Synapse (later renamed Synthesis) was a free series of public and Adult Education classes organised in community centres across West Auckland. They were administered by teachers and university tutors on a voluntary basis and intended to provide a brief introduction to topics usually covered at the university level which were both interesting and topical. They were also designed to be accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
The 2009 trial started in October 2009 and ran for 7 weeks. Further classes continued in 2010 and 2011.
The format consisted of short lectures, video materials from Stanford and MIT universities, simulations, simple experiments and group discussions.
Physics topics included:
Week 1 – The Laws of Physics
Week 2 – Einstein’s Theory of Relativity
Week 3 – From Classical Mechanics to Quantum Mechanics
Week 4 – Nuclear Physics
Week 5 – Electricity and Magnetism
Week 6 – Physics of the Atmosphere
Week 7 – Astrophysics and Cosmology
Philosophy topics included:
Week 1 – Greek Philosophy
Week 2 – Society
Week 3 – Technology
Week 4 – Conflict
Week 5 – Liberty
Week 6 – Metaphysics
Week 7 – Cosmology