Majors

The majors below are for 2022 Grandparents University ® (GPU). We are in the process of confirming a few more majors. An email confirming 2022 majors will be sent in early March to those on the GPU affinity list who are also Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) members or recognized in Van Hise Society, Bascom Hill Society, or 1848 Society.

Grandparents University offers a wide range of “majors” taught by UW faculty, staff, and graduate students from disciplines across campus. You and your grandchild will stay together in the same major for the entire two-day program. An adult must accompany each child at all times during the activities related to the major.

Please select majors based on your grandchild’s age, their physical activity level, and your physical activity level. Each major’s age range has been carefully determined based on the focus and scope of the activities.

Levels of physical activity vary among majors and field trips, so please read the descriptions carefully and choose what best suits your physical abilities:

We will make every attempt to honor accessibility requests made in advance.

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 7–14
Lead Instructor: Johanna Desprez, Program Coordinator, Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center

Participants will learn about various water habitats and discover the amazing world of macro-invertebrates. Participants will also learn about animal signs and what makes reptiles different from amphibians.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: High. Participants will be spending time outside walking so dress for the weather. Please bring your water bottle.

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 7–14
Lead Instructor: Candie Waterloo, curator of education, Chazen Museum of Art

Leave your pencils at home and bring your imagination as we explore the wonderful world of drawing! Using inspiration from artworks in the Chazen Museum of Arts’ permanent collection, we’ll experiment with fabric, thread, and printmaking to see where our minds — and hands — can take us. No experience with art or drawing is necessary, but a willingness to play is required!

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low. Participants should come prepared to get messy and wear clothes that are suitable for artmaking; some light walking is required between museum galleries; an elevator is available.

Sessions: I, II
Ages: 7–10
Lead Instructor: Kay Kriewald, outreach specialist, Department of Astronomy, College of Letters and Science

Become a stargazer and explore the night sky! Participants will become acquainted with the constellations and other interesting objects in the night sky and learn how to find them.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: High. Participants will visit the Washburn Observatory, which is accessible only by stairs.

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 7–10
Lead Instructor: Tom Zinnen, outreach program manager, UW Biotechnology Center

Explore the unknown and become a scientist by running your own experiments and other hands-on investigations in a real laboratory! You’ll extract DNA from wheat germ, tour the DNA and protein facilities at the UW Biotechnology Center, experiment with the enzymes used in cheese-making, and run an electrophoresis experiment to analyze samples of “alien blood.”

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low to medium. Some movement and walking required between classrooms and venues, which may include stairs.

Note to participants: Make sure to note any allergies on your registration form.

Sessions: II, III
Ages: 7–14
Lead Instructor: Xiaoyi Sun, instructor of Chinese, Madison Area Technical College

Our students will experience Chinese pinyin, tones, and characters through games, music, and other hands-on learning activities. They will also explore Chinese culture through cultural activities such as Chinese Calligraphy Day and a field trip to the Chazen Museum of Art.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low to medium. Some movement and walking required between classrooms and venues, which may include stairs. There will be a walk to the Chazen Museum of Art.

Sessions: I, II
Ages: 7–14
Lead Instructor: Cole Nelson, graduate lecturer, Department of Computer Sciences, College of Letters & Science

Computer scientists do more than just use computers; computer scientists solve problems with directions so precise that even a computer can follow the steps. In this major, you will learn some of the creative aspects of computer science, such as how to create your own interactive art, animated stories, and games in the Scratch programming environment.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low.

Session: I, II, III
Ages: 11–14
Lead Instructor: Allyson Gross, Ph. D. Student, Communication Arts

Participants will learn the essentials of good storytelling, and using their family histories and stories, gain practice in using technology to record and edit a podcast that spotlights a story that they developed together.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low

Session: III
Ages: 9–14
Lead Instructor: Feng He, associate scientist, Center for Climatic Research, Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies

What are the BIG 10 events during Earth’s 4.5-billion-year history? What were the climates during these events? Participants will explore the evolution of Earth’s environment and climate from its beginning to the human transformation of it.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low. Most activities and tours take place indoors, with some walking required. Participants will be seated for most activities.

Session: II
Ages: 7–10
Lead Instructor: PJ Liesch, insect diagnostician, Department of Entomology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

We’ll learn about the biology, ecology, diversity, and importance of the insects around us through a number of hands-on activities, field trips, and interactive mini lectures. Students will participate in an insect-collecting expedition along the Lakeshore Path and create their own curated insect collection. Students will also develop observation skills by keeping a scientific journal during the course.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: High. Field trip location is a few blocks away from the classroom. Participants should come prepared to walk several blocks and spend an hour outdoors.

Note to participants: Field trips are included in the major (weather permitting). Participants should have proper clothing to hike outdoors to collect insects. Allergy note: Stinging insects could be encountered.

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 9–14
Lead Instructor: Julie Wood, entrepreneur and former faculty member, Small Business Development Center, Wisconsin School of Business

Participants will learn what an entrepreneur is, what they do, and the characteristics that make a successful entrepreneur. The participants will choose a business idea based on their talents and skills, create marketing materials, and develop that idea using the Business Model Canvas. Participants will experience running a business by playing the Biz Ops Game.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium. Some movement and walking required between classrooms and venues, which may include stairs.

Sessions: I, II
Ages: 7–14
Lead Instructor: Carsyn Ames, Samples Curator, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS)

Building on their introduction to geology at the Geology Museum, participants will discover the geology and water resources of Wisconsin. Students will learn about the rocks of our state as well as gain an understanding of its rich geologic past. They will also explore the rocks that contain water and will explore the connection between surface water and groundwater.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 9–14
Lead Instructor: Kelsey Brannan, general manager, WSUM Madison Student Radio

Testing, testing! In this program, participants will learn the basics of interviewing and recording. At the end, participants will be able to show their new skills by recording an interview between them and their grandparents.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low. Most activities and tours take place indoors, with some walking required. Participants will be seated for most activities.

Sessions: II, III
Ages: 9–14
Lead Instructor: Anne Moser, education coordinator, Wisconsin Sea Grant

Lake Mendota is the perfect place to spend a summer day and explore a freshwater ecosystem. As a limnologist, you will test the water for oxygen and temperature and take samples of the lake’s murky bottom aboard Limnos, a 28-foot research boat. You will join our Sea Grant experts to explore the ecology of our Great Lakes. You will also learn about Wisconsin’s groundwater and work with water chemists in our laboratory.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: High. Significant movement and physical activity, including walking or hiking outdoors. Participants will be getting in and out of a small research vessel.

Note to participants: You’ll take water samples and board a boat from a wooden-plank pier. Please wear appropriate footwear. There is no formal seating on the boat. You’ll be standing or sitting on the gunnels for approximately 90 minutes. There is some outside walking and climbing of stairs required. Be prepared for all weather — the boat will go out in all conditions except for lightning, including heat and rain. Be sure to cover for sun or rain and bring a hat if you would like.

Session: III
Ages: 7–14
Lead Instructor: Jeff Sindelar, associate professor and Division of Extension meat specialist, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Have you ever wondered where chicken nuggets come from or why sausages are so tasty? In this major, you will have a chance to be a meat scientist and a meat processor for a few hours. We will cut up chickens and make (and eat) different products such as chicken nuggets and sausages while learning about the science of meat processing every step of the way!

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium/High

Note to participants: Bring a coat/sweater as we will be in a 50-degree Fahrenheit room. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

Session: III
Ages: 11–14
Lead Instructor: Margaret Mooney, Director of Education and Public Outreach, Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS)

Learn about forces that create our local weather patterns and UW contributions to the field of satellite meteorology. In this major, you'll view real-time imagery of Earth and its atmosphere on a 3-D globe and investigate weather phenomena like tornadoes and hurricanes via interactive computer activities. You'll also test your orientation skills by identifying campus landmarks on satellite images while comparing them to your birds-eye view from the roof of our 16-story building.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low

Session: III
Ages: 7–10
Lead Instructor: Jamie Henke, distinguished faculty associate, Division of Continuing Studies

We will explore the structure of the blues and talk about the three chords that make up the blues and how they are organized into a pattern. We will learn about making music using call and response, and we will also learn how to scat sing. We will also learn about five different African birds and their songs, and use those songs for our scat syllables. In the process, we will explore diversity and learn that we need everyone to take part and share their different talents and abilities.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low.

Note to participants: You may want to wear flat shoes appropriate for some movement in case we have time to learn the dance moves associated with the African birds.

Session: III
Ages: 9–14
Lead Instructor: Britta Lothary, clinical instructor, School of Nursing

Participants will explore some places where nurses work and learn more about what nurses do. You’ll practice basic nursing skills using human-patient simulators in our skills lab at the School of Nursing. You’ll also try computer games designed to teach medical terms and learn about how nurses keep patients safe.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium. Some walking (mostly indoor).

Note to participants: Please wear comfortable shoes.

Sessions: II, III
Ages: 11–14
Lead Instructor: Allison Bender, outreach and events coordinator, Wisconsin Energy Institute

Become an energy expert and learn how researchers are working together to advance the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. How can we make the best windmill? Can prairie plants replace petroleum in our cars and trucks? Everybody is needed — from engineers to artists to politicians. Join us to learn why renewable energy is so exciting, and put your new knowledge to work with hands-on activities.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium

Note to participants: Please wear closed-toe shoes for being in the lab, bring a water bottle, and dress for the weather.

Sessions: I, III
Ages: 7–14
Lead Instructor: Jennifer Mitchell, youth and community education specialist, UW–Madison Arboretum

Participants will investigate the Arboretum’s Native Plant Garden, Curtis Prairie, and Teal Pond Wetland to learn about plant and animal habitats. Through these investigations and close observations of Wisconsin native plants and insects, participants will learn about pollination, invasive species, the importance of restoring lands to native habitats, and research being done at the Arboretum.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: High

Note to participants: Be prepared for the weather and mosquitoes. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Bring a raincoat if rain is in the forecast. On Friday, wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a long-sleeve shirt.

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 7–10
Lead Instructor: Reba Luiken, director, Allen Centennial Garden, Department of Horticulture, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Learn how the Allen Centennial Garden’s gardening practices are helping to mitigate the effects of urban life and climate change by connecting people to plants. In this major, participants will get their hands dirty and leave with a new-found appreciation for plants.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: High. Significant movement and physical activity, including walking or hiking outdoors.

Note to participants: Allen Centennial Garden has NO indoor facilities on site. We will be outside for the entire session, so please dress for the weather and the possibility of getting dirty. Participants may come into contact with bees or other allergens found in nature. There is alternative classroom space for inclement weather.

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 11–14
Lead Instructor: Bilge Mutlu, Professor, Department of Computer Science

Come meet a robot! In this major, you’ll learn how researchers are developing social robots for our everyday lives. Participants will study the social cues that these robots use to interact more easily with humans. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn how to program a robot to emulate some of these characteristics.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low

Session: II
Ages: 9–14
Lead Instructor: Ellen Bechtol

Join us for a hands-on exploration of IceCube, the biggest and strangest telescope in the world. Learn about the lives of the men and women who are working in the extreme South Pole environment to develop new ways to explore the universe. You’ll learn about neutrinos — the mysterious cosmic messengers detected by IceCube — and what they tell us about the composition of matter, cosmic explosions, and more.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium

Session: III
Ages: 7–14
Lead Instructor: Doug Soldat, professor, Department of Soil Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Learn about the science of the suburban environment! You will explore grasses, insects, fungi, and soils while learning about how scientists study these things to enhance the quality of life in urban areas while protecting the environment.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium. Some walking between buildings and across turfgrass research field plots.

Note to participants: Bring sunscreen.

Session: III
Ages: 9–14
Lead Instructor: Karen Hershberger-Braker, lecturer, Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine

Participants will work with live animals (dogs, cows, and horses) to learn the basics of physical examination and handling. We’ll explore comparative anatomical features, drawing on knowledge of the human form, and the basics of health and well-care in our veterinary patients. We’ll explore the depth and breadth of the veterinary profession through many fun, hands-on activities.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium

Note to participants: Travel outside the country or contact with farm animals 14 days prior to the start of the program is prohibited. We are in contact with live (healthy) animals, which may be an allergy concern for some.

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 7–14
Lead Instructor: Jamie Nack, Division of Extension senior wildlife outreach specialist, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Take a walk on the wild side! In this major, you’ll learn about dozens of Wisconsin’s fascinating wild animals, from ruby-throated hummingbirds to black bears. Then, pick up the basic techniques of bird identification and bird-watching. Finally, test your new skills by going on a scavenger hunt around campus in search of wildlife and the clues they’ve left behind.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: High

Note to participants: This program will occur rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather. If you have binoculars, please bring them along.

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 7–14
Lead Instructor: Mallory Conlon, quantum science outreach coordinator, Wisconsin Quantum Institute

Participants will learn the wonders of physics in a fun — and delicious — series of experiments! You will learn some physics basics before putting those new skills to the test!

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low