New Knowledge Adventures - Pocatello
New Knowledge Adventures (NKA) at Idaho State University is a member-directed organization for adults of retirement age to expand knowledge and explore new ideas in an informal, noncompetitive environment. For membership information or other information about NKA, please contact Continuing Education at (208) 282-3372 or email cetrain@isu.edu.
Fall 2026 membership registration opens, and catalog pickup will begin on August 12th, with class registration opening for up to 20 classes on August 25th. No class limit begins August 26th.
To register for membership and multiple classes, use the button below.
Register for Membership and Classes
To cancel a class, please email cetrain@isu.edu or log in to your My Account page. From there, locate your class and select “Cancel Class” within the “More Information” section.
Categories
Arts, Music and Theatre
Craft Classes (ISU)
Crafts and Hobbies
Fitness and Motion
Food and Beverage
Games
General Interest
Health and Wellness
History
Nature, Science, & Technology
Tourism/Sight-Seeing
Fees for trips must be received thirty (30) days prior to scheduled departure date. Your reservation for the trip will be taken in order of payment, not registration. If we do not have the minimum number of people paid 30 days prior to a trip, we will cancel it. Fees are nonrefundable within that 30-day period except for medical reasons. If you cancel for medical reasons we will refund any monies that are not dedicated funds. Dedicated funds include bus costs, which are based on the number of people who have paid for the trip, and any nonrefundable expenses that NKA has spent on the trip.
Writing and Literature
Course Catalog
Tramping the Woods with Henry David Thoreau
Many people have read Walden, the book in which Henry David Thoreau describes his years of living in a little cabin at the edge of Walden Pond. He wrote: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” However, Thoreau’s writing about his retreat in the forest is only a very small part of his most important work, at least in his opinion. Over the course of his all too short life (44 years), he filed more than 14 journals with his near daily observations of nature and humanity, and life, as he continued in his goal of living deliberately. In this presentation, we will focus on some of those lesser-known writings and dig out treasures of his insights and experiences, as well as some little-known facts about his back story and his family history.
Preview to the Play: The Play That Goes Wrong
Everything that can go wrong does in this hilarious backstage comedy hit. When a well-meaning theatre troupe attempts to stage a classic murder mystery, missed cues, collapsing scenery and theatrical disasters quickly send the production into complete chaos, with laugh-out-loud results from start to finish.
The Science of Star Trek and Why No One Will Travel to the Stars in our Lifetimes
Sci-fi books, movies and TV is chock full of interstellar voyages, planetary, colonization, and alien encounters. Some are more plausible than others. We’ll explore the “science” behind Star Trek and other well-known Sci-fi space adventures before turning to the real science and technology. Spoiler Alert: Warp Drive is not in our future. Join us as we voyage to where no one has gone before.
Christmas Cards
We will be making greeting cards using stamps, dies, and embellishments.
Wine Tasting at Gate City Coffee
Enjoy a relaxing evening with friends before the holidays begin. Taste a selection of wines provided by Terry Capell, light snack provided. Just in time for holiday shopping, the gift shop will be open with a 20% for NKA. The café will be open initially for food purchases this time, as well.
Our Ageing World
Across the globe, societies are experiencing longer life expectancy and lower birth rates, which are generating new demographic issues. This course will cover how these demographic trends are shaping our collective futures and present us with new challenges and opportunities.
NKA Annual Meeting Skit
Ever want to try your hand at performing? This is your opportunity to express your creativity as we plan, rehearse and perform for 10-12 minutes at the NKA Christmas Party in December. In the past, we’ve performed silly skits, sang Christmas carols, read holiday stories and more. No memorization required. Class Limit: 15
iPhone 1: An Introduction
This class focuses on getting the most out of your iPhone (non-Android) without getting too technical. Learn to set up your iPhone and use it efficiently, with a focus on helpful features for convenience, safety, and privacy. Based on the iPhone 1.1 class that was taught in Spring, with a few changes made for the benefit of those who have taken the course before. Be sure to bring your iPhone with you, and Apple ID Password if you have it.
SE Idaho Rockhounding and SEIGMS
This class will be an introduction to rockhounding and lapidary and will describe the many ways to find and collect or purchase semi-precious gems and minerals, for specimens, or to be cut and polished, and embedded in jewelry and other art pieces. The class will also provide an overview of Southeast Idaho Gem and Mineral Society (SEIGMS) activities and events. Monthly club meetings are educational and fun.