October 3, 2014
Eric Baer
When the Earth moves, what will you do?
Seahawk fans are in a frenzy hoping for another Beastquake. However, a little noise is nothing compared to what is in store for our region … it's just a matter
of time. On October 16, Highline College and millions of other people will participate in the largest earthquake drill ever performed in the United States. Will
you know what to do? Come to Science Seminar to get tips on what to do during and immediately after an earthquake, as well as how to be more prepared. This
Science Seminar may just save your life…
October 10, 2014
Erik Scott
The (Second) Unknown Dimension
How does Amazon.com use angles to provide you with purchase recommendations? How could we determine whether the universe “folds back” on itself? Both of these questions require a broader concept of “space” and the features we can use to describe them. In this talk, Erik will share how mathematicians describe and analyze spaces, and show how they provide insight into the questions listed above.
October 17, 2014
Professional Development Day
No Science Seminar today - there are no classes.
October 24, 2014
Rus Higley
Octopuses, are they smarter than a fifth grader?
Octopuses may not have a backbone, but evidence indicates that they have long-term memories, can learn, mimic other creatures, use tools, and even predict the
winner of World Cup matches. Indeed, in the some countries such as the UK, they are treated as "honorary vertebrates" requiring the same levels of protection as
dogs when involved in scientific tests. So far though no one has gotten them to take a written IQ test, so the question remains… how smart are they?
October 31, 2014
Tracy Brigham, Joy Strohmaier, Heather Stevens Selby, and Angi Caster
The 2014 Ebola Outbreak
In 2014 over 10,000 people have been infected with the Ebola virus and it has been fatal in nearly half of these cases. Tragic - yes. But what direction will the outbreak take?
Join Science Seminar on Friday for a panel discussion that will help you understand a number of issues related to Ebola including (a) Ebola's worldwide impact and the global response, (b.) the biology behind Ebola, (c.) appropriate steps and preventative measures in medicine, and (d.) who to trust for information.
November 7, 2014
Carla Whittington
Death by Tar Sands
The tar sands in Alberta are providing an economic boost and a new source of oil. However this comes at a cost. Nothing green can grow under the treads of these dump trucks and that may be the least of the environmental cost of this operation. Note: This is a Green Week event.
November 14, 2014
Gregory Reinemer
Telescopes on a Shoestring Budget
Have you ever wanted to build a telescope from scratch?
With stuff you have laying around the farm? I built my first telescope when I was in high school and I am here to say that it can be done for much less than you might think but it is a long labor of love and discovery.
Come see the latest version and learn what it involves to "do-it-yourself".
Note: No farm is required – even city slickers can do this!
November 21, 2014
Tim Vagen
Working toward the fountain of youth
There are 76 million baby boomers in the USA and 10,000 are reaching retirement age each day.
Perhaps "age" is an all too present reality for you and you seek ways to grow old gracefully with a full and enriched life. This talk will bring up the subject of what it takes to allow us to live a long, happy, and prosperous life.
For those who have yet to grapple with the brevity of life, this talk will point to simple steps you can take to help today and tomorrow.
Through exercise, nutrition, and social support, Tim will address some strategies that will up the odds of a smokin’ good aging process.
