Here are some of our recent activities...
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Persuasion - How Minds Change
You can present a good, logical case for your proposal, but don't expect that it will persuade anyone to change their mind and agree with you!
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‘Demon Copperhead’ by barbara Kingsolver
Reviews divided the group. Modern version of David Copperfield. "The wonder is you could start with nothing and end with nothing and lose so much in-between".
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Epigenetics and Ethics of Genetic Engineering
It's not just your genes, but the environment they find themselves in. And should we interfere with genes to prevent inherited diseases? What about enhancing intelligence?
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Snow Hill to the University of Birmingham
This was a walk along roads and paths from Snow Hill Station to the University of Birmingham with added commentary along the way.
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Tiny Computers and a Fun Project
We looked at a range microcomputers, then built a project kit to make a line-following robot.
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‘The Constant Gardener’ by John Le Carre
The novel was immersive and a page-turner but we found the subject matter difficult to read about.
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Our Beliefs and Why They Don't Change Easily
We discussed how we form our beliefs, and why they can be very difficult to change.
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‘Precipice’ by Robert Harris
Well received. Harris' style combining fact with fiction increased understanding of the start of WW1. The number of letters exchanged was astonishing, so was the Post Office service.
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Bioelectricity
Is it bioelectrical signals rather than the genome and epigenetically induced biochemical processes that carry the "design" for an organism?
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Many Hands Make Light Work
We explored the practical aspects of wiring domestic electrical fittings, observing standards and safety considerations.