What do the Matrix, Gattaca, and Star Trek have to do with our future? Are these movies purely fictional, or do they contain a sliver of truth? Inspired by these ideas, scientists look at the knowledge we have today to make predictions about future technology. Is it possible to control our genes, and if so, how will that change our society? Is it possible for humans to explore deep space, and if we can, will we colonize other planets? Look at the science with us and make your own predictions!

What do the Matrix, Gattaca, and Star Trek have to do with our future? Are these movies purely fictional, or do they contain a sliver of truth? Inspired by these ideas, scientists look at the knowledge we have today to make predictions about future technology. Is it possible to control our genes, and if so, how will that change our society? Is it possible for humans to explore deep space, and if we can, will we colonize other planets? Look at the science with us and make your own predictions!

How would you go about building a computer? What would your shopping list look like? What would it cost? How would you know that you're getting the best parts for the best price? How would you know that you're buying the best laptop for your price range? $$\\$$ $$\\$$ We'll be learning about computer hardware! Topics and skills covered include: $$\\$$ - Basic Computer Hardware $$\\$$ - Computer Performance (what makes a computer "good" or "fast") $$\\$$ - Walking into Best Buy like you own the place

How would you go about building a computer? What would your shopping list look like? What would it cost? How would you know that you're getting the best parts for the best price? How would you know that you're buying the best laptop for your price range? $$\\$$ $$\\$$ We'll be learning about computer hardware! Topics and skills covered include: $$\\$$ - Basic Computer Hardware $$\\$$ - Computer Performance (what makes a computer "good" or "fast") $$\\$$ - Walking into Best Buy like you own the place

Weather and Climate have a huge impact on our everyday lives. Last year, Boston, MA had the most snow they have ever had in one winter- 12 feet in total! Throughout the Northeast we saw record-breaking cold and snowfall. Despite this, 2014 was officially named the hottest year in modern history, and 2015 is on course to take that title again. This year, we are on track to have a very warm fall and mild winter due to a massive El Niño event. What is happening to the weather!? Learn the fundamentals of weather and climate change, including current major weather events! Turn your mundane "how's the weather" conversation into a discussion on global climate phenomenon!

What do the Matrix, Gattaca, and Star Trek have to do with our future? Are these movies purely fictional, or do they contain a sliver of truth? Inspired by these ideas, scientists look at the knowledge we have today to make predictions about future technology. Is it possible to control our genes, and if so, how will that change our society? Is it possible for humans to explore deep space, and if we can, will we colonize other planets? Look at the science with us and make your own predictions!

Humans are weird. We stand upright, have huge brains, talk to each other, etc. It is estimated that we share 95-99% of our genes with our closest ancestors, the great apes, yet we look and act so differently... or do we? Learn about the evolutionary history of humankind, from why we are so smart to where diabetes comes from. We will also talk about current forces of natural selection and where they may take us in the future. This class will be a lecture/discussion combination. Talking will be encouraged!