Learning on the Move is a program within the general curriculum of the Institute of Learning in Retirement. These educational outings are small groups that carpool to specific sites in the Tucson area for prearranged tours followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant. For example, past tours have included Roche Labs, the Tucson Crime Lab, the Tucson Wildlife Center, The Arboretum and Pharmacy Museum at the University of Arizona, the Tucson Museum of Art and the pottery collection at the Arizona State Museum.
Learning on the Move tours are open only to ILR members. You must register online ($15.00 per tour); participation is limited and accepted on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Wait lists are maintained.
Dates and Descriptions for Fall, 2024:
Gem & Mineral Museum-Wednesday December 4th 10:00 AM group size 20
The Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral museum is housed downtown in the beautiful courthouse which has been called the “most outstanding Spanish Colonial Revival building in Arizona. The visitor center staff will provide a tour of the heritage center, highlighting the history of the courthouse and the impact of the cultures in the development and growth of Tucson. The tour includes the Dillinger Courtroom and the January 8th Memorial. Next ,an excellent tour guide will lead us on a one-of-a-kind experience showcasing world-class minerals, gems, jewelry, fossils, and meteorites all in one place. The museum features three galleries celebrating an interwoven relationship between science and art.
Caywood Cotton Farm – Thursday November 21st 10:00 AM group size 26
Arizona grows some of the finest cotton in the world producing both Pima and Upland cotton. The Caywood Farm, purchased in 1930, is a 5th generation farm on 255 acres. The farm grows a variety of crops besides cotton, including several forage crops. We will have an indoor seated presentation learning about the complex process of “seed to bale”, handling drought, water conservation and water delivery. A hayride to the cotton field provides an opportunity to see and pick cotton. Very little walking is involved on this fascinating two and half hour tour.
Therapeutic Riding of Tucson – Tuesday November 12th 3:30 PM group size 24
Referred to as TROTS, this horse therapy ranch was started in 1974 and was the first of its kind in the US to use horses for therapies treating addiction, depression, mood disorders, anxiety and trauma. Specially trained prized horses, a highly certified medical staff and many volunteers are able to treat children, adults and veterans at a high professional level. We will be touring the ranch, learning about many of the little known abilities of horses, and watching a class of challenged children.
Lunar Planetary Lab – Monday October 28th 11:00 group size 12
The Lunar planetary Lab on the UA campus is one of the world’s largest planetary science research centers in a university setting. Dante Lauretta was the principal investigator for the OSIRIS-REx capsule landing on the asteroid Bennu 4.4 billion miles away. The lab is currently leading the OSIRIS-APEX project headed to asteroid APophis. Our tour guide worked on OSIRIS – REx. She will take us to a few labs where scientists are currently working on a variety of projects involving planetary interiors, surfaces and atmosphere; the sun and its heliosphere; interstellar space; and the origins and evolution of life.
Tucson Wildlife Center – Wednesday October 16th 10:00 AM Group size 8
The Sam Goldman Wildlife Hospital is the only 24/7/365 hospital in So. Arizona. The center is dedicated to the rescue, emergency medical care, rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife before returning them to the wild. We have no idea at this point just which animals will be there for treatment. We will tour the facility, learn the processes involved in rehabilitation, and briefly view the animals.