Science & Math   

View a selection of objects from the University of Nebraska State Museum anthropology collection. The collection holds 40,000 objects from all over the world, representing 153 countries and hundreds of cultures. The archaeology collection features artifacts from thousands of years of history in Nebraska and other parts of the globe. The collections feature textiles, baskets, ceramics, weapons and much more.

View a selection of objects from the University of Nebraska State Museum anthropology collection. The collection holds 40,000 objects from all over the world, representing 153 countries and hundreds of cultures. The archaeology collection features artifacts from thousands of years of history in Nebraska and other parts of the globe. The collections feature textiles, baskets, ceramics, weapons and much more.

Visit Nebraska’s newest nature and cultural center for an exploration of the art and natural beauty at Wagon Tongue Creek Farm and Nature Reserve. Nestled in the scenic Bohemian Alps near Valparaiso, the farm features both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Learn what inspires the instructor and how he creates large-scale metal sculptures. Discover the wonders of the unique landscape.

Visit Nebraska’s newest nature and cultural center for an exploration of the art and natural beauty at Wagon Tongue Creek Farm and Nature Reserve. Nestled in the scenic Bohemian Alps near Valparaiso, the farm features both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Learn what inspires the instructor and how he creates large-scale metal sculptures. Discover the wonders of the unique landscape.

Celebrate flavors of fall in this hands-on baking workshop. Prepare one of several delicious seasonal breads while learning the science behind quick breads, ingredient functionality, and flavor development. Choose from classic pumpkin spice bread, fruit bread such as banana, or naturally gluten-free cornbread, then make it your own with a variety of flavorful additions. Everyone will leave with fresh bread, new baking ideas, and a better understanding of the science that makes great baking possible.

Explore how taste, smell, and the trigeminal system shape our daily experiences—from food to social interaction. Learn how these chemical senses work at the genetic, cellular, and brain levels, how they change with age or illness, and how disorders affect health. Examine chemosensory function across the lifespan and discuss current and emerging approaches to diagnosing and managing related disorders. Participants will taste and smell items during class, providing examples of the concepts discussed.

Curious about cryptocurrency but not sure where to start? Learn what crypto is, why it exists, how it works, and how to tell opportunity from illusion. Explore digital wallets, popular exchanges, and real-world examples of success—and scams. Whether you’re crypto-curious or just want to stay scam-savvy, gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate the world of digital money — no tech background required.

Curious about cryptocurrency but not sure where to start? Learn what crypto is, why it exists, how it works, and how to tell opportunity from illusion. Explore digital wallets, popular exchanges, and real-world examples of success—and scams. Whether you’re crypto-curious or just want to stay scam-savvy, gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate the world of digital money — no tech background required.

Data centers are a core part of the digital world, but they also rely on water. Explore common data center cooling systems and the water they use, for both direct cooling and energy generation. Learn about Nebraska’s surface and groundwater, how they are used today, and the basics of Nebraska water governance. Join us to better understand how development, water use, and policy intersect for the future of Nebraska.

Data centers are a core part of the digital world, but they also rely on water. Explore common data center cooling systems and the water they use, for both direct cooling and energy generation. Learn about Nebraska’s surface and groundwater, how they are used today, and the basics of Nebraska water governance. Join us to better understand how development, water use, and policy intersect for the future of Nebraska.

The Strategic Air Command (SAC) and Aerospace Museum honors aircraft that preserved peace during the Cold War. Beyond displaying SAC artifacts and planes, the museum restores aircraft, preserves history, and educates future generations in science, technology, and history. Enjoy a guided tour of the museum and learn how the SAC legacy reflects technological innovation and a commitment to training Americans to protect national security.

Explore the intersection of art and science during two immersive classes at the Joslyn Art Museum. We’ll examine the origin and history of the museum’s global building stones, from geological formation to architectural use. We will also analyze how geology influences the narratives and aesthetics of the paintings within. Discover a new perspective on natural history and art that you can apply to any museum in the world.

Explore the intersection of art and science during two immersive classes at the Joslyn Art Museum. We’ll examine the origin and history of the museum’s global building stones, from geological formation to architectural use. We will also analyze how geology influences the narratives and aesthetics of the paintings within. Discover a new perspective on natural history and art that you can apply to any museum in the world.

Identity theft can affect anyone; learn how to fight back with knowledge and tools. Explore how to monitor credit, report suspicious activity, and use fraud alerts or credit freezes. Learn over a dozen real-world strategies to protect personal information, reduce risk, and respond effectively if compromised. Whether you're securing your finances, your family, or your peace of mind, get equipped with the confidence to stay one step ahead.

Identity theft can affect anyone; learn how to fight back with knowledge and tools. Explore how to monitor credit, report suspicious activity, and use fraud alerts or credit freezes. Learn over a dozen real-world strategies to protect personal information, reduce risk, and respond effectively if compromised. Whether you're securing your finances, your family, or your peace of mind, get equipped with the confidence to stay one step ahead.

As we age, our bodies often develop a low-grade, persistent inflammation known as “inflammaging” – a key driver behind fatigue, brain fog, joint aches, and many chronic diseases. Explore what chronic inflammation is, why it tends to increase with age, and how it connects to the symptoms and conditions so many of us experience later in life. Increase your understanding of the science behind inflammaging and what it means for healthy aging.

As we age, our bodies often develop a low-grade, persistent inflammation known as “inflammaging” – a key driver behind fatigue, brain fog, joint aches, and many chronic diseases. Explore what chronic inflammation is, why it tends to increase with age, and how it connects to the symptoms and conditions so many of us experience later in life. Increase your understanding of the science behind inflammaging and what it means for healthy aging.

Go nose-to-beak with more than 80 Antarctic penguins! Become a penguin expert and learn about penguins all over the world, including the three types of cold-weather penguins housed inside the Scott Aquarium. Witness their unique behaviors and amazing adaptations from a front row seat at one of the world's premier penguin exhibits. Led by a former penguin keeper, learn about these amazing birds and the conservation issues they face world-wide.

The following video programs are previously recorded OLLI courses. Learn at your own pace, at your convenience. All 35+ hours of programming are available to you for a single cost of $30. You will receive a link in your registration confirmation email to access all recordings. The link will be active from the first day of the term until one week before the next term starts.

All programming originates from OLLI at UNL and is provided with closed caption.

 

BONES, BODIES, AND BESTSELLERS - Dr. Kaitlin East (1 session)

Crime fiction is even more fun when the science holds up. Whether you’re a fan curious about the facts behind your favorite mysteries, or an author eager to sharpen your storytelling, pull back the curtain on science in crime fiction. Explore forensic anthropology and how, when accurately utilized, it can improve mystery stories, learn how a forensic anthropological investigation works, and review literary examples that succeed in incorporating accuracy.

HIGHWAY ARCHAEOLOGY - Nolan Johnson (4 sessions)

The Highway Archeology Program at the Nebraska State Historical Society enables significant cultural resources, both below and above ground, to be taken into consideration when road construction is planned. This partnership with the Nebraska Department of Transportation has been in existence since 1960 and has changed a lot over 65 years. Learn how it came to be and how it continues to protect our shared Nebraska heritage.

READING AMY TAN - Susan Major (4 sessions)

Delve into one of Amy Tan’s highly acclaimed novels, The Kitchen God’s Wife. The story is infused with vivid details of Chinese life and traditions, spanning continents and centuries. It presents a memorable portrait of a courageous woman and a tale that celebrates the bond between mother and daughter.

SPIES AMONG US: A WWII GERMAN SPY IN OMAHA - Anthony Foreman (1 session)

Would you believe that the most famous German spy during World War I had previously been a Nebraska resident? Some other questions might arise: What was he doing here? What did he do as a spy? What happened to him? Tony Foreman has pieced together answers to these and many other questions through archival research in Nebraska, Germany and Great Britain. This is a session about heroism, romance, cruelty, war and espionage.

THE ROMAN REVOLUTION: 133 BCE-11CE - Vanessa Gorman (6 sessions)

The fall of the Roman Republican government was fueled by financial inequalities, class struggles, incompetent leadership, military expansion, and the rise of populist generals. The people learned that they were indeed sovereign and proceeded to vote away their political power in favor of dictators, like Marius and Caesar who brought them bread and circuses, but also decades of civil war, until Augustus was the last man standing and established a principate.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE LINCOLN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - Multiple Instructors (4 sessions)

Learn about the process of putting together a Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra concert, then attend “Experience the Intrigue.” Executive director Barbara Zach Lee will discuss what an orchestra means to a community, Maestro Edward Polochick will give insights on how orchestras provide transformative experiences, composer Julia Adolphe will share how it feels to hear her compositions performed live, and viola soloist Rita Porfiris will talk about life as a professional musician, and what inspires her.

LINCOLN’S LIBRARY OF THE FUTURE - Ryan Wieber (1 session)

Lincoln’s long-awaited new Central Library in the heart of downtown will open for service in 2028. Designed as a modern library with flexibility and space for community partners to complement library activities, the new library will provide traditional services and collections yet incorporate what is now expected in modern library design, function and sustainability. Walk through the virtual plans for the new facility and discover what will make this a world-class library and help transform O Street.

EIGHT PILLARS OF YOGA: IT’S MORE THAN EXERCISE - Jessica Jewel (1 session)

Yoga is known for physical postures, but its roots are far deeper. Explore the eight limbs of yoga as outlined by the sage Patanjali in his Yoga Shastra. Discover the ethical, physical, and meditative foundations of yoga. Learn how this ancient practice supports clarity, peace, and meaningful living. These teachings provide both a historical perspective and a framework for its true purpose: quieting the churnings of the mind and body.

CAN NUCLEAR POWER GO GREEN IN NEBRASKA? - Multiple Instructors (1 session)

For decades, nuclear power has gotten a bad rap in popular culture, but actual data show that despite some high-profile accidents, few deaths have resulted. With climate change looming, new modular designs with advanced safety features and new applications make it worth a fresh look. Learn how modular nuclear power could help generate ammonia for fertilizer in rural Nebraska.

Explore the science of chocolate making. Learn the importance of each step of chocolate making from growing cocoa trees to molding the final product. Discuss various types of chocolates and the role that each ingredient and processing conditions play in obtaining a high-quality chocolate with outstanding flavor. Common defects found in chocolate and the science behind them will be also discussed. Samples will be provided.

Ever wonder where your tap water comes from? Learn how Lincoln treats, tests, and delivers water, handles budgets, and plans its next water source. Discover how to read your bill. In the second class, take a guided walking tour of Lincoln's wastewater treatment plant. See what happens after the flush and gain a new appreciation for the infrastructure protecting public health.

Discover how simple techniques can transform everyday cooking from flat to flavorful. Explore the foundations of flavor development through hands-on tasting and discussion. Using a guided flavor-building exercise, learn how balance, texture seasoning, and contrast shape the eating experience. The session will conclude with a practical one-bowl recipe demonstration designed to highlight approachable technique for building flavor with confidence in the kitchen.

Discover how simple techniques can transform everyday cooking from flat to flavorful. Explore the foundations of flavor development through hands-on tasting and discussion. Using a guided flavor-building exercise, learn how balance, texture seasoning, and contrast shape the eating experience. The session will conclude with a practical one-bowl recipe demonstration designed to highlight approachable technique for building flavor with confidence in the kitchen.

Feeling unsure in the digital age? Build your confidence with smartphones, tablets, and the internet. Learn essential skills to stay safe online, including how to block unwanted calls, shop and bank securely, and protect your credit. Explore common scams affecting Nebraskans and gain hands-on experience with practical tools. Whether reconnecting with loved ones or managing finances, gain the knowledge needed to thrive in today’s connected world. This course, formerly called “Crossing the Digital Divide,” has been updated and revised.

Feeling unsure in the digital age? Build your confidence with smartphones, tablets, and the internet. Learn essential skills to stay safe online, including how to block unwanted calls, shop and bank securely, and protect your credit. Explore common scams affecting Nebraskans and gain hands-on experience with practical tools. Whether reconnecting with loved ones or managing finances, gain the knowledge needed to thrive in today’s connected world. This course, formerly called “Crossing the Digital Divide,” has been updated and revised.

This 50-year-old Lincoln company specializes in one-stop, concept-to-completion metal manufacturing services for agricultural & farming, energy and other specialty industries across the country. The Metal & Art Division, the artistic side of TMCO, has created many sculptures across Lincoln including the Lincoln Children’s Zoo sign, dome at Sunken Gardens, and items in the Haymarket. Learn about assembly, engineering, powder coating, machining, metal fabrication, tube fabrication, and welding divisions during this tour.

In urban settings, lawn and landscape management directly affects water quality for downstream users. Pesticides keep lawns healthy but pose risks if misapplied. Learn best practices for pesticide and herbicide application to protect drinking water sources, while exploring two related aspects of urban nutrient management: turfgrass lawn care considerations and pond management using innovative floating treatment wetlands.

In urban settings, lawn and landscape management directly affects water quality for downstream users. Pesticides keep lawns healthy but pose risks if misapplied. Learn best practices for pesticide and herbicide application to protect drinking water sources, while exploring two related aspects of urban nutrient management: turfgrass lawn care considerations and pond management using innovative floating treatment wetlands.