Free Adult Education
Course Schedule
Fall 2011 Courses
Adventures with our Ancestors: The Relationship of Neandertals to Modern Humans, Professor Janet Monge. 7 Mondays, October 3 - November 14, 2011, 6:30 to 8:00 PM. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 33rd and Spruce Streets. This course will explore human evolution and the evidence for a relationship between Neandertals and modern humans. The class includes a visit to the newly installed human evolution exhibit at the Penn Museum.
No preregistration required.
Science, Art, and Fashion during the Golden Age of French Natural History, 1790-1830, Professors Sylwester Ratowt and Jane E. Boyd. 7 Wednesdays, October 5 - November 16, 2011, 6:30 to 8:00 PM. American Philosophical Society Museum, 104 S. 5th Street (next to Independence Hall). This course is based on the ideas explored in the exhibit "Of Elephants & Roses: Encounters with French Natural History, 1790-1830," currently on display at the American Philosophical Society Museum. The exhibit will be open for viewing prior to each class.
No preregistration required.
Birds and Birding in the Delaware Valley, Professor Clifford Hence. 6 Wednesdays, October 5 - November 9, 2011, 6:30 to 7:45 PM. Independence Branch of the Free Library, 18 S. 7th Street (between Market and Chestnut). This course will look at the unique anatomy of birds and provide a framework for recognizing bird species through visual identification and by their songs and calls.
No preregistration required.
Fall 2008 Courses
An Introduction to Insects and Related Arthropods, Professor Jon K. Gelhaus. Thursday, September 18, 2008, beginning at 6:30 PM. 9 Classes. (No class Thursday, October 9, 2008). The Academy of Natural Sciences, 19th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. This course will explore the diversity of insects and related arthropods. This course requires preregistration and is limited to 20 students.
To preregister, call 215-763-6529, ext. 23, beginning Monday, September 8, 2008.
An Introduction to Darwin and Evolutionary Biology, Professor Scott McRobert. Monday, September 22, 2008, beginning at 6:15 PM. 8 Mondays (No class Monday, October 13, 2008). Wynnefield Branch of the Free Library, 5325 Overbrook Avenue. This course will provide and overview of the history and science of evolutionary biology. No preregistration required.
Molecules that Matter, Professor Erin McLeary. Tuesday, October 7, 2008, beginning at 6:30 PM. 6 Tuesdays. The Chemical Heritage Foundation, 315 Chestnut Street. This course will focus on seven specific molecules that have played key roles in American's lives in the 20th Century, putting each into scientific, historical, and cultural perspective. This course requires preregistration. To preregister, call 215-763-6529, ext. 23, beginning Monday, September 8, 2008.
Surviving "Surviving": The Making of an Exhibit on Human Evolution, Professor Janet Monge. Monday, October 20, 2008, beginning at 6:30 PM. 6 Mondays. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 33rd and Spruce Streets. This course will explore the topic of evolution as seen through the lens of the exhibit, Surviving: The Body of Evidence, which opened at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in April 2008. No preregistration required.
Spring 2009 Courses
Grasses, Rushes, and Sedges, Professor Karen Snetselaar. Monday, January 12, 2009, beginning at 6:30 PM. 6 Mondays (No class Monday, January 19, 2009). Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, 100 N. 20th Street. This course will provide a general overview of grasses and some of their relatives. This course requires preregistration. To preregister, call 215-763-6529, ext. 23, beginning Monday, November 17, 2008.
Genetics in the Wild: Wildlife Conservation and Genetics, Professor Mary Beth Davis. Wednesday, January 19, 2009, beginning at 6:30 PM. 7 Wednesdays. Independence Branch of the Free Library, 18 S. 7th Street. This course will explore how genetics can be used to aid conservation efforts and will examine studies of endangered animal species and "recovered species." No preregistration required.
Field Paleontology, Professor William B. Gallagher. Saturday, January 31, 2009, beginning at 10:15 AM. 6 Saturdays. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 33rd and Spruce Streets. This course will discuss the methods of modern paleontological excavation techniques and demonstrated by a series of case studies of fossil excavations. No preregistration required.
Park, Cemetery, and Garden: The Landscapes of Philadelphia, Professor Michael J. Lewis. Monday, March 23, 2009, beginning at 6:30 PM. 6 Mondays. Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, 100 N. 20th Street. This course will examine the landscape tradition in Philadelphia, covering such topics as Quaker attitudes toward the useful and practical arts, the role of parks in promoting public health and safe drinking water, and the development of the modern public cemetery. This course requires preregistration. To preregister, call 215-763-6529, ext. 23, beginning Monday, November 17, 2008.
Spring Flora of Fairmount Park, Professor Alfred E. Schuyler. 4 Saturdays, April 18 to May 9, 2009, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This is a field class. We will visit four sites in different areas of the city, all part of Fairmount Park, and identify the plants we encounter. This course requires preregistration and is limited to 25 students. To preregister, call 215-763-6529, ext. 23, beginning Monday, November 17, 2008.
Free Courses Offered 2007
Invertebrate Diversity with an Emphasis on Mollusks: by Professor Daniel L. Graf
6:30 PM, Tuesdays, September 25, 2007 to November 13, 2007 at Academy of Natural Science of Philadelphia at 19th St. and Ben Franklin Parkway
An Introduction to Insects and Related Arthropods: by Professors Robert Allen & Jon Gelhaus
6:30 PM, Thursdays, September 27, 2007 to November 15, 2007 at Academy of Natural Science of Philadelphia at 19th St. and Ben Franklin Parkway.
Technological Breakthroughs of the 20th Century: by Professor Paul Angiolillo
6:30 PM Wednesdays, September 26, 2007 to November 14, 2007 at the Wynnefield Branch of the Free Library 5325 Overbrook Ave.
Human Evolution: The Legacy of the Intelligent Biped: by Professor Janet Monge
6:30 PM Mondays, October 15, 2007 to November 19, 2007 at the University of Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
Free Courses Offered 2008
Mosses, Ferns, and Other Non-Flowering Plants: by Professor Karen Snetselaar
6:30 PM, Tuesdays, January 15, 2008 then Mondays January 21 to February 18, 2008 at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society at 100 N. 20th St. (20th & Arch) Preregestration required which begins November 12, 2007. Call 215-763-6529, ext.23.
Big Cats, Little Cats, and Their Genes: by Professor Mary Beth Davis
6:30 PM Wednesdays, January 16, 2008 to Februaryr 27, 2008 at the Independent Branch of the Free Library at 18 S. 7th street (7th and Market Streets).
Perching Birds of the World-Passeriform (Songbird) Families : by Professor Nathan Rice
6:30 PM, Thursdays, January 31, 2008 to March 13, 2008 at Academy of Natural Science of Philadelphia at 19th St. and Ben Franklin Parkway.
Msozoic Ruling Reptiles: By Professor William Gallagher
10:15 to 11:45 AM, Saturdays, January 26, 2008 to March 29, 2008 at the University of Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at 33rd and Spruce Streets at east end by garage.
The Evolution of Ideas about Human Evolution: by Professor Monique Scott
6:30 PM Wednesdays, March 26, 2008 to May 7, 2008 at the Independent Branch of the Free Library at 18 S. 7th street (7th and Market Streets). Creation/evolution is discussed.
Invasive Plants in the Philadelphia Area: by Professor Alfred Schuyler
6:30 PM, Mondays, March 31,2008 to May 5, 2008 at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society at 100 N. 20th St. (20th & Arch)
Past Courses
Essential Aromatics from Plants
Instructor: Dr. Karen Snetselaar
Saint Joseph’s University
See http://www.sju.edu/biology/ksweb/Wagner/smells/aroma.html for PowerPoint presentations
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Location of The Wagner Free Institute of Science
1700 West Montgomery Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Telephone: 215-763-6529
Email: info@wagnerfreeinstitute.org
HOURS
Museum:
Tuesday - Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM
Weekend programs (also see our Upcoming Events page)
Library:
Tuesday - Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM (appointment required, call 215-763-6529 x12)
Programs:
Adult courses Weekday evenings, 6:30 - 9 PM & Saturday mornings
Children’s lessons Tuesday - Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM (reservation required, call 215-763-6529 x17)
Office:
Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM
Closed National Holidays
ADMISSION
The Institute is committed to its mission of making scientific information and resources available to a wide audience. Admission to all education programs is free of charge. A donation of $8 is suggested for museum visitors. Guided tours are $15 for adults, $10 for members of the Institute and senior citizens, and $5 for children. Call for group rates. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
EDUCATION AND TOUR PROGRAMS
Reservations are required for all group visits. To schedule a children’s lesson or field trip visit, call the children’s education department at 215-763-6529 x17. To schedule a guided tour, art class or other group visit, please contact 215-763-6529 x17.
RESEARCH APPOINTMENTS
The library and archive collections are open to researchers during regular hours by appointment. To make a reservation, call the Librarian at 215-763-6529 x12.
The museum collections are also available to researchers. Hours of access vary from regular museum hours. Visit the museum page for more information or call 215-763-6529 x14.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Institute endeavors to make its programs and collections available to all. However, it occupies its original building, which is little altered since the turn of the last century. Its status as a National Historic Landmark prohibits making significant changes to the structure. The exhibit hall occupies the second story of the building and is reached by a single flight of stairs; there is no elevator. The first story, including the library and lecture hall, are more easily accessible. A slide tour and interpretive program is available for visitors who cannot navigate the stairs. In addition, sign interpretation is available for some special programs. Visitors should contact the education department staff for more information about these services.
MUSEUM SHOP
The Wagner’s museum shop reflects its collections. Here you’ll find natural objects like trilobites and ammonites, geodes, amethysts and other minerals, starfish and seashells, and a wide selection of nature guides, posters, mobiles, and magnets. The shop is open during regular museum hours and for special programs.
Website: http://www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org/index.shtml
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