Despite our temporarily closed doors, we are working hard to develop and share opportunities to keep our age 50+ participants active, optimally aging and socially fit. Now more than ever, your support is very important to make this possible, and we encourage your donations for virtual and on demand classes. To donate, please click the donate button above, or checks can be mailed to: TSC Foundation, 1400 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL, 32303.
Below are events and classes you can enjoy at any time by clicking on the green links below.
MARS: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
The planet Mars has drawn the attention of humans for at least 3,000 years. Included in this 3-part series class (that began on June 16) is the following:(1) the successes of scientists such as Copernicus and Kepler will be addressed, (2) the objectives and results of the many recent missions to Mars, and (3) the goals and plans of the 2020 Mars mission. By integrating physics, astronomy, geology, biology, and mathematics, the relatively “new” subject “Space Science” helps us understand the nature of science. Instructor is Dr. Steven Blumsack.
Part 1 – Introduction – https://youtu.be/3wJqs_X_zwU
Part 2 – Recent Mars Exploration – https://youtu.be/ycgj7VXG-1k
Part 3 – Future Exploration of the Planet – https://youtu.be/5vXkaI3xyoI
FLORIDA AT THE CROSSROADS OF EMPIRE
We often think of Florida as a tranquil, sun-soaked paradise. Before it became a United States possession in 1821, however, it was an international borderland, and not exactly a quiet one. At various times since the 16th century, Florida has been a strategic game-piece for Spain, France, Great Britain and the United States in their respective efforts to control North America. Join Dr. Josh Goodman, staff historian at the State Archives of Florida, in this 4-part series course that explores Florida’s imperial past, ranging from the competition between Spain and France to settle the Atlantic coast to the quirky circumstances that gave Florida its present borders.
Part 1 (June 4) – https://youtu.be/U65P_U1A2eY
Part 2a (June 11) – https://youtu.be/eWrx_FO3LCg
Part 2b (June 11) – https://youtu.be/c-tX_BH5IqQ
Part 3 (June 18) – https://youtu.be/fI7D4YaKfw4
China Now
A four-part series originally presented on May 11, 2020. Instructor Tom Friedman reviews the philosophies that shaped the Chinese worldview nearly 2500 years ago. Examine the final two dynasties, Ming and Qing and the actions that led to the establishment of the Republic 1912 – 1949. The Republic, led by Sun Yat-sen, began with high hopes and which were dashed by weak, corrupt governing of General Chiang Kai-shek and his spending enormous resources from 1931 to 1945 fighting Japan (this was the real beginning of WW II). The exhausted Republic was defeated by the Communists in 1949. Major events include the Korean Conflict, Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution, and the trial of the Gang of Four. Leaders Chairman Mao, the enigmatic Zhou Enlai and others. Finally, we will consider the extraordinary gathering of powers by Xi Jinping, who is presently President, Chair of the Military Commission and General Secretary of the Communist Party.
Part 1 (May 12) – https://youtu.be/dlzajXvQRso
Part 2 (May 19) – https://youtu.be/7Kgn-yvbLds
Part 3 (May 26) – https://youtu.be/AeImLOfciBU
Part 4 (June 2) – https://youtu.be/kXI4kIiTuzs
Modeling Historic Headstones with Photographs
Originally presented May 6, 2020: We often think of headstones as something that will last forever, but even these stones will decay with time. Tristan Harrenstein from Florida Public Archaeology Network will present on the best method we currently have of preserving historic grave markers beyond their time with software that turns mere photographs into full 3D models! This workshop will introduce you to the technique, take photos, and create your very own 3D model. To take full advantage of this workshop, participants will need: a digital camera (smartphone cameras are fine!) and a way of transferring photos to a computer; a computer that runs the Windows operating system; and a computer with an internet connection that they can download the free software. CLICK HERE TO WATCH CLASS.
Historic Cemeteries as Cultural Resources
Originally presented on May 5, 2020: Barbara Clark from Florida Public Archaeology Network presents on how historic cemeteries can be used in research and what information they can provide. She also touches on the basics of how to properly clean and maintain historic cemeteries and the meanings of common symbols you may find in cemeteries. CLICK HERE TO WATCH CLASS.
Climate Change and Cultural Resources
Originally presented on April 28, 2020: Florida is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Something many people have not considered is how it will impact our historic and archaeological sites, many of which provide tourism revenue to our state. This presentation by Barbara Clark from Florida Public Archaeology Network is designed to provide a brief understanding of climate change and discuss its impacts on some of Florida’s more sensitive sites. CLICK HERE TO WATCH CLASS.
Geology of the National Parks
Recordings from the Thursday “Live” class via Zoom, (ongoing through May 28, 10 – 11:30 a.m.). Our U.S. National Parks preserve spectacular icons of Earth’s geologic heritage. They contain some of the world’s finest examples of geologic phenomena including mountains, canyons, glaciers, volcanoes, coastlines, caverns, dunes and more. TSC Lifelong Learning Coordinator and geologist Maureen Haberfeld will share some basic geology lessons and lead participants on virtual exploration of the geologic wonders in our beautiful parks. To participate, register by 9 a.m., Wednesday mornings.
Note: Class generally begins about 10 minutes into the recording.
Geology of the National Parks: Class 1 – Introduction to Geology of the National Parks – https://youtu.be/us9hWTEhrL0
Geology of the National Parks: Class 2 – Volcanoes and Volcanic Parks – https://youtu.be/Dw-XfUNFbpk
Geology of the National Parks: Class 3 – Volcanic Parks (part 2), Intro to Parks from Surface Water – https://youtu.be/mbSOmN-u2-I
Geology of the National Parks: (April 30) Class 4 – Surface Water, Weathering, and Erosion – https://youtu.be/-faT3CfWUeU
Geology of the National Parks: Class 5 – Parks with Glaciers and Glacial Features – https://youtu.be/LHQWF3tPl0s
Geology of National Parks: Class 6 – Glacier Parks Part 2 / Cave and Reef Parks Introduction – https://youtu.be/n_2cxgeLY24
Geology of National Parks: Class 7 – Cave and Reef Parks – https://youtu.be/SaanBB3W7BA
Geology of National Parks: Class 8 – Carlsbad Caverns, Shenandoah, Smoky Mountains, and Grand Tetons – https://youtu.be/8tYnojbSQbI
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