Majors

The majors below are for Grandparents University (GPU) 2024. An email was sent to the “primary grandparent” in late April confirming your assigned major. As a reminder, all majors are subject to a seniority-based placement process.

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.

Session: II
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Amy Workman, director, 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

Note to Participants: Wear shoes you can comfortably walk in. We will be going outside, so dress appropriately for the weather.

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Kara Morris, education coordinator, 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: Medium

Note to Participants: Though the major is mostly seated, there will be occasional periods of standing for up to 20 minutes at a time. Art materials may stain clothes so participants should dress accordingly or bring an apron/smock.

Session: I
Ages: 7–10

Lead Instructor: Kay Kriewald, outreach specialist, Department of Astronomy

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: Low

Note to Participants: Access to the telescope at Washburn is only by the stairs.

Session: I
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Liz Jesse ’98, science outreach specialist, 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, investigate which milks make better bubbles, and run an electrophoresis experiment to analyze samples of “alien blood.”

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low to Medium

Sessions: I, 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. We will also explore Chinese culture through cultural activities such as Chinese calligraphy, songs, and festivals.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low

Session: I
Ages: 7–10

Lead Instructor: Kristin Brown ’97, instructor, Department of Computer Sciences

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

Sessions: I, II
Ages: 11–14

Lead Instructor: Allyson Gross MA'21, PhD candidate, Department of 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

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 9–14

Lead Instructor: Feng He MS'08, PhD'11, senior scientist, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, Center for Climatic Research

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

Session: II
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Thomas Owenby PhD’18, associate dean of teacher education, School of Education

You will explore the ways in which teachers learn how to teach. Areas of focus will include building a learning community, understanding yourself in relation to others, and learning how to teach a concept.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 7–10

Lead Instructor: PJ Liesch MS’10, outreach program manager, Department of Entomology

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

Sessions: I, II
Ages: 9–14

Lead Instructor: Julie Wood ’82, MS’07, emerita, Wisconsin School of Business

Learn what an entrepreneur is, including what an entrepreneur does and the characteristics that make up a successful entrepreneur. Participants will choose a business idea, based on their unique talents and skills, and will create marketing materials and develop that idea using the Business Model Canvas.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low

Session: I
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Scott Rankin, professor, Department of Food Science

Explore the world of dairy science with a focus on UW–Madison’s very own Babcock ice cream. You will become an ice cream expert, designing your own flavor, making ice cream, and tasting Babcock ice cream flavors while learning about dairy processing.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium

Note to Participants: Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Remove all jewelry and if applicable, tie your hair back in a hair tie.

Sessions: II, III
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Melissa Reusche’13, MS’17, PhD candidate, Department of Geology

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 and gain an understanding of Wisconsin's rich geologic past. They will also explore the rocks that contain water and the connection between surface water and groundwater.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low

Session: III
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Margaret Costello, research assistant, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences

Have you ever wondered why hot dogs 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 meat and make (and eat) hot dogs while learning about the science of meat processing every step of the way!

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium

Note to Participants: Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring a light jacket to wear during the meat plant tour.

Session: I
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Jessica Brown PhDx’25, research assistant, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences

Have you ever wondered why chicken nuggets 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 meat and make (and eat) chicken nuggets while learning about the science of meat processing every step of the way!

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium

Note to Participants: Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring a light jacket to wear during the meat plant tour.

Session: I
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: David Mikolajczyk’12, MS’22, researcher, Antarctic Meteorological Research and Data Center

Learn about forces that create our local weather patterns and about UW contributions to the field of satellite meteorology. In this major, you’ll view real-time imagery of Earth and its atmosphere on a 3D 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

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 7–10

Lead Instructor: Jamie Henke, distinguished teaching professor, 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 scat singing and create our own chants. Along the way, we will explore UW Marching Band favorites.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Low

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

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 7–10

Lead Instructor: Joseph Pierre, assistant professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences

Have you ever wondered how nutrients in food affect your body? Explore the world of nutritional science during this major as you learn about the human body and its interactions with food.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 11–14

Lead Instructors:

Explore the world of pharmacy — visit several interactive stations and get your passport stamped as you learn about the role of pharmacists and the science behind helping people live better, healthier lives. You’ll also discover how to identify certain medications, how custom medication is made, how best to communicate with patients, and how to prepare and distribute medicines safely. Plus, enjoy the chance to make your own candy gummy bears — that you can eat — and take home your own lab coat.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium

Note to Participants: This major will have mostly seated activities. Some movement and walking are required. An elevator is available. Closed-toe shoes are required in the laboratory.

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 9–14

Lead Instructor: Kelsey Brannan ’14, director of radio, 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

Session: III
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Madeline Smith MS’22, community education coordinator, 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: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Ryan Dostal, outreach specialist, plant and agroecosystem sciences, Allen Centennial Garden

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: Medium

Note to participants: Come dressed for the weather; there is walking from Allen Centennial Garden to Lake Mendota; this event will be outside unless there is lightning or heavy rain.

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Callie Y. Kim, graduate student, Department of Computer Sciences

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: Medium

Session: II
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Alisa King-Klemperer, communications manager, Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center (WIPAC)

Join us for a hands-on exploration of IceCube, the biggest and strangest telescope in the world. Learn about the lives of researchers 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: Low

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.

Session: III
Ages: 11–14

Lead Instructor: Baron Kelly PhD’03, professor, Department of Theatre and Drama

Participants will engage in a form of free play in the class with each other and individually. Exercises in the psycho/physical connection with each other will open up the channel of joy, spontaneity, and creativity.

Anticipated Activities:

Physical Activity Level: Medium

Note to participants: Wear rubber bottom shoes (sneakers or exercise shoes), no hard sole shoes please.

Session: I
Ages: 7–10

Lead Instructor: Karen Herschberger-Braker DVM'10, assistant teaching professor, Department of Comparative Biosciences and Pathobiological Sciences

Participants will work with live animals 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: No travel outside the country or contact with farm animals within two weeks of the program. Caution regarding animal allergies as we may handle live animals (dog, horse, cow).

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: The program is outdoors, rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather. If you have binoculars, please bring them with you.

Sessions: I, II, III
Ages: 7–14

Lead Instructor: Haddie McLean ’00, outreach program manager, Department of Physics

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: Medium