Arlington Community Education

Come ponder the universe’s vast wonderland. Begin by putting everything into perspective with a grand tour from Earth to the Big Bang, then examine the lives of stars and the key role they play in the creation of the elements that comprise our world. We will also discuss the simplest yet scariest objects of all, black holes. Then we’ll look at the variable sky, especially new “movies” of the sky being made and the crazy celestial menagerie they reveal. In the final session, learn about NASA's amazing Chandra X-ray Observatory, right here in the Boston area. Learn about the recent discoveries Chandra has made during its two decades in orbit. Specifically designed to investigate very hot regions of the universe by resolving celestial X-ray sources with unprecedented precision, Chandra has greatly advanced the field of X-ray astronomy. See how its discoveries have illuminated exploded stars, clusters of galaxies, and the doomed matter around black holes. Please note: Open to students ages 14+

Climate Change 101: Science, Impact, and Solutions Become informed and armed with a deeper understanding of climate change and how you can get involved. Each week we will examine a different facet of this complicated issue. Walk through the history of the Earth’s climate, starting with an overview of the natural climate processes from ice age cycles to volcanic eruptions. Discover what scientists know and how they learn about the Earth’s climate, and explore strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the small scale (drive less) to the very large scale (geoengineering). 4 Wednesdays, Sept. 30–Oct. 21 | 7:00–8:30 pm | $59 From Natural Emissions to Fossil Fuels: A Sector-by-Sector Look at Climate Change Are you curious about where greenhouse gas emissions come from and what emissions you are personally responsible for? Take a deep dive into the individual sectors that influence climate-relevant emissions, and acquire tools to quantify your personal footprint. Explore both natural and human-made sources of emissions from sectors such as transportation, energy production (oil, coal, etc.), industry (construction materials and waste) and agriculture (food production). Discover the impact your decisions have on the globe and the communities we live in. 3 Wednesdays, Oct. 28–Nov. 18 | 7:00–8:30 pm | $45 Take Both Climate Change classes and Save! | $95 These events are co-sponsored by Mothers Out Front and Sustainable Arlington

DNA test basics(Part 1) This is an introductory level class for those new to DNA testing. Join Dr. Abraham and discover which DNA test to take, and what services the DNA companies offer. We will cover how to set up accounts with different DNA companies as well as strategies to minimize cost while maximizing the information you receive from your DNA test. Learn how to contact matches and the basics of using DNA matches to build trees (either for known genealogy or birth parent searches). 3 Tuesdays, Sept. 22 - Oct. 6 | 7pm - 9pm | $59 You Took a DNA Test: What Do the Matches Mean? (Part 2) Now that you have taken a DNA test we’ll focus on using the results to build trees. There is a lot of information embedded in DNA matches - cM’s, segments, who shares with whom, who has trees. This class will cover looking at matches primarily on ancestry.com and 23andMe.com with a quick tour of ftdna.com, myheritage.com, and gedmatch.com. Leave the class with a better understanding of what information is available in match data and how it can help verify or create (for adoptees) your tree. 3 Tuesdays, October 13 - 27 | 7pm - 9pm | $59 Using DNA to Advance Genealogy (Part 3) Build your tree as you learn to use the data power of a DNA test to confirm ancestors. We will work on locating sources and confirming common ancestors with “more distant” DNA matches (3rd - 6th cousins). Topics will include chromosome mapping, and how it allows you to determine which segments of DNA came from which part of your family, as well as how DNA segments and clusters can help identify possible genetic matches. Learn about websites that can continue to help on your genealogy research including Familysearch.org and wikitree.com. 3 Tuesdays, Nov. 10 - 24 | 7pm - 9pm | $59 Take all 3 DNA & Genealogy classes and save | $159

Moderator: Anne Wright, Arlington Mothers Out Front Panelists: Andee Krasner, Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and Mothers Out Front Dr. Regina LaRocque, Infectious Disease Specialist, Massachusetts General Hospital Many of us take the safety and convenience of gas stoves for granted. We grew up with them, still use them, and they work well. However, a growing body of research shows that gas stoves create significant indoor air pollution, affecting children as well as adults, increasing respiratory and other chronic health conditions. This session will provide an overview of key research findings as well as specific health issues, including the connection between air pollution and infectious disease, with time for questions and answers. A downloadable handout will have links to the studies described. Another will illustrate the wide range of solutions for reducing exposure to gas stove pollution. Co-sponsored by Mothers Out Front, a national organization of mothers, grandmothers, and other caregivers working together to create a healthy climate today and a livable future for all our children.