Science & Math   

Join OLLI members on an evening field trip to the Branched Oak Observatory (BOO) in nearby Raymond for an unforgettable astronomical experience. We will meet experienced professional and amateur astronomers, deepen our understanding of astronomy and see for ourselves the deep-space wonders of the night sky. If conditions are favorable, we will peer through telescopes at various stars, clusters, and galaxies, including the mighty Milky Way. If clouds get in the way or the temperature plummets, we will gather in the heated educational center and see stored images. This first-rate observatory is equipped with state-of-the-art telescopes, including one that helps low-vision people see images on their tablets or phones if they’re unable to view through the scope. We will come away with fresh knowledge and a new appreciation of the vast and varied universe overhead.

Join us for a summer stroll with outdoor educators from the Pioneers Park Nature Center. We will walk 1 to 2 miles around the Nature Center, looking, listening and learning. Dress for the elements; we will be outside exploring for the duration. Binoculars, cameras, walking sticks and layered clothing are all encouraged.

Discover the exciting world of 3-D printing in this beginner-friendly course. Learn how 3-D printers work, the many types of 3-D printing, their pros and cons and their role in additive manufacturing. Explore different printing materials and understand the basics of creating and modifying digital models. Whether you’re interested in prototyping, art, or just curious about this cutting-edge technology, you’ll gain information and practical knowledge.

Discover the exciting world of 3-D printing in this beginner-friendly course. Learn how 3-D printers work, the many types of 3-D printing, their pros and cons and their role in additive manufacturing. Explore different printing materials and understand the basics of creating and modifying digital models. Whether you’re interested in prototyping, art, or just curious about this cutting-edge technology, you’ll gain information and practical knowledge.

With all the news about bird flu, measles outbreaks in Texas, and the tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas City this past year, what should we be worried about and what should we do to protect ourselves? Learn about the numbers of infections and fatalities for various infectious diseases so you can gauge your own risk. We will discuss current recommendations for vaccines and treatment to decrease your chances of being sick this coming year.

With all the news about bird flu, measles outbreaks in Texas, and the tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas City this past year, what should we be worried about and what should we do to protect ourselves? Learn about the numbers of infections and fatalities for various infectious diseases so you can gauge your own risk. We will discuss current recommendations for vaccines and treatment to decrease your chances of being sick this coming year.

Discover the art and science of craft brewing on this immersive brewery tour and tasting experience at Bottle Rocket Brewery in Seward. Go behind the scenes of a working brewery and learn about the brewing process from grain to glass. Explore the ingredients, fermentation techniques, and equipment that bring each beer to life. After the tour, enjoy a curated tasting of Bottle Rocket’s signature and seasonal brews, gaining insight into their unique flavors and styles. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or a curious beginner, this engaging experience offers a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every pint.

Esports, short for “electronic sports,” is one of the most rapidly growing sports industries with a multi-billion-dollar market value. Currently over 500 million people all over the world watch or compete in e-sports and this number is projected to grow to 640 million in 2025. The varsity e-sports team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln competes with other Division 1 universities across the United States. Learn about this new, exciting and popular sport at UNL.

Esports, short for “electronic sports,” is one of the most rapidly growing sports industries with a multi-billion-dollar market value. Currently over 500 million people all over the world watch or compete in e-sports and this number is projected to grow to 640 million in 2025. The varsity e-sports team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln competes with other Division 1 universities across the United States. Learn about this new, exciting and popular sport at UNL.

Explore “All Things Nebraska,” a free online platform designed to help users access, analyze and visualize community data across the state. Learn how to navigate the platform’s tools, including the Nebraska Map Room, which hosts over 30,000 mappable data layers, and the Nebraska County Report Card, which provides county-level insights compared to statewide metrics. Through demonstrations, we will better understand available mapping resources, data querying and visualization, and be empowered to make data-informed decisions in our communities. Get equipped with knowledge to leverage Nebraska’s rich data resources effectively.

Explore “All Things Nebraska,” a free online platform designed to help users access, analyze and visualize community data across the state. Learn how to navigate the platform’s tools, including the Nebraska Map Room, which hosts over 30,000 mappable data layers, and the Nebraska County Report Card, which provides county-level insights compared to statewide metrics. Through demonstrations, we will better understand available mapping resources, data querying and visualization, and be empowered to make data-informed decisions in our communities. Get equipped with knowledge to leverage Nebraska’s rich data resources effectively.

In 1927, Erwin H. Barbour, a professor of geology and zoology at the University of Nebraska and director of the Nebraska State Museum, was asked to fill another role: artist. Barbour drew pictures of fossil plants and animals for artist Hildreth Meiere to copy. She used these drawings to make mosaic pictures of fossils on the floor of the Nebraska State Capitol rotunda. Meiere also designed mosaics for the dome of the rotunda as well as for the foyer and vestibule. Learn about the fossils, the mosaics and what they depict. The fabrication of the mosaics, the materials used, and the overall project will also be covered.

Offered during Elder Abuse Awareness Week, this course empowers older Nebraskans with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from fraud and financial exploitation. Learn to recognize common scams targeting seniors, from phishing emails to investment fraud, and understand how to safeguard personal and financial information. Experts will discuss warning signs of financial abuse, including undue influence and identity theft, and provide practical steps to prevent victimization. Participants will also learn how to report suspected fraud and access available resources for support. Stay informed, stay protected, and take control of your financial well-being.

Offered during Elder Abuse Awareness Week, this course empowers older Nebraskans with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from fraud and financial exploitation. Learn to recognize common scams targeting seniors, from phishing emails to investment fraud, and understand how to safeguard personal and financial information. Experts will discuss warning signs of financial abuse, including undue influence and identity theft, and provide practical steps to prevent victimization. Participants will also learn how to report suspected fraud and access available resources for support. Stay informed, stay protected, and take control of your financial well-being.

What’s new in cancer research and care right here in Nebraska? Learn how the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is working with public health leaders throughout the state to reduce cancer incidence. Obtain updates about screening strategies that can detect cancer early and how survivors can deal successfully with post-cancer treatment challenges. Find out how UNMC researchers are developing new ways to detect pancreatic cancers and to target gastrointestinal tumor cells while limiting side effects. Explore new multidisciplinary care strategies specifically designed for older adults who have cancer. Surprising discoveries will be revealed about how bacteria that live in our intestines influence both the onset of cancer and the effectiveness of treatments for it. Innovative findings about prostate cancer will be covered. Capping off the course, you will hear how foundational cancer research can lead the way toward the treatments of tomorrow.

Click here Course Syllabus to learn what will be discussed at each of these six amazing class sessions:

What’s new in cancer research and care right here in Nebraska? Learn how the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is working with public health leaders throughout the state to reduce cancer incidence. Obtain updates about screening strategies that can detect cancer early and how survivors can deal successfully with post-cancer treatment challenges. Find out how UNMC researchers are developing new ways to detect pancreatic cancers and to target gastrointestinal tumor cells while limiting side effects. Explore new multidisciplinary care strategies specifically designed for older adults who have cancer. Surprising discoveries will be revealed about how bacteria that live in our intestines influence both the onset of cancer and the effectiveness of treatments for it. Innovative findings about prostate cancer will be covered. Capping off the course, you will hear how foundational cancer research can lead the way toward the treatments of tomorrow.

Click here Course Syllabus to learn what will be discussed at each of these six amazing class sessions:

Gain an inside look at how Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) keeps the city moving. Explore how LTU manages over 410 traffic signals, intersection detection systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), detection cameras, and traffic monitoring for incident management. Learn about the Green Light Lincoln Initiative and its impact on economic and environmental improvements. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Signals and Sign Shop and the Brine Making Facility, offering a firsthand look at the operations that keep Lincoln’s streets safe and efficient.

Join us on a nature walk to talk about native gardening in a relaxed, fun, social atmosphere. This tour will highlight the native Nebraska- style landscape that surrounds the Game & Parks headquarters on East Campus. Horticulturist Bob Henrickson will be our guide to showcase the different prairie and native plants. Come to learn more about native plants, what they look like, the benefits of using them and how to incorporate these important plants into your home.

Join Founding Director Megan Elliott, along with faculty and students, at the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts as they prepare for their annual Spring Open Studios. We will get a sneak peek at some of the projects they will be presenting and will have an opportunity to speak with the creators. After the class, stay for an evening of exploration and experimentation, and tour the Open Studios from 5-7 p.m. Examples of projects may include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, interactive video, projection mapping and immersive experiences.

Join us at the Nature Center for a hands-on, immersive herbal workshop where you will learn how to plan, plant, and care for your own herb garden. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, this class will equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to grow and utilize herbs in your everyday life. Participate in a guided tour of the beautiful Louise Evans Doole Herb Garden, where you can explore the plants in person. To top it off, enjoy refreshing herbal teas and snacks made from the very plants you will be learning about.

The following video programs are previously recorded OLLI courses. Learn at your own pace, on your own time and at your convenience. Over 40 hours of programming is available for a single cost of $30. After registration, you will receive an email with a “Join Code” and instructions on how to access programming.

All programming originates from OLLI at UNL.

Fly Girls

Instructor: Lynn Roper (5 sessions)

In 1929, at the dawn of aviation when every flight was a test of courage, 20 gutsy and passionate female pilots in propeller-driven planes raced from California to Ohio in the first female cross-country air race, making 18 stops in nine days. During World War II, the 1,034 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) ferried and flight-tested aircraft bombers in the U.S. and taught men how to fly. When the war ended, Congress clipped their wings and sent the WASPs home; they did not receive military status until 1977. In 1961, 13 remarkable women pilots underwent secret testing to become America’s first female astronauts. The Mercury 13 were ignored by NASA and on Capitol Hill while the USSR sent its first woman into space in 1963. Lynn Ropers and other experts of women aviators share this fascinating series of lectures.

Keep the Memories, Not the Stuff

Instructor: Jeannine Bryant (3 sessions)

Our attachment to “stuff” is real. Letting go can be difficult. Yet, holding onto too much stuff can be suffocating or immobilizing, preventing us from living our best life because we are too weighed down by our possessions. Learn the problem of “inherited stuff” as well as our own “keepsake clutter.” Get a new perspective on memories, life, and love – and how none of it is tied to STUFF. Learn hands-on tips and practical advice for choosing which possessions to keep, to get rid of, and what it really means to leave a legacy for your loved ones.

The Politics and History of American Civil Religion

Instructor: Jonathan Redding (4 sessions)

Americans love to talk about having a “separation of church and state” to justify certain ends. On the surface, separation exists; there is no official national religion, and religious discrimination is forbidden by the 1st Amendment. The reality is quite different, as what scholars call American Civil Religion weighs heavily on issues like American morality, legality, justice, and equality. Topics covered include religious freedom, religious choice, and whether this hypothetical separation of Church and State is real or a pipe dream. Consider theologies behind the dominant streams of American Christianity to understand how political and religious leaders use their understanding of theology for political, social, and economic gain.

The Early Days of Nebraska Volleyball

Instructors: John Mabry, Vicki Highstreet (4 sessions)

Volleyball has been a part of the UNL athletic landscape for more than a century, but the sport didn’t gain much notoriety until the early 1970s, when the Huskers began to put together a program that is now known worldwide. Learn how its reputation grew from its humble beginnings, reaching a pinnacle in August, 2023, when Volleyball Day put 92,003 in Memorial Stadium stands. Meet the players who made it possible from those early Title IX days at Mabel Lee Hall and the Coliseum.

Top Ten Mistakes Made in Estate Planning

Instructor: Andrew Loudon (1 session)

Andrew Loudon, a Lincoln attorney, takes you through the top ten mistakes people make when estate planning. Have you prepared your estate or are you waiting until the last minute? What other mistakes make this list?

Sport in American Culture

Instructor: John Shrader (4 sessions)

Sport has been an important part of the American cultural landscape from the very popular blood sports of the 18th century through the development of the boxing and horse racing industries in the 19th century and the explosion of baseball, football, and basketball in the 20th century. Our society seldom sees the confluence of income, class, race, gender, identity, and celebrity the way we do in sports. Examine the role of sport in our society and how the media have been both partners and observers. Take a deep dive into sport and how it fits into American life; it’s not just about slam dunks, big contracts, SportsCenter and social media.

The Bible as Literature

Instructor: Jonathan Redding (6 sessions)

Study the growth and development of the collection of religious texts known as “the Bible.” There will be an emphasis on historical events that influence both content and context. Religion, literature, social, and political institutions are integral elements in the historical process.

The 6888th All-Black Female WWII Battalion

Instructor: Lynn Roper (5 sessions)

In February 1945, 800 Women’s Army Corps recruits in the segregated U.S. Army sailed to Europe to do something crucial to the war effort: clear a massive two-year backlog of undelivered mail to troops whose morale was low, due to having no contact from home and family. Though they experienced constant credential challenges and discrimination, the 6888th worked around the clock, 7 days a week, processing 65,000 pieces of mail each day.

Fascism: A Warning from History

Instructor: Anthony Foreman (4 sessions)

The word "fascism" has been increasingly used to describe some modern political movements across the world. Fascism is a loose, incoherent, and conflicted collection of ideologies, myths and hatreds that is difficult to define. Explore its origins in Benito Mussolini's Italy, its zenith in Nazi Germany, its continued influence in Cold War-era Spain and other manifestations throughout history. The course concludes with discussions surrounding today’s political movements and assistance in helping to identify and confront any possible fascist threats - before it is too late.

Explore the critical role pollinators (bees, butterflies, birds and others) play in the ecosystem and food production. Learn about pollinator processes and examine threats to pollinators and conservation practices while touring the Lincoln Electric System pollinator garden located at their new facility. Whether you’re a gardener, nature enthusiast, and just curious about the natural world, gain insights into creating pollinator-friendly spaces and supporting biodiversity, plus a deeper appreciation for these essential creatures and how they help sustain our environment.

Discover the intriguing world of quantum physics, where the behavior of things around us defies intuition. Obtain an introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics, beginning with the captivating phenomenon of quantum interference. Explore Richard Feynman's "only mystery" in quantum mechanics through the iconic double-slit experiment, revealing waves and particles. The first mystery that has never been answered is: “What is it that moves the waves and particles around?”. The second mystery called the quantum measurement problem and highlighted with Schrödinger’s famous cat, which has also has never been answered is: “What does that mean for our world around us?” We hope to share the excitement of the power of quantum mechanics together with its fundamentally unfinished nature.

Discover the intriguing world of quantum physics, where the behavior of things around us defies intuition. Obtain an introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics, beginning with the captivating phenomenon of quantum interference. Explore Richard Feynman's "only mystery" in quantum mechanics through the iconic double-slit experiment, revealing waves and particles. The first mystery that has never been answered is: “What is it that moves the waves and particles around?”. The second mystery called the quantum measurement problem and highlighted with Schrödinger’s famous cat, which has also has never been answered is: “What does that mean for our world around us?” We hope to share the excitement of the power of quantum mechanics together with its fundamentally unfinished nature.

Learn about how the transition from one stage in life to the next impacts how we approach the maintenance and care of your teeth, as well as surrounding supporting structures. We have all heard the hype on television commercials and on social media, and we listen to what our dentists tell us; but do we understand why and what it really means? Explore how to consider if recommendations are necessary and in your best interests. Build awareness of the latest procedures and ways to preserve or improve your dazzling smile. Join us for a review of dental care as we progress through life.

Learn about how the transition from one stage in life to the next impacts how we approach the maintenance and care of your teeth, as well as surrounding supporting structures. We have all heard the hype on television commercials and on social media, and we listen to what our dentists tell us; but do we understand why and what it really means? Explore how to consider if recommendations are necessary and in your best interests. Build awareness of the latest procedures and ways to preserve or improve your dazzling smile. Join us for a review of dental care as we progress through life.

Across the fields and prairies, along the roadsides and wooded streams grow rare native wildflowers, whose beauty rivals that of anywhere in the world. Join horticulturist Bob Henrickson on a guided pictorial tour of regions across the great state of Nebraska which show beautiful images of Nebraska wildflowers growing in their natural habitat. These prairie gems are increasingly rare to see in nature. Learn more about the rare wildflowers of Nebraska, where you can find them and why it’s important to preserve the land that they still occupy.

Across the fields and prairies, along the roadsides and wooded streams grow rare native wildflowers, whose beauty rivals that of anywhere in the world. Join horticulturist Bob Henrickson on a guided pictorial tour of regions across the great state of Nebraska which show beautiful images of Nebraska wildflowers growing in their natural habitat. These prairie gems are increasingly rare to see in nature. Learn more about the rare wildflowers of Nebraska, where you can find them and why it’s important to preserve the land that they still occupy.

Explore your mind's hidden depths by delving into implicit biases, intuition, emotion, moral foundation theory and the “big five” personality traits to gain a comprehensive understanding of your own psychology. This course combines presentations, self- assessments, and real-world applications to help you uncover the unconscious aspects of your mind and their impact on everyday life.

Explore your mind's hidden depths by delving into implicit biases, intuition, emotion, moral foundation theory and the “big five” personality traits to gain a comprehensive understanding of your own psychology. This course combines presentations, self- assessments, and real-world applications to help you uncover the unconscious aspects of your mind and their impact on everyday life.