Free Educational Topics in Los Angeles & Orange County

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  • Mars: Conquest and Colonization

    David Lehman, Project Manager, Retired from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

    This presentation traces humanity's journey to the Red Planet, starting with Mariner 4's pioneering flyby. The current phase of Mars exploration features advanced missions like Mars Odyssey, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, Curiosity Rover, and Perseverance Rover, each contributing invaluable data about Mars' surface, atmosphere, and potential for life. Looking ahead, ambitious projects such as Mars Sample Return aim to bring Martian samples back to Earth for detailed study, while the ARTEMIS program envisions human missions to Mars, paving the way for future colonization. How will these endeavors shape our understanding and presence on Mars? Join us to explore this exciting frontier. MORE >

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  • Discover the Power of Strategic Storytelling

    Geoffrey Berwind, Story Architect, Silverlight Asset Management

    Discover the Power of Strategic Storytelling teaches audiences how to use stories more intentionally to influence others, create stronger connections, and make their message truly memorable. Geoffrey Berwind draws on his work coaching speakers, authors, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and business professionals to show how the right story can elevate presentations, strengthen leadership communication, help people stand out in any room and leave a lasting legacy. MORE >

    Participants will learn how to identify the stories they already have, shape them into a clearer message, and the storytelling techniques needed to deliver them in ways that build trust, engagement, and impact.
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  • International Healthcare, Public Health, International Aid & Development

    Dr. Benjamin La Brot, CEO & Clinical Professor, Floating Doctors & University of Southern California

    I have well-received and informative presentations on a wide variety of topics related to medicine and international development and NGO work. These include purely healthcare-oriented lectures on palliative care, international mission medicine, malaria, and specialty-specific lectures on the approach to these specialties in resource limited settings.

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  • Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend

    Carol Shafer, Retired GIA Jeweler, Carol Shafer Fine Jewelry

    Learn about diamond mining and gain valuable information about maintenance of diamonds and gold. Most fine jewelry sales are just that...selling. Carol contributes much more by teaching how to keep the luster and beauty of jewelry for years to come. The song "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" has a double entendre for Carol as she was also a Marilyn Monroe impersonator for twenty years. MORE >

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  • From Concept to Cosmos: A Journey through Project Management Principles and NASA’s Best Practices

    David Lehman, Project Manager, Retired from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

    In this presentation Mr. Lehman will summarize the basic principles of project management. This will be followed by a summary of NASA’s process for managing space projects throughout the life cycle, including formulation which consists of Phase A (concept & technology development) and Phase B (preliminary design and technology completion phase), approval for implementation, and implementation which includes Phase C (final design & fabrication), Phase D (system assembly, integration & test, launch & checkout), and Phase E (operations and sustainment). He will address how NASA forms teams including the importance of key roles such as Project Manager, Project Systems Engineer (PSE), Safety & Mission Assurance Manager, and System Managers. He will then address the role of systems engineering in project management and the process of how PSEs mature their systems-level preliminary designs, and then address the expected maturity state of projects as they progress through the life cycle. Finally, Mr. Lehman will present three case studies in project management: the Deep Space 1 mission, the Mars Climate Orbiter failure lessons learned, and the last mission of the Space Shuttle Challenger. MORE >

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  • Journey to the Moon: A Kid’s Guide to Space Exploration

    David Lehman, Project Manager, Retired from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

    Embark of an educational adventure designed specifically for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. This engaging presentation covers a spectrum of topics aimed at fostering a fascination for space exploration including: (1) facts about the Moon for kids, (2) a short history of NASA’s exploration of the Moon, (3) why kids would want to go to the Moon, (4) how kids can go to the Moon, (5) a summary of NASAs plans to return to the Moon with its ARTEMIS program, and (6) how kids can prepare to become a NASA astronaut. Join Mr. Lehman on this captivating journey as we ignite the spirt of exploration and curiosity for the next generation of space enthusiasts. “Journey to the Moon” promises to be an informative and inspiring experience for students eager to learn about the wonders of our universe. MORE >

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  • Mars Explorers Unite: A Cosmic Adventure for Kids!

    David Lehman, Project Manager, Retired from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

    Embark on a captivating journey to the red planet with a presentation for students from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Delve into the mysteries of Mars to provide a kid-friendly understanding of the planet. They will learn about NASA’s endeavors on Mars, from its initial exploration to current missions. They will also learn NASA's plans for the future, igniting curiosity about the endless possibilities of Martian exploration. The kids will discover the allure of Mars and why it has captivated the imagination of scientists and dreamers alike. The kids will learn about how one might journey to Mars, and about the essential elements and tools required for survival on the red planet. For kids aspiring to become a NASA astronaut or work for NASA in other positions, the presentation will offer valuable insights into how to achieve their goals. This presentation aims to inspire and educate, fostering a sense of wonder and determination in the next generation of space enthusiasts. MORE >

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  • How to become a Rocket Scientist? For Kids

    David Lehman, Project Manager, Retired from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

    Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a rocket scientist? In this talk, students will discover the amazing science and teamwork behind building rockets. We’ll start with Newton’s Three Laws of Motion—the simple rules that explain how rockets lift off the ground. Then we’ll meet pioneers like Robert Goddard, the father of modern rocket propulsion, and learn how scientists and engineers worked together to develop even better rockets. We’ll explore how rockets work, how spacecraft launch into space, including NASA’s Apollo missions that sent the first astronauts to the Moon. We will then discuss the status of NASA’s Artemis program and SpaceX’s Starship that are preparing humans to return to the Moon and travel to Mars. Most importantly, future rocket scientists will learn why teamwork, perseverance, and curiosity are the true fuel of discovery! MORE >

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  • Are We Alone? For Kids

    David Lehman, Project Manager, Retired from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

    Imagine looking up at the stars and wondering: “Is someone out there wondering about us too?” Scientists ask that question every day! But first, they have to figure out what life really is — anything that grows, eats, and changes. To search for life, we use giant telescopes on Earth and even floating in space! We send brave robots on missions, like the Mars Sample Return to bring back pieces of Mars, and the Europa Clipper to explore a moon covered in ice! Scientists also use the Drake Equation, a kind of space treasure map, to guess how many alien civilizations might be out there. But there’s a puzzle called the Fermi Paradox — if life should be everywhere, why haven’t we seen it yet? Our plan? Build better telescopes, explore more worlds, and never give up! Maybe you will be the space explorer who finds the answer! MORE >

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  • A Martian’s Thoughts about being a Good Speaker and Leader

    David Lehman, Project Manager, Retired from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

    The theme of this talk will revolve around the significance of effective communication, leadership, and vision in the context of space exploration, particularly missions to Mars. It will emphasize the importance of clear communications, strong leadership qualities, and visionary thinking in overcoming challenges and achieving success in endeavors such as space travel to Mars. It will also highlight notable figures who have exemplified these qualities throughout history, drawing parallels between their achievements and the challenges faced in space exploration. Overall, the theme will convey the message that effective communication and leadership are essential for the success of future Mars missions and for those who aspire to follow their dreams. MORE >

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