support.
Abrams Planetarium, Asian Studies Center, Broad Art Museum, Broad College of Business, College of
Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Arts and Letters, College of Communication Arts and
Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Music, College of Natural Science, College of Social Science,
Community Music School, Department of Art, Art History & Design, Department of Kinesiology, Diagnostic
Center for Population and Animal Health, Lyman Briggs College, MSU Alumni Association, MSU Extension,
MSU Federal Credit Union, MSU National Superconducting Cyclotron Lab, MSU Power Plant, Office of
Campus Sustainability, Residential and Hospitality Services, University Archives and Wharton Center for
Performing Arts.
Last updated 3/26/15
SESSION 1: TUESDAY, JUNE 30
(AFTERNOON)
100: Football Saturdays Media*
Ever wonder where the “TV guys” are sitting on
game day? Or how the game statistics make it
onto the Jumbotron? While sitting in the actual
players’ meeting room in the Skandalaris Center,
you’ll learn how the media covers Spartan
football and what is important in their evaluation
of the game.
101: Fun with Acrylics!*
Each student is given a 12”x16” stretched canvas
imprinted with the MSU Spartan logo upon which
they can add fun overlays: flowers, footballs,
their favorite cheers, their anticipated graduation
date, etc. Paint and brushes are provided
along with smocks to deflect paint from the
grandparent’s clothing.
102: Pinhole Images*
You don’t need an expensive camera and lens to
make photographs — in fact, you don’t need a lens
at all. Participants will start indoors, literally inside
a pinhole camera, to see how holes and slits form
images. Then we will go outside to make a few
photos, using instant film, to take home.
103: No Yolk Construction*
Teams are challenged to plan and construct a “soft
landing” for an egg dropped from above. Sound
simple? Don’t be too sure. By working with this
challenge, everyone will learn useful lessons in
creative thinking, problem solving and planning —
and have a lot of fun.
104: The Nest Egg Game
Early session
The game play takes you through a personal
budgeting process. You select a financial/savings
goal, choose a real job and perform job-related
tasks (for example, an editor proofreads and
corrects grammatical or spelling errors) and are
paid money which you then use to pay living
expenses. In the process, you’ll learn how to make
decisions about budgeting for wants and needs in
order to reach a savings goal.
105: Introduction to BB Gun and Air Rifle*
Ages 9 and up
Three-position air rifle is one of the most popular
forms of shooting sports competition for youth.
This class will introduce you to BB gun and air rifle
safety, ethics, equipment, and techniques.
*Course has reached capacity and is no
longer available for registration.
106: Where Does Milk Come From?*
Experience the MSU Dairy Farm and learn about
the animals and production of milk from start to
finish. See research being done to benefit
the health of the cows and to produce the best
milk possible.
107: Next-Generation: How to Make Biofuel
out of Soybeans
Biofuel is produced by refining the oils,
carbohydrates or fats generated by microbes or
plants. In this class we will discuss converting
biomass to bioenergy. We will learn how to make
biofuel from soybeans and also have a debate on
food vs. fuel.
108: Geocaching in the MSU
Horticulture Gardens*
This class requires a lot of walking.
Learn the basics of the popular worldwide
hobby of geocaching while touring the beautiful
MSU Horticulture Gardens. You will learn what
geocaching is all about and how to operate a basic
GPS unit. We will then find up to five geocaches.
Basic loaner Garmins will be provided, but if you
have your own feel free to bring it. The class is
designed for those who have never geocached
before or are new to the activity.
109: Life Beneath the Naked Eye*
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has
opened up a whole new way of seeing organisms.
Instead of being limited to light microscopes,
scientists can use subatomic electrons to
create pictures. Visit a materials science lab and
learn about SEMs. Use the scanning electron
microscope to view insects, ceramics, metals,
computer chips, glasses, etc.
110: Science of Smells and Tastes*
Much of human culture is influenced by smell
and taste, and our day-to-day behavior and diet
respond to these cues. This course will use lab and
lecture to delve into what makes foods tasty and
how we and other animals perceive and respond
to smells and tastes in the environment.
111: Beginning Archery*
Ages 9 and up
Learn tips and techniques for this sport that you
can enjoy indoors or outdoors in your backyard!
You will be able to try a variety of different
types of bows, arrows, and targets. All levels of
experience and physical ability are welcome.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 2
112: Jingle Writing 101
Sparty is a budding entrepreneur with three new
companies — he needs your help writing jingles
to promote them! Grandparents will team up with
their grandchildren to form jingle-writing duos.
Participants will apply basic advertising knowhow, creativity and fun to write their own jingle
(music provided).
113: Catch the Phish: Tips and Tricks to
Navigating the Internet Safely*
Be part of a research study at MSU! Do you know
how to erase cookies? Do you know what phishing
is? Grandparents and their grandchildren will learn
online safety tips and experiment with secure
ways to avoid scammers.
114: From a Buzz to a Word: How Simple
Sounds Become Speech!
Learn the science behind talking, how you
produce simple sounds and then shape them to
be your own voice and speech. Record and
analyze your own speech and take a picture of
your speech home!
115: Smashing Time with Nuclei*
This class is 2.5 hours long.
See MSU’s National Superconducting Cyclotron
Laboratory, a world-leading nuclear research
facility. Get hands-on with a model to learn how
and why we smash nuclei at half the speed of
light, and then tour the lab to see it firsthand.
116: Broad Art Museum Tour and
Hands-on Project
This is a two-part class that continues on Wednesday
morning, see class 221.
Jointly offered by the Department of Art, Art
History and Design and the Broad Art Museum,
this two-part class kicks-off with a guided tour
of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum and
culminates with participants engaging in a handson art activity in response to work on view at
the museum.
117: CSI Animal Disease Detectives*
Learn how veterinarians assist in the diagnosis
of disease in animals using the latest techniques
as shown on CSI and other popular TV shows.
Participants will get the chance to become disease
detectives and solve cases on their own.
119: Fantastic Fluid Mechanics*
Fluid mechanics is the study of liquid and gas
flows. Pressure, velocity and flow rate are three of
our basic quantities and these will be clarified by
demonstrations and participant activities. Geewhiz experiments will be included.
120: A Taste of Japan*
Explore Japanese culture through a variety
of hands-on activities involving calligraphy,
traditional clothing, origami, children’s toys and
games and more. Try your hand at our chopstick
challenge and rolling your own sushi!
121: Indian Cooking: Follow the Spice Trail
Ages 11 and up
Use your senses to explore the spices, fruits and
vegetables of Indian cuisine while you learn fun
Indian cooking techniques. You’ll follow simple
recipes to create a few healthy and delicious
dishes that introduce you to the flavorful world
of Indian food.
122: Instrument Explorers*
Do you know what makes a saxophone sound?
Why the bassoon has many keys but the trumpet
only has a few? Are your arms long enough to
play the trombone? Find out as we explore brass,
woodwind and percussion instruments in this
hands-on workshop.
123: Got Violin?! It’s a Cool Tool!*
Do you want to learn how to play the violin?
Here’s your chance to see what it’s like to make
a sound on this instrument. You may even learn
how to play a tune!
124: Latin American Dances
We will teach:
•S
alsa. This dance originated in New York in the
mid-1970s with strong influences from Latin
America, particularly Cuba and Puerto Rico. It is
a combination of Cha Cha and Mambo.
•M
erengue. This originated in the Dominican
Republic in the 19th century. In one version,
it is said the dance was created by enslaved
laborers in sugar beet fields who were
connected to one another by a chain strapped
to their ankles.
•B
archata. This originated in the Dominican
Republic in the 20th century and derived from
the bolero, which is from Cuba.
118: Straws and Tape? Yes, We CAN Build
Towers! You ARE an Engineer!*
An introduction to engineering is provided
through videos, dialogue and hands-on activities.
All participants will be able to use their ingenuity
to actively build a tower of straws and tape that
soars to the ceiling and holds a set weight.
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 3
125: The Night Sky
131: Extreme Dorm Room Remodel*
126: Relaxation and Calming Jars*
132: Teaching STEM to Preschoolers*
A basic introduction to the sky. All of the
bright planets and most of the brightest
stars and prominent constellations currently
visible in the early evening will be found.
Storytelling and student interaction will be
used to enhance learning.
Tips and techniques for relaxing in this crazy
world. Plus, we will make Calming Jars (supplies
will be provided), capturing your own relaxation
time within a jar. This class is great for all ages!
127: Learn the 5 Love Languages: 8-10
Year Olds
Every child expresses and receives love through
one of five different communication styles. Your
love language may be totally different from that
of your grandchild. While you are doing all you
can to show your grandchild love, she/he may
be hearing it as something completely opposite.
Discover your grandchild’s primary language
and learn what you can do to effectively convey
unconditional feelings of respect, affection, and
commitment that will resonate in your grandchild’s
emotions and behavior. This class is focused on
children ages 8-10 and their grandparent.
128: Art Journaling*
When words fail, art speaks. Join us to create
your own art journal to take home! Learn about
expressing yourself through mixed media art.
We’ll create journal covers during class and
discuss ways you can fill the pages with your
unique ideas.
129: Dynamite Disney Trivia*
Do you want to share your love of all things
Disney? Are you a trivia guru? Do you like to
have fun and win prizes? If so, Dynamite Disney
Trivia is the class for you!
130: Archaeology of MSU
This is a two-part class with the second session on
Wednesday morning, see class 234.
This two-part course will introduce the basics
of archaeological research, using work done
on the MSU campus. Participants will go on an
archaeological tour of MSU as it was in the mid1800s, learning how MSU was created and what
it was like to live in the dormitory, teach and take
classes and do things socially, as well as discover
how archaeologists have figured these things
out. Participants will be able to look at some of
the artifacts discovered, along with maps and
documents. Part 1: orientation and tour (requires
some walking around campus). Part 2: working
with artifacts, maps and archives.
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
Be an interior designer! Plan a new look for your
drab and boring dorm room. We will use the
principles and elements of design to create a
furniture plan, select colors and finishes, and add
unique details like artwork and accessories to
complete your one-of-a-kind room.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are
perfect topics for preschool. Participate in setting
up activities and teaching preschoolers in these
areas. This is the perfect session if you enjoy
science, math, technology or engineering (building
with Legos) or are thinking about being a teacher.
Head teachers from the Child Development
Laboratories will work with you to design and
teach a preschool Science Fair.
133: Global Perspectives
At the Center for Global Change and Earth
Observations, we integrate data and knowledge
about the earth and how humans are interacting
with the land and climate. Explore the ripple
effects of our actions on the planet with computer
modeling and tracking activities.
134: Aloha! Hawaiian Ornament Making*
Learn a new craft brought to you from the islands
of the Pacific! In this class you will learn the age
old tradition of Hawaiian ribbon weaving to make
ornaments.
135: Improvisation and Theatre Games*
A fast-paced and fun 90 minutes of family friendly
theatre games that explore acting, improvisation
and comedy. The workshop will also emphasize
working together, creating character and looking
at activities for inter-generational fun. No theatre
experience necessary—just a willingness to dive
into some theatrical silliness.
136: Sketch, Doodle and Draw Sparty*
Learn how to sketch, doodle or draw MSU’s awardwinning mascot. There will be discussions on some
basic drawing techniques and a demonstration.
You will leave class with your own personal
drawing of Sparty!
137: The Evolving Birds of Volcano Island
What is evolution? How does it work? In this
session, participants will play a food-foraging
game to learn how natural selection impacts
trait morphology differently in two isolated
populations.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 4
138: Painting with Watercolor*
Join us as we explore the world of watercolor.
Learn basic watercolor techniques to create your
own work of art with your loved one. Bring your
creative ideas and leave with lasting memories.
139: Looking Beneath the Surface: Aquatic
Ecology at the MSU Pond Facility*
We will conduct a field study of two of MSU’s
campus ponds and see if we can uncover
why the ponds are so different ecologically.
Along the way, participants will collect and
identify aquatic organisms, make and record
observations, and discuss how predation can
shape entire ecosystems.
141: Kids in the Kitchen*
This is a hands-on cooking class in the kitchen at
the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. The chefs
will teach participants to cook a variety of items
while also teaching proper knife skills, sanitation
and how to measure ingredients.
142: LEGO AND VEXIQ Robotics*
An exciting, hands-on camp that teaches students
to work in teams to build and program robots
using the LEGO NXT Robotics Invention System
− then face off against other teams in robot vs.
robot competitions.
143: Wheelchair Hockey*
Attention hockey fans of all abilities! Come and
learn the rules, participate in drills and play in an
exciting wheelchair hockey game. Wheelchair
hockey is a fun and competitive game based
on the use of wheelchairs on a gymnasium
floor. Learn more about this sport, and how the
modified ice hockey rules help to enable people
with disabilities to play hockey and be active in a
competitive setting. This class is open to everyone
— power and manual wheelchair users, ambulatory
persons with disabilities and able-bodied
individuals (sport wheelchairs will be provided for
those who need them). All power wheelchair users
please be sure to charge your power wheelchair
the night before, so that it is ready for end-to-end
wheelchair floor hockey action.
144: Egg Drop*
Early session
Participants will use various materials to create a
“pack” for their egg and then drop it from above
to see if their packaging will keep the egg safe!
145: Egg Drop
Late session
Participants will use various materials to create a
“pack” for their egg and then drop it from above
to see if their packaging will keep the egg safe!
146: The Nest Egg Game
Late session
The game play takes you through a personal
budgeting process. You select a financial/savings
goal, choose a real job and perform job-related
tasks (for example, an editor proofreads and
corrects grammatical or spelling errors) and are
paid money which you then use to pay living
expenses. In the process, you’ll learn how to make
decisions about budgeting for wants and needs in
order to reach a savings goal.
147: Experience in Cardiovascular Mechanics*
This session will expose participants to biomedical
technologies in cardiovascular mechanics
research, such as navigating virtual 3D medical
images and building their own models using 3D
printing. Through their experiences, the class will
illustrate how cardiovascular mechanics research
(e.g., computational biofluid/biosolid simulations)
can aid the physician in planning cardiovascular
disease treatments.
148: Fussball ist Unser Leben - Get to Know
Germany Through Soccer*
Fussball ist unser leben (soccer is our life) says it
all. Soccer is the number one sport in Germany,
home of the four-time World Cup winner. Join
us to learn about Germany’s geography, people,
history and culture through soccer.
SESSION 2: WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
(MORNING)
200: Building Your Dream Community
This activity-based session will look at how the
availability of resources impact communities.
In teams, participants will build their own
communities with materials supplied. Each
team will have different materials or “resources”
available to them. Following the “building” phase,
communities will be compared and a discussion
will take place.
201: The Amazing Bicycle: The World’s Most
Efficient Human-Powered Machine
In this session you’ll learn about the ins and outs
of what makes the bike so amazing. We’ll dig into
the various components and then look at ways to
make a bike fit you properly so that your bike is
also fun, comfy and fast!
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 5
202: Zeke the Wonder Dog and MSU K9 Unit
Meet MSU’s working dogs! Join the energetic
Zeke,the yellow lab, as he showcases the talents
which have captivated Spartan Stadium and
Breslin Center crowds. Zeke’s handlers will show
you easy tricks you can teach your pet. After you
meet Zeke, the MSU Police will bring their canines
or you to meet.
203: Football Saturdays Media*
Ever wonder where the “TV guys” are sitting on
game day? Or how the game statistics make
it onto the Jumbotron? While sitting in the actual
players’ meeting room in the Skandalaris Center,
you’ll learn how the media covers Spartan
football and what is important in their evaluation
of the game.
204: Fun with Acrylics!*
Each student is given a 12”x16” stretched canvas
imprinted with the MSU Spartan logo upon
which they can add fun overlays: flowers,
footballs, their favorite cheers, their anticipated
graduation date, etc. Paint and brushes are
provided along with smocks to deflect paint from
the grandparent’s clothing.
205: Harry Potter and the Secrets of
British English*
Harry Potter is a young wizard whose adventures
have been enjoyed by people across the globe.
But Harry was brought to life by a British
author, and his world is full of prefects, sticky
toffee puddings and getting sorted into school
houses. Learn about some of Harry’s culture and
vocabulary, and the reasons that American
English and British English have become
different over time.
206: Getting Acquainted in our Global
Neighborhood*
Did you know that in South Korea four is
considered an unlucky number? If you knew that
would you give someone who is Korean a fourleaf clover for luck? Probably not. Right now,
you may go to school with someone who is from
Southeast Asia. Someday you may travel to Brazil
or Germany. And later, when you come to MSU,
you will meet many international students. All of
these experiences help prepare you to live and
work in a cross-cultural world. From language to
customs, there are many interesting differences
across cultures. Learning to communicate crossculturally will make your world bigger and you will
be a more interesting person! In this session, we’ll
explore different ways of interacting in the world
and with each other.
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
207: Let’s Write: Flash Fiction Writing
Workshop/Game*
This workshop will help participants create a flash
fiction piece of writing by utilizing “Writer’s Block:
The Card Game.” All participants will create a
complete work of flash fiction.
208: My First Start-Up: Lemonade Stands and
Other Lessons in Early Entrepreneurship*
Most successful entrepreneurs had early
experiences in running their own business. Your
business idea might be a lawn service, dog
walking, babysitting, or even arts and crafts. This
class introduces you to the idea of starting your
own business for fun and profit.
209: Breakfast Cookery*
Grandparents and grandchildren will learn to crack
eggs, whip eggs, and make frittatas, hash browns,
waffles and sausage. Beverages will accompany
the meals they make.
210: Introduction to BB Gun and Air Rifle*
Ages 9 and up
Three-position air rifle is one of the most popular
forms of shooting sports competition for youth,
and this class will introduce you to BB gun and air
rifle safety, ethics, equipment and techniques.
211: MSU Sheep Farm: The Eeeww in the Ewe*
Have you ever wondered about the lives of
the sheep you see grazing in those beautiful
green pastures? Visit the MSU Sheep Teaching
and Research Center and learn about sheep
management, wool production and all those
little guys living in the sheep that animal
scientists call parasites!
212: Next-Generation: How to Make Biofuel
out of Soybeans*
Biofuel is produced by refining the oils,
carbohydrates or fats generated by microbes or
plants. In this class we will discuss converting
biomass to bioenergy. We will learn how to make
biofuel from soybeans and also have a debate on
food vs. fuel.
213: Windpower*
This session explores the potential of windpower
as a future energy option including a discussion
of the key factors needed for successful
implementation. Hands-on activities are used to
illustrate the importance of these key factors.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 6
214: Geocaching in the MSU
Horticulture Gardens*
This class requires a lot of walking
Learn the basics of the popular worldwide
hobby of geocaching while touring the beautiful
MSU Horticulture Gardens. You will learn what
geocaching is all about and how to operate a basic
GPS unit. We will then find up to five geocaches.
Basic loaner Garmins will be provided, but if you
have your own feel free to bring it. The class is
designed for those who have never geocached
before or are new to the activity.
215: Life Beneath the Naked Eye*
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has
opened up a whole new way of seeing organisms.
Instead of being limited to light microscopes,
scientists can use subatomic electrons to
create pictures. Visit a materials science lab and
learn about SEMs. Use the scanning electron
microscope to view insects, ceramics, metals,
computer chips, glasses, etc.
216: Plant Fossil Identification and
Vegetation Interpretation*
This short course will give participants experience
in the field work and laboratory analysis involved
in studying plant fossils to interpret the vegetation
of an area over past centuries. Participants will
collect a core of sediment (mud) from a wetland
on the MSU campus and return to the laboratory
where they will sieve the sediment to extract plant
materials, from which they will pick out seeds and
other identifiable plant parts under low-power
microscopes. No chemicals will be used in this
work, only the sieving of the mud using tap water
in sinks. Participants will be instructed on how
to identify the plant fossils they pick out of petri
dishes. They will also learn how paleoecologists
interpret prehistoric vegetation change over
time from the top-to-bottom analysis of samples
from sediment cores, going further back in time
when investigating more deeply buried sediment.
Information on past vegetation changes indicate
how climate has varied over past centuries and
millennia, as plant communities shift with changes
in precipitation and temperature.
217: Beginning Archery*
Ages 9 and up
Learn tips and techniques for this sport that
you can enjoy indoors or outdoors in your back
yard! You will be able to try a variety of different
types of bows, arrows and targets. All levels of
experience and physical ability are welcome.
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
218: Games and Society
Everyone knows that videogames are big business,
but did you know they are big in terms of social
impact? In this session we will discuss a wide array
of games and how perceptions of games have
changed over time. Attendees will get a better
sense of how important games are to history,
culture and society.
219: Catch the Phish: Tips and Tricks to
Navigating the Internet Safely*
Early session
Be part of a research study at MSU! Do you know
how to erase cookies? Do you know what phishing
is? Grandparents and their grandchildren will learn
online safety tips and experiment with secure
ways to avoid scammers.
220: Catch the Phish: Tips and Tricks to
Navigating the Internet Safely
Late session
Be part of a research study at MSU! Do you know
how to erase cookies? Do you know what phishing
is? Grandparents and their grandchildren will learn
online safety tips and experiment with secure
ways to avoid scammers.
221: Broad Art Museum Tour and
Hands-on Project
This is the second session of a two part class. The first
session, #116, is held on Tuesday afternoon.
Jointly offered by the Department of Art, Art
History & Design and the Broad Art Museum, this
two-part class kicks-off with a guided tour of the
Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum and culminates
with participants engaging in a hands-on art
activity in response to work on view at
the museum.
222: A Historical Scavenger Hunt in
Victorian London*
In this session we will use the Illustrated London
News for a scavenger hunt amidst the secrets
and mysteries of Victorian London. What was it
like to be a child at the time? What were the
strange fashions and curious fads? How did
steam locomotives and factories transform the
world? We will step back in time to explore
these questions and more through hands-on
historical discovery!
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 7
223: Exercise and Your Heart: What Happens
and How It Works!
Everyone has a heart, but how does your heart
work? How can you keep your heart healthy?
In this interactive and exciting session you’ll
explore how your heart works and how it
responds to exercise. You’ll learn about how
blood flows through the heart and body,
electrocardiograms (ECGs), blood pressure
and how exercise is important for your heart.
Participants will leave this session knowing
more about the importance of exercise and
how it helps keep your heart healthy!
224: Straws and Tape? Yes, We CAN Build
Towers! You ARE an Engineer!*
An introduction to engineering is provided
through videos, dialogue, and hands-on activities.
All participants will be able to use their ingenuity
to actively build a tower of straws and tape that
soars to the ceiling and holds a set weight.
225: Healthy Smoothies*
Come explore how easy it is to get your daily
amount of fruits and vegetables in a delicious
smoothie. This hands-on lesson will let you explore
how to make smoothies and what vitamin and
minerals are in different fruits and vegetables.
Come and have fun making smoothies to enjoy!!
226: Got Violin?! It’s a Cool Tool!*
Do you want to learn how to play the violin? Here’s
your chance to see what it is like to make a sound
on this instrument. You may even learn how to
play a tune!
227: Skywatchers of Africa
For thousands of years, Africans have used their
knowledge of the sky to build their societies,
shape their spiritual lives and meet their physical
needs for survival. Skywatchers of Africa
highlights the diversity of African astronomy,
examines cultural uses of the sky that developed
throughout history and celebrates our shared
human experience.
228: The Night Sky
A basic introduction to the sky. All of the
bright planets and most of the brightest stars
and prominent constellations currently visible
in the early evening will be found. Storytelling
and student interaction will be used to enhance
learning.
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
229: Project Management*
Do you like building things, throwing parties,
planting a garden or projects in general? Come
learn about project management and how it
can help you organize the projects in your life.
Project management exists in some form in
every organization and in our own personal
lives. Everyone, including children in all grades
of school, has managed a project. Most of the
things we use everyday are the result of a project.
When a project is completed and the objectives
have been achieved, there is usually a feeling of
accomplishment and pride. Come learn more
about project management in this hands-on
class and learn skills that can make a significant
difference in your future.
230: Learn the 5 Love Languages: 8-10
Year Olds
Every child expresses and receives love through
one of five different communication styles. Your
love language may be totally different from that
of your grandchild. While you are doing all you
can to show your grandchild love, she/he may
be hearing it as something completely opposite.
Discover your grandchild’s primary language
and learn what you can do to effectively convey
unconditional feelings of respect, affection and
commitment that will resonate in your grandchild’s
emotions and behavior. This class is focused on
children ages 8-10 and their grandparent.
231: Art Journaling*
When words fail, art speaks. Join us to create
your own art journal to take home! Learn about
expressing yourself through mixed media art. We’ll
create journal covers during class and discuss
ways you can fill the pages with your unique ideas.
234: Archaeology of MSU
This is a two part class with the first class, #130, being
held on Tuesday afternoon.
This two-part course will introduce the basics
of archaeological research, using work done
on the MSU campus. Participants will go on an
archaeological tour of MSU as it was in the mid1800s, learning how MSU was created and what
it was like to live in the dormitory, teach and take
classes and do things socially, as well as discover
how archaeologists have figured these things
out. Participants will be able to look at some of
the artifacts discovered, along with maps and
documents. Part 1: orientation and tour (requires
some walking around campus). Part 2: working
with artifacts, maps and archives.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 8
235: Extreme Dorm Room Remodel*
241: Slang Words
236: Power to the People! Tour the
T.B. Simon Power Plant*
242: Granny’s Glasses: Hands-on
Be an interior designer! Plan a new look for your
drab and boring dorm room. We will use the
principles and elements of design to create a
furniture plan, select colors and finishes, and add
unique details like artwork and accessories to
complete your one of a kind room.
Closed-toe shoes (no sandals) and pants
or shorts (no skirts) are required on this
walking tour.
Take 10 seconds to think of all the things you
use in an average day that require electricity.
How many did you come up with? Your list likely
includes a few of the following: laptops, cell
phones, iPods, TVs, radios, microwaves. And the
list goes on! Ever wonder where the power comes
from to make your favorite gizmos and gadgets
go? At Michigan State, most of the power to
campus comes from the T.B. Simon Power Plant.
The power plant has a big job considering that
60,000 people are using energy on campus at
the same time — using many of the electrical items
you thought of earlier. During this electrifying
session, you will first explore examples of energy
use in your daily life, and then you’ll tour the
power plant to get an inside look at what it takes
to make electricity.
237: Painting with Watercolor*
Join us as we explore the world of watercolor.
Learn basic watercolor techniques to create your
own work of art with your loved one. Bring your
creative ideas and leave with lasting memories.
238: What’s in the Water? Exploring the Red
Cedar River Watershed*
This session will look at biological indicators of
water quality. Participants will identify live “river
critters” collected from the Red Cedar River on
campus to help assess the condition of the water.
239: Sketch, Doodle and Draw Sparty*
Learn how to sketch, doodle or draw MSU’s award
winning mascot. There will be discussions on some
basic drawing techniques and a demonstration.
You will leave class with your own personal
drawing of Sparty!
240: Care and Management of Horses*
Learn how to care for and manage all types of
horses. Tour the Horse Teaching and Research
Center. Meet the new foals of 2015.
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
In this fun and interactive session, participants will
explore the different slang expressions used by
children/youth, young- and middle-aged adults,
and senior adults to describe the same items or
ideas. This class will heighten awareness of how
our written and spoken language has changed
over the past 10 to 60/70 years.
This is a hands-on experience in which the
students will learn the how and why of reading
glasses, why granny needs them and you don’t
and what diopters are. The students will measure
the power of several lenses and of a pair of
reading glasses from the drug store.
243: Let’s Create a TV Commercial*
Students will pick a name-brand product they are
familiar with then we will go through the steps
it takes to innovate a smart TV advertisement.
Students will rough sketch their ideas creating TV
video frames and a TV storyboard. Each student
will get to keep their own TV idea.
244: Spartan Dollars and Cents*
A simulated financial experience in which all
participants will have to make decisions based on
needs and wants from a randomly selected future
identity. Participants will make life choices about
areas such as housing and transportation, and
learn how to live within a budget.
245: Tricking Your Brain: Memory and
Attention Illusions*
In this session, we will demonstrate how your brain
can be tricked, and do experiments to see whether
children’s or adults’ brains are more easily fooled.
Participants will learn how psychologists study
attention and memory, and how you can improve
your skills at any age!
SESSION 3: WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
(AFTERNOON)
300: Let’s Have a Show!
Take a peek behind-the-scenes at the Wharton
Center’s Cobb Great Hall stage to see how sound,
lights and stage carpentry come together to make
up a show. Participants will have the opportunity
to see how things work through observation and
hands-on experiences. If you ever wanted to know
“how they do that,” this is the workshop for you.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 9
301: What’s in the Water? Exploring the Red
Cedar River Watershed*
This session will look at biological indicators of
water quality. Participants will identify live “river
critters” collected from the Red Cedar River on
campus to help assess the condition of the water.
302: Instrument Explorers*
Do you know what makes a saxophone sound?
Why the bassoon has many keys but the trumpet
only has a few? Are your arms long enough to
play the trombone? Find out as we explore brass,
woodwind and percussion instruments in this
hands-on workshop.
303: Kids in the Kitchen*
This is a hands-on cooking class in the kitchen at
the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. The chefs
will teach participants to cook a variety of items
while also teaching proper knife skills, sanitation
and how to measure ingredients.
304: Zeke the Wonder Dog and MSU K9 Unit*
Meet MSU’s working dogs! Join the energetic
Zeke,the yellow lab, as he showcases the talents
which have captivated Spartan Stadium and
Breslin Center crowds. Zeke’s handlers will show
you easy tricks you can teach your pet. After you
meet Zeke, the MSU Police will bring their canines
or you to meet.
305: Spartan Hockey*
Learn about Munn Ice Arena and the Spartan
Hockey team facilities. Learn the history of how
famous NHL players learned their trade as Spartan
Hockey players. You will hear about the off-ice
training and how the Spartan Hockey players
coordinate their academics, community service
and hockey lives.
306: Harry Potter and the Secrets of
British English*
Harry Potter is a young wizard whose adventures
have been enjoyed by people across the globe.
But Harry was brought to life by a British
author, and his world is full of prefects, sticky
toffee puddings and getting sorted into school
houses. Learn about some of Harry’s culture and
vocabulary, and the reasons that American
English and British English have become
different over time.
307: Your Life in the Comics: Storytelling
Comic Book Style*
308: Pinhole Images*
You don’t need an expensive camera and lens to
make photographs — in fact, you don’t need a lens
at all. Participants will start indoors, literally inside
a pinhole camera, to see how holes and slits form
images. Then we will go outside to make a few
photos, using instant film, to take home.
309: My First Start-Up: Lemonade Stands and
Other Lessons in Early Entrepreneurship*
Most successful entrepreneurs had early
experiences in running their own business. Your
business idea might be a lawn service, dog
walking, babysitting, or even arts and crafts. This
class introduces you to the idea of starting your
own business for fun and profit.
310: Introduction to BB Gun and Air Rifle*
Ages 9 and up
Three-position air rifle is one of the most popular
forms of shooting sports competition for youth,
and this class will introduce you to BB gun and air
rifle safety, ethics, equipment and techniques.
311: Chickens and Eggs: What More Could
you Ask For?*
Who knows the answer to the age old question:
which came first, the chicken or the egg? This
class will focus on evaluating this question from
both an egg and chicken point of view with
students developing an appreciation for poultry.
312: Geocaching in the MSU
Horticulture Gardens*
This class requires a lot of walking
Learn the basics of the popular worldwide
hobby of geocaching while touring the beautiful
MSU Horticulture Gardens. You will learn what
geocaching is all about and how to operate a basic
GPS unit. We will then find up to five geocaches.
Basic loaner Garmins will be provided, but if you
have your own feel free to bring it. The class is
designed for those who have never geocached
before or are new to the activity.
313: Looking Beneath the Surface: Aquatic
Ecology at the MSU Pond Facility*
We will conduct a field study of two of MSU’s
campus ponds and see if we can uncover
why the ponds are so different ecologically.
Along the way, participants will collect and
identify aquatic organisms, make and record
observations and discuss how predation can
shape entire ecosystems.
This is a two part class with the second class, #406,
being held on Thursday morning.
Put yourself in the comics by using your own
images, words, and story line to create a comic
book, with or without the superhero.
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 10
314: Life Beneath the Naked Eye*
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has
opened up a whole new way of seeing organisms.
Instead of being limited to light microscopes,
scientists can use subatomic electrons to
create pictures. Visit a materials science lab and
learn about SEMs. Use the scanning electron
microscope to view insects, ceramics, metals,
computer chips, glasses, etc.
315: Exo-planets: Planets Around Other Stars
Are planets around other stars, called exo-planets,
like the planets in our solar system? Could some
exo-planets have Earth-like life?
316: Plant Fossil Identification and
Vegetation Interpretation*
This short course will give participants experience
in the field work and laboratory analysis involved
in studying plant fossils to interpret the vegetation
of an area over past centuries. Participants will
collect a core of sediment (mud) from a wetland
on the MSU campus and return to the laboratory
where they will sieve the sediment to extract plant
materials, from which they will pick out seeds and
other identifiable plant parts under low-power
microscopes. No chemicals will be used in this
work, only the sieving of the mud using tap water
in sinks. Participants will be instructed on how
to identify the plant fossils they pick out of petri
dishes. They will also learn how paleoecologists
interpret prehistoric vegetation change over
time from the top-to-bottom analysis of samples
from sediment cores, going further back in time
when investigating more deeply buried sediment.
Information on past vegetation changes indicate
how climate has varied over past centuries and
millennia, as plant communities shift with changes
in precipitation and temperature.
317: Beginning Archery*
Ages: 9 and up
Learn tips and techniques for this sport that you
can enjoy indoors or outdoors in your backyard!
You will be able to try a variety of different
types of bows, arrows and targets. All levels of
experience and physical ability are welcome.
318: Games and Society
Everyone knows that videogames are big business,
but did you know they are big in terms of social
impact? In this session we will discuss a wide array
of games and how perceptions of games have
changed over time. Attendees will get a better
sense of how important games are to history,
culture and society.
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
319: Catch the Phish: Tips and Tricks to
Navigating the Internet Safely*
Early session
Be part of a research study at MSU! Do you know
how to erase cookies? Do you know what phishing
is? Grandparents and their grandchildren will learn
online safety tips and experiment with secure
ways to avoid scammers.
320: Catch the Phish: Tips and Tricks to
Navigating the Internet Safely
Late session
Be part of a research study at MSU! Do you know
how to erase cookies? Do you know what phishing
is? Grandparents and their grandchildren will learn
online safety tips and experiment with secure
ways to avoid scammers.
321: Mathematics of Counting, Puzzles
and Shapes*
A cube has 8 vertices, 12 edges, and 6 faces; and
8 - 12 + 6 = 2. A pyramid (with square base) has
5 vertices, 8 edges, and 5 faces; and 5 - 8 + 5 = 2.
That’s funny. I wonder if you get an answer of 2 for
other shapes? Do a cube and a pyramid have the
same shape? What does one mean by the “shape”
of an object? In addition to these questions, we’ll
also investigate some mathematical ideas behind
several popular card tricks. You may even learn a
new card trick to share with your family.
322: Straws and Tape? Yes, We CAN Build
Towers! You ARE an Engineer!*
An introduction to engineering is provided
through videos, dialogue, and hands-on activities.
All participants will be able to use their ingenuity
to actively build a tower of straws and tape that
soars to the ceiling and holds a set weight.
323: Fantastic Fluid Mechanics*
Fluid mechanics is the study of liquid and gas
flows. Pressure, velocity and flow rate are three of
our basic quantities and these will be clarified by
demonstrations and participant activities. Geewhiz experiments will be included.
324: Exploring a Forest Community*
Join us as we explore a very special forest in
MSU’s Sanford Natural Area. You will learn how to
identify common trees that can be found there,
and understand how the trees and other plants
and animals interact to form a forest community.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 11
325: Spartan Dollars and Cents*
A simulated financial experience in which all
participants will have to make decisions based on
needs and wants from a randomly selected future
identity. Participants will make life choices about
areas such as housing and transportation and
learn how to live within a budget.
326: Character Really Does Count*
Learn about character education in a fun learning
environment for kids of all ages. Discover the six
pillars of Character COUNTS! and have fun trying
out these different characters — trustworthiness,
respect, responsibility, fairness, citizenship and
caring. The class includes mini videos to start
conversation, playacting kids and grandparents
can participate in and a whole lot more.
328: The Night Sky
A basic introduction to the sky. All of the
bright planets and most of the brightest
stars and prominent constellations currently
visible in the early evening will be found.
Storytelling and student interaction will be
used to enhance learning.
329: Project Management*
Do you like building things, throwing parties,
planting a garden or projects in general? Come
learn about project management and how it
can help you organize the projects in your life.
Project management exists in some form in
every organization and in our own personal
lives. Everyone, including children in all grades
of school, has managed a project. Most of the
things we use everyday are the result of a project.
When a project is completed and the objectives
have been achieved, there is usually a feeling of
accomplishment and pride. Come learn more
about project management in this hands-on
class and learn skills that can make a significant
difference in your future.
330: Relaxation and Calming Jars*
Tips and techniques for relaxing in this crazy
world. Plus, we will be making Calming Jars
(supplies will be provided), capturing your own
relaxation time within a jar. This class is great for
all ages!
331: Learn the 5 Love Languages: 8-10
Year Olds
Every child expresses and receives love through
one of five different communication styles. Your
love language may be totally different from that
of your grandchild. While you are doing all you
can to show your grandchild love, she/he may
be hearing it as something completely opposite.
Discover your grandchild’s primary language
and learn what you can do to effectively convey
unconditional feelings of respect, affection, and
commitment that will resonate in your grandchild’s
emotions and behavior. This class is focused on
children ages 8-10 and their grandparent.
332: Art Journaling*
When words fail, art speaks. Join us to create
your own art journal to take home! Learn about
expressing yourself through mixed media art. We’ll
create journal covers during class and discuss
ways you can fill the pages with your unique ideas.
333: Pizza: How to Play with Your Food*
The ultimate finger food made YOUR way! Learn
a few tips that can help make your time in the
kitchen with friends and family a flat-out success!
MSU Culinary Services Chefs Jason Strotheide
and Leann Shepherd will guide you through a
workshop of building and baking your very own
pizza from scratch. We’ll discuss different styles
of pizza, different methods of assembly and take
a look at a few different styles of baking and
the effect these changes have on your finished
product. Ciao!
334: Extreme Dorm Room Remodel*
Be an interior designer! Plan a new look for your
drab and boring dorm room. We will use the
principles and elements of design to create a
furniture plan, select colors and finishes, and add
unique details like artwork and accessories to
complete your one-of-a-kind room.
335: Tricking Your Brain: Memory and
Attention Illusions*
In this session, we will demonstrate how your brain
can be tricked, and do experiments to see whether
children’s or adults’ brains are more easily fooled.
Participants will learn about how psychologists
study attention and memory, and how you can
improve your skills at any age!
336: Painting with Watercolor*
Join us as we explore the world of watercolor.
Learn basic watercolor techniques to create your
own work of art with your loved one. Bring your
creative ideas and leave with lasting memories.
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 12
337: LEGO AND VEXIQ Robotics*
An exciting, hands-on camp that teaches students
to work in teams to build and program robots
using the LEGO NXT Robotics Invention System
— then face off against other teams in robot vs.
robot competitions.
338: Let’s Create a TV Commercial*
Students will pick a name-brand product they are
familiar with then we will go through the steps
it takes to innovate a smart TV advertisement.
Students will rough sketch their ideas creating TV
video frames and a TV storyboard. Each student
will get to keep their own TV idea.
339: Cash Conversations with the
Credit Union
Do you know the similarities and differences
between credit unions and banks? Have you been
struggling to save money for something you really
want? Join the MSU Federal Credit Union through
an interactive journey to learn about financial
institutions, the differences between needs and
wants, the real cost of your wants and how to save
money to achieve your goals.
340: Aloha! Hawaiian Ornament Making*
Learn a new craft brought to you from the islands
of the Pacific! In this class you will learn the age
old tradition of Hawaiian ribbon weaving to make
ornaments.
341: History of Sparty*
You have seen him at athletic events, in
parades, around campus on game day, in ESPN
commercials, at weddings, birthday parties, alumni
club events, and promoting literacy to children in
schools. He is everywhere, he is loved and he is an
embodiment of what it means to be a Michigan
State Spartan. He is Sparty. Have you ever
wondered how our beloved Sparty became the
MSU icon he is today? Have you ever questioned
how he started? In this session you will learn the
origins of Sparty, the Sparty Mascot Program,
and get a rare insider’s look at what it is like to
portray Sparty. There are many exciting aspects
of the program that most Spartans do not have
the opportunity to witness. Join us for an in-depth
look at Sparty, “the gentle giant.”
342: Experience in Cardiovascular Mechanics*
This session will expose participants to biomedical
technologies in cardiovascular mechanics
research, such as navigating virtual 3D medical
images and building their own models using 3D
printing. Through their experiences, the class will
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
illustrate how cardiovascular mechanics research
(e.g., computational biofluid/biosolid simulations)
can aid the physician in planning cardiovascular
disease treatments.
SESSION 4: THURSDAY, JULY 2
(MORNING)
400: The Evolving Birds of Volcano Island*
What is evolution? How does it work? In
this session, participants will play a foodforaging game to learn how natural selection
impacts trait morphology differently in two
isolated populations.
401: How We Detect and Respond to the
World Around Us: Light, Adrenaline and
Smelling the Roses!*
Our ability to stay safe and healthy and enjoy
the world around us depends on our senses.
Proteins embedded in the surfaces of our
cells sense light, scents and even natural and
pharmaceutical drugs like adrenaline and betablockers. What do some of these molecules
look like, and how do they work? You will have
a chance to explore these fascinating molecules
using interactive computer graphics.
402: Fantastic Fluid Mechanics*
Fluid mechanics is the study of liquid and gas
flows. Pressure, velocity and flow rate are three of
our basic quantities and these will be clarified by
demonstrations and participant activities. Geewhiz experiments will be included.
403: Programming Using Scratch*
Learn basic concepts of programming using
“Scratch.” Computers are used in almost every
field and industry and there is a high demand for
programming skills. Come and learn a few basic
concepts in a fun, engaging environment.
404: Fun with Acrylics!*
Each student is given a 12”x16” stretched canvas
imprinted with the MSU Spartan logo upon
which they can add fun overlays: flowers,
footballs, their favorite cheers, their anticipated
graduation date, etc. Paint and brushes are
provided along with smocks to deflect paint
from the grandparent’s clothing.
405: Explore the Languages of the World*
Go beyond Spanish, French and German to
explore Hawaiian, Thai and Mohawk. In this class,
we will learn interesting facts about the world’s
languages. We will also try out some new sounds
and see some crazy grammar!
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 13
406: Your Life in the Comics: Storytelling
Comic Book Style*
This is a two part class with the first class, #307, being
held on Wednesday afternoon.
Put yourself in the comics by using your own
images, words and story line to create a comic
book, with or without the superhero.
407: Learn German with Technology*
Discover how computers and iPads can offer a
fun way to learn about the German language and
culture. We will play, listen, and speak online and
also work on a group project.
408: Just in Time*
Early session
Learn how the breakfast foods you like best reach
supermarket shelves at just the right time for
maximum freshness and tastiness. You’ll learn
about all the parts of the “supply chain,” including
producers, processors, packaging, transportation
and distribution. Lessons of the supply chain
process apply to virtually everything we use
or consume from food products to bicycles,
skateboards, television sets and more, whether
they’re produced in the United States or imported
from global traders.
409: Just in Time*
Late session
Learn how the breakfast foods you like best reach
supermarket shelves at just the right time for
maximum freshness and tastiness. You’ll learn
about all the parts of the “supply chain,” including
producers, processors, packaging, transportation
and distribution. Lessons of the supply chain
process apply to virtually everything we use
or consume from food products to bicycles,
skateboards, television sets and more, whether
they’re produced in the United States or imported
from global traders.
411: Introduction to BB Gun and Air Rifle*
Ages 9 and up
Three-position air rifle is one of the most popular
forms of shooting sports competition for youth,
and this class will introduce you to BB gun and air
rifle safety, ethics, equipment and techniques.
412: Moooving Along…Beef Cattle Care
and Behavior*
413: The Mystery Tree Challenge*
Learn the basics of tree identification and follow
the clues to learn the name of your mystery tree
sample! This hands-on workshop will help you
learn to identify a wide variety of trees common
to the Eastern United States. You will enjoy seeing
the diversity in form, foliage and growth that make
trees beautiful and useful.
414: Garbage to Energy, an Introduction to
Anaerobic Digestion*
Anaerobic digestion is the process of turning
organic waste (garbage) into renewable energy
and fertilizer. This session will walk participants
through the digestion process and evaluation
of feedstock’s energy potential. In addition,
participants will have the opportunity to
experience a day in the life of a digester operator/
researcher at the Michigan State University South
Campus Anaerobic Digester. Sights, sounds and
SMELLS included free of charge.
415: Kitchen Detectives*
Ever wondered what all the writing on a food
label means or the difference between fruit juice
and soda pop? This interactive workshop will
take a detective’s eye look at serving sizes, what
processing does to food, breakfast cereals, why
we choose the foods we eat and how to have
healthy bones, eyes, hairs and teeth.
416: Green Roofs: Why We Grow Plants
Way Up High*
Have you ever seen a picture with plants growing
on top of a roof? These are called green roofs.
Learn why we plant green roofs, the types of
plants we use for such unique gardens and build
a birdhouse green roof yourself!
417: Become a Plant Disease Detective –
Sleuthing What Makes Plants Sick*
This session will allow you to become a private
investigator, following a trail in the MSU gardens
in search of sick and dying plants. Next you’ll
figure out the “whodunit.” Clues will be given
and samples will be taken back to the lab for
forensic analysis. Learn what plant pathologists
do and how they use their knowledge and
sleuthing skills to help farmers and homeowners
keep their plants healthy.
Learn how beef cattle are raised, fed and cared
for at the MSU Beef Cattle Teaching and Research
Center and at the MSU Purebred Cow-Calf
Teaching and Research Center.
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 14
418: Life Beneath the Naked Eye*
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has
opened up a whole new way of seeing organisms.
Instead of being limited to light microscopes,
scientists can use subatomic electrons to
create pictures. Visit a materials science lab and
learn about SEMs. Use the scanning electron
microscope to view insects, ceramics, metals,
computer chips, glasses, etc.
419: Exo-planets: Planets Around Other Stars
Are planets around other stars, called exo-planets,
like the planets in our solar system? Could some
exo-planets have Earth-like life?
420: Beginning Archery*
Ages 9 and up
Learn tips and techniques for this sport that you
can enjoy indoors or outdoors in your backyard!
You will be able to try a variety of different
types of bows, arrows and targets. All levels of
experience and physical ability are welcome.
421: Card Talk: Effective Communication*
When people communicate they play a card, like
a friend card, a parent card, and/or a teacher card.
Sometimes they play more than one. The key is to
understand what card or cards you need to have
in your hand to effectively play the communication
game that will accomplish your goal. This session
will provide several examples of this process
and help grandparents and grandchildren better
understand how to play
their communication cards. 422: Catch the Phish: Tips and Tricks to
Navigating the Internet Safely
Be part of a research study at MSU! Do you know
how to erase cookies? Do you know what phishing
is? Grandparents and their grandchildren will learn
online safety tips and experiment with secure
ways to avoid scammers.
423: Building Your Dream Community*
This activity-based session will look at how the
availability of resources impact communities.
In teams, participants will build their own
communities with materials supplied. Each
team will have different materials or “resources”
available to them. Following the “building” phase,
communities will be compared and a discussion
will take place.
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
424: Straws and Tape? Yes, We CAN build
Towers! You ARE an Engineer!*
An introduction to engineering is provided
through videos, dialogue and hands-on activities.
All participants will be able to use their ingenuity
to actively build a tower of straws and tape that
soars to the ceiling and holds a set weight.
425: The Night Sky
A basic introduction to the sky. All of the
bright planets and most of the brightest stars
and prominent constellations currently visible
in the early evening will be found. Storytelling
and student interaction will be used to
enhance learning.
426: Learn the 5 Love Languages: 8-10
Year Olds
Every child expresses and receives love through
one of five different communication styles and
your love language may be totally different from
that of your grandchild. While you are doing all
you can to show your grandchild love, she/he may
be hearing it as something completely opposite.
Discover your grandchild’s primary language
and learn what you can do to effectively convey
unconditional feelings of respect, affection, and
commitment that will resonate in your grandchild’s
emotions and behavior. This class is focused on
children ages 8-10 and their grandparent.
427: Slang Words*
In this fun and interactive session, participants will
explore the different slang expressions used by
children/youth, young- and middle-aged adults,
and senior adults to describe the same items or
ideas. This class will heighten awareness of how
our written and spoken language has changed
over the past 10 to 60/70 years.
428: Art Journaling*
When words fail, art speaks. Join us to create
your own art journal to take home! Learn about
expressing yourself through mixed media art. We’ll
create journal covers during class and discuss
ways you can fill the pages with your unique ideas.
429: Skywatchers of Africa
For thousands of years, Africans have used their
knowledge of the sky to build their societies,
shape their spiritual lives and meet their physical
needs for survival. Skywatchers of Africa
highlights the diversity of African astronomy,
examines cultural uses of the sky that developed
throughout history and celebrates our shared
human experience.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 15
430: Family Yoga Fit Flow*
Early session
Join us for an introduction to yoga. Become
familiar with basic/gentle yoga moves to burn
calories, strengthen your core and improve your
overall health and wellness. The class is intended
for any age, weight or size.
431: Family Yoga Fit Flow
Late session
Join us for an introduction to yoga. Become
familiar with basic/gentle yoga moves to burn
calories, strengthen your core and improve your
overall health and wellness. The class is intended
for any age, weight or size.
432: Dynamite Disney Trivia*
Do you want to share your love of all things
Disney? Are you a trivia guru? Do you like to have
fun and win prizes? If so Dynamite Disney Trivia is
the class for you!
examples of energy use in your daily life, and
then you’ll tour the power plant to get an inside
look at what it takes to make electricity.
436: College Then and Now*
Since 1855 when MSU was founded as the
Agricultural College of the State of Michigan,
colleges and universities around the United States
have grown and changed. We will explore who
went to college and how they spent their time
at different points in history, beginning with the
founding of MSU and continuing to today. What
is a day in the life of a college student like now?
What was it like in the grandparent’s day? And
what might it be like in 10 years?
437: Exercise and Your Heart: What Happens
and How It Works!*
Be an interior designer! Plan a new look for your
drab and boring dorm room. We will use the
principles and elements of design to create a
furniture plan, select colors and finishes, and add
unique details like artwork and accessories to
complete your one-of-a-kind room.
Everyone has a heart, but how does your heart
work? How can you keep your heart healthy?
In this interactive and exciting session you’ll
explore how your heart works and how it
responds to exercise. You’ll learn about how
blood flows through the heart and body,
electrocardiograms (ECGs), blood pressure
and how exercise is important for your heart.
Participants will leave this session knowing
more about the importance of exercise and
how it helps keep your heart healthy!
434: Treasure Hunting at MSU*
438: Video Game Design*
433: Extreme Dorm Room Remodel*
Attendees will roam the MSU campus in search
of hidden treasures using Global Positioning
Systems (GPS) devices instead of a treasure map.
Geographic coordinates and clues will be provided
to help guide you to “interesting and priceless 21st
century artifacts.” Tour campus, collect treasure
and learn how GPS works!
435: Power to the People! Tour the
T.B. Simon Power Plant*
Closed-toe shoes (no sandals) and pants
or shorts (no skirts) are required on this
walking tour.
Take 10 seconds to think of all the things you
use in an average day that require electricity.
How many did you come up with? Your list likely
includes a few of the following: laptops, cell
phones, iPods, TVs, radios, microwaves. And the
list goes on! Ever wonder where the power comes
from to make your favorite gizmos and gadgets
go? At Michigan State, most of the power to
campus comes from the T.B. Simon Power Plant.
The power plant has a big job considering that
60,000 people are using energy on campus at
the same time – using many of the electrical
items you thought of earlier. During this
electrifying session, you will first explore
*Course has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
In this highly interactive class, students will learn
about the design and development of digital
games from the initial idea to a playable, webbased game.
439: Care and Management of Horses*
Learn how to care for and manage all types of
horses. Tour the Horse Teaching and Research
Center. Meet the new foals of 2015.
440: Cash Conversations with the
Credit Union
Do you know the similarities and differences
between credit unions and banks? Have you been
struggling to save money for something you really
want? Join the MSU Federal Credit Union through
an interactive journey to learn about financial
institutions, the differences between needs and
wants, the real cost of your wants, and how to
save money to achieve your goals.
441: Granny’s Glasses Hands-on*
This is a hands-on experience in which the
students will learn the how and why of reading
glasses, why granny needs them and you don’t
and what diopters are. The students will measure
the power of several lenses and of a pair of
reading glasses from the drug store.
2015 GRANDPARENTS UNIVERSITY CLASSES • PAGE 16