Science Semester: Book Reading and Discussion Group

Next session: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 | 1:30pm-3:30pm

Details:

Third Tuesdays of Each Month- January-May, 1:30-3:30 pm

The Science Semester led by Steven Skalak, is a participatory reading and discussion group with an active exchange of ideas and reactions to our books on various scientific topics. The group will follow the basic book group format of reading the book followed by a discussion meeting at which participants can share their reactions and own life experience as it relates to the topic.  Participants are expected to acquire their own reading materials, list of required material below.

The next group of books will focus on the diverse but nevertheless interrelated topics of human evolution, the mechanics of the oceans, the science involved in modern agriculture, and our changing atmosphere.  The January book is the award winning Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.  February's read will be The Blue Machine: How the Ocean Works by award winning British oceanographer and physicist Helen Czerski.

January 21 - Sapiens traces the development of humankind through three major evolutionary/revolutionary stages: The Cognitive Revolution (circa 70,000 years ago); the Agricultural Revolution (circa 10,000 years ago); and the Scientific Revolution (circa 500 years ago and continuing).  This work puts our reading and discussion of "The Gene" last semester in a broader historical context and focuses on the uniquely human aspects of the evolution of our species in contrast to any other.  

February 18 -The Blue Machine illustrates the mechanisms behind the defining feature of our planet- the oceans and explains how this giant engine of life is powered by sunlight and drives huge flows of energy, water, raw materials, and life itself.  Czerski's use of culture, species, deep water dives and historic voyages produces an engaging explanation of the many ways in which we rely on the oceans as an invaluable adjunct to our lives.  Elegantly and passionately written this book presents a fresh perspective on what it means to be a citizen of an ocean planet.  

Free and open to Center members.

This program is in partnership with the Charlottesville Newcomers Club.

Members only.

Location:
The Center

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