Grandparents College Courses

"Albion and Beyond!"

You can be a star … or at least learn all about them. This course will cover all of the basics of astronomy and sky viewing. Out of this world!

"Art Beyond Boundaries"

Come discover your ability to be creative! You don't need to be an "artist" to join in. All you need is an open mind and the willingness to have fun with it! We'll guide you through the recipe of creating your own masterpiece painting that you get to take home with you. Even if you've never held a paintbrush before, we'll show you that you are a true artist!

"Baseball Basics"

Grab a glove and jump right in. Britons' talented baseball coach will have you mastering America's favorite game in no time!

"Basket Weaving 101"

Think basket weaving is the easiest class you'll ever take? Come find out! Learn the basics of weaving and make your own creation to take home. Simple, fun, and a must for every "college student."

"Beyond Spaghettios"

Whether you are a natural-born chef or you regularly burn the beans, you will enjoy this fun and easy class. Learn how to make several classic Italian dishes that will wow your friends and family. Get hands-on experience, learn some easy and safe techniques for the kitchen, take home some great recipes, and eat your homework at the end of class!

"Bird Banding at the Whitehouse Nature Center"

Join us as we set up nets to catch and band local birds. In addition, we may visit and band young birds in nest boxes in Whitehouse Nature Center that are part of a long-term research project. (Some walking in the fields by the center may be required.)

"The Birds and the Bats"

By putting your construction skills to work, you will build a bird house (hammer and nails) or a bat house (cordless drill and screws) from start to finish. Learn about our friends, the birds and the bats, and take home your wonderfully crafted project. This promises to be a fantastic and memorable activity.

"Clown University"

Think you're going to clown around in class? You're right! Learn the basics of face painting, body language, comedic timing, and perhaps some beginning juggling thrown in for fun. Of course, what clowning class would be complete without loads of balloon animals? Learn to make classic favorites and fun new twists. This course will be a barrel of laughs!

"Communicating News"

This course will take an up-close look at the evolution of communication in America. You will be part of surveying news from the typewriter, to fax, and now the digital age.

"Dollar Origami"

Beyond typical colored paper, the art of paper folding—origami—can utilize paper money! In this course, learn how to create some out-of-this-world dollar origami art. An elephant, shirt and tie, peacock, and jumping frog are all examples of the awesome pieces you'll create from a simple dollar bill.

"Down on the Farm"

The Student Farm is home to open gardens, a hoophouse, and honeybees. Get your hands dirty as we learn about and help harvest some of the produce that goes to the dining hall. We will suit up and take a look at a beehive in search of different bees that keep the hive alive and buzzing. Safety gear is provided.

"Everything you ever wanted to know about Football"

Come learn the basics of football or hone your skills with Albion College's football special team coordinator and coach. Fundamentals, techniques, safety, and rules of the game will be covered. Participants will improve their throwing, catching, and kicking skills!

"Horsing Around"

Take an adventure to the beautiful Nancy G. Held Equestrian Center. During your visit, the horses will meet you in person. They'll teach you about their living environment, what they eat, what they wear, and what they do for fun. You'll also have plenty of opportunities to have your picture taken with them. Saddle up and come on out!

"Introduction to World Harmony"

We'll learn and sing a variety of songs from various world traditions, incorporating drumming and other instruments into our performance. No prior singing experience required—we'll work together to find our voices and use them as we make great music together.

"Lemonade Stand"

So you've decided to open your own business—a lemonade stand! Learn about the 4 P's of marketing: product, price, placement, and promotion—and create your own lemonade kiosk on the Quad, competing against other teams for the most sales. You'll have complete control over almost every part of your business, including price, quality control, inventory, and purchasing supplies. Advertise your business by painting the Rock or hanging a sheet sign. You'll also deal with the weather, which can be unpredictable and affect demand for your "product."

"Messing with ‘Natural' Chemicals"

Students will perform an extraction of the oils of citrus fruits. Each participant will set up a steam distillation apparatus, prepare the seeds of the fruit for extraction, carry out the extraction, and do some qualitative and quantitative analysis on the isolated oils.

"Michigan's Reptiles and Amphibians"

The Whitehouse Nature Center is home to a variety of colorful and exciting reptiles and amphibians. We will take a close up view of some turtles, snakes, and frogs at the Visitor Center, then venture out to one of our ponds in search of tadpoles and other aquatic animals. You will feel like a real biologist.

"Pick up the Beat"

Learn about your heart, the greatest muscle in the body! You'll learn why you should get it pumping, what happens with each beat, and how you can keep it healthy throughout your life. Get ready to jump in and take an interactive ride through the heart.

"Stocks and Stock Options for the Novice"

Discover what stocks are and how they are categorized by professional money managers. In addition, we will discuss what stock options are and how anyone can use them to generate income. You will have the chance to devise a hypothetical portfolio based on your risk tolerance. No knowledge of stocks, stock options, or investing in general is needed.

"Trains!"

Do you like trains? Then this course is for you! Students will learn about freight and passenger railroad service in Albion. Related issues including crossing safety and environmental benefits will be discussed as we walk from campus to downtown Albion for a quick tour of the local Amtrak station. After watching a westbound Amtrak Wolverine stop, we will stroll back to campus as the train's "lonesome whistle" fades toward Chicago.

"We've Got Spirit How 'Bout You?"

Learn the basics of being an Albion College cheerleader. Crowd cheers, chants, and sideline material are taught in this fun and energetic class. Come find out what it takes to be a Briton cheerleader. Participants will have the opportunity to cheer at a future Albion College football game.

"What Lies Beneath"

Take a tunnel tour and experience the boiler room, the chiller room, the phone room, and the electrical room—all of the behind-the-scenes workings of Albion College. This is an amazing discovery of how heat, data, and electricity make their way across campus.
Max 12 per tour.