Generations learn together at Grandparents University

Kids need guidance from family and friends who care about them. And who better to mentor children than their grandparents?

Co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Alumni Association and UW-Extension, Grandparents University is a two-day workshop at the University of Wisconsin–Madison that connects children ages 7-12 and their grandparents through a learning experience that transcends generations.

On July 19-20, grandparents and grandchildren will learn from UW–Madison faculty and earn a “degree” in science, ecology, communication arts or history.

“Grandparents University is a great way to connect alumni to their alma mater, and is sure to get future Badgers excited about attending college,” says Paula Bonner, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

That certainly has been the case for Bob Wendorf, a 1951 alumnus, and his grandson Eric, 8. “Eric is really looking forward to staying in the dorms and getting into the classrooms,” says Bob. “He’s excited to be a ‘college’ student.”

Bob and Eric knew right away that they wanted to be science “majors.”

“I really like science,” says Eric. “Once at a science fair I got to hold a human lung, and touch some dog eyes. I touched a brain once, too, at a hospital. I like gross stuff like that.”

In the laboratory at Grandparents University, “scientists” won’t be touching any organs, but they will learn about advances in medical technology. They’ll extract DNA from common foods, work with light emitting diodes, experiment with memory metals, and analyze ferrofluids.

Grandparent-grandchild pairs who choose a history “major” will get a historical perspective on Wisconsin. They’ll study Wisconsin’s agricultural past, explore predictions made one hundred years ago about Wisconsin’s future, and learn the stories of the men and women of Wisconsin who served in military conflicts.

“History is alive,” says Beth Kowalski, interpretive content coordinator at the State Historical Museum. “We want to make Wisconsin history come alive and Grandparents University will help us do that for many Wisconsin alumni and future Badgers.”

Ecology students at Grandparents University will explore the Arboretum and Picnic Point, and learn about the biological diversity found in those habitats. They’ll discover creatures that live in ponds and dig for insects that live on the forest floor.

“Grandparents and grandchildren will see that people can have a positive relationship with nature,” says Judy Kingsbury, educational programs specialist.

Other Grandparents University participants will be getting their feet wet in a different way: By producing their own short films and learning stage acting techniques. They’ll also get a chance to work in the control room of a television studio and learn more about classic Hollywood animation.

“The people who made early cartoons were some of the most creative filmmakers in Hollywood,” says Ethan de Seife, graduate student at UW–Madison.

“The entire program gives grandparents and grandchildren the chance to create a bond that will last a lifetime while sharing an exciting learning experience,” says Bonnie Hutchins, outreach specialist at UW-Extension. “In addition to learning from accomplished UW professors, participants will share in activities such as creating oral histories, staying in the dorms, and attending a tailgate at Camp Randall.”

Registration deadline for Grandparents University is Thursday, July 5. The American Association of Retired Persons is offering full scholarships to four low-income grandparent-grandchild pairs to attend this year’s Grandparents University.

For more information, call UW-Extension, (888) 391-4255. Reservations are filling up quickly for each of the majors, so prospective students are encouraged to register as soon as possible.