WWU's 'Grandparents U' summer program brings generations together

Western Washington University is offering its popular summer program, “Grandparents U,” again this year; the two-day intergenerational program invites grandparents and grandchildren, ages 7-14, to participate in an on-campus educational experience July 14-15.

Participants are given a choice of several intriguing academic topics to explore together. The topics span a variety of natural fronts – sea, sky, water erosion, and bones – as well as introducing participants to the wonders of plastics engineering and chemistry behind the visual phenomena of everyday life, and for those seeking creative arts, there is a theatre workshop that focuses on acting.

The following list contains the course topics available for this summer’s “Grandparents U” program:

• “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, How I Wonder…” covers the birth, life and death of stars. After investigating the fundamental connection between people and the twinkling skies, participants will visit the WWU Planetarium and learn ‘backyard astronomy,’ pinpointing deep sky objects that dwell within the constellations.
• “Our Neighbors in Bellingham Bay” teaches the discovery and identification of local marine organisms from a range of phyla. Participate in a plankton tow and learn how to use microscopes and an algae press.
• “Do You See What I See” demystifies visual spectacles by uncovering the science behind phenomena like rainbows, glow-in-the dark objects (and organisms!), eye-popping 3-D movies and polarized sunglass lenses.
• “Running Water and Rolling Waves” highlights the role of water in sculpting landscapes and coastlines. Take a dip in the WWU wave tank and explore the campus to view surprisingly powerful hydro-processes in action.
• “Fossils, Bones and Dinosaurs” pieces together the fossilization process, bridging the gap between remains and the life of the creature that left them. Learn how the bones of animals living today reveal details about the lives of dinosaurs.
• “Plastics Engineering” experiments with polymers to introduce participants to manufacturing methods and the versatility of a material found in everything from milk jugs to iPods. Use plastics and meld fun take-home creations for souvenirs!
• “Telling Our Tale” is an acting workshop that will focus on physical character, gesture and non-verbal communication through games and exercises, culminating in an original performance piece that explores the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.

Whether participants are new to “Grandparents U,” a WWU Alumni, or are returning for more fun, each class provides opportunities for learning, sharing, and creating lifelong memories. Visiting Western’s campus during the summer presents a gorgeous backdrop to any activity, and it opens up the residence halls to program participants for a glimpse of campus living.

“Grandparents U” is offered in partnership between WWU Extended Education and Summer Programs and the WWU Alumni Association. WWU Alumni members receive a $25 discount.

Early registration is encouraged to reserve your favorite topic. Visit the website for details or call (360) 650-3308.