Science & Math   

Join OLLI members for an evening field trip to the Branched Oak Observatory (BOO) in Raymond. Meet astronomers, deepen your understanding of the night sky, and view deep-space wonders including stars, clusters, and galaxies by naked eye and through state-of-the-art telescopes. If the weather is inclement, you'll see stored images in the educational center.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer science fiction; it’s helping us drive, cook, learn and even write. But what are the tradeoffs? Discover how AI is quietly embedded in our routines, where it helps, where it harms, and what’s next.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer science fiction; it’s helping us drive, cook, learn and even write. But what are the tradeoffs? Discover how AI is quietly embedded in our routines, where it helps, where it harms, and what’s next.

Join us at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center for an introduction to tallgrass prairies. Learn about grassland birds and plants, prairie ecosystems, the value of prairies in addressing climate change, the role of conservation easements in protecting prairies, and more. We’ll begin with a presentation in the visitor center and then move out onto the prairie, first as a group and then with time to wander and explore as the prairie calls to us.

Tour the UNO Sports Medicine and Biomechanics Lab, where science meets athletic performance. Explore cutting-edge methods used to analyze and enhance the movement of athletes across all age groups. The tour provides an in-depth look at how advanced technologies, such as 3D motion capture and force plates, are employed to assess and improve athletic performance while minimizing injury risk. Experience a live demonstration as a golfer's swing is analyzed, offering a firsthand view of the clinical assessments and data-driven insights that contribute to optimized training and rehabilitation strategies.

Enjoy an exclusive, personalized tour of Morrill Hall’s two permanent Anthropology exhibits. Delve deep into “Arms, Armor, and Anthropology: Weapons as a Cultural Lens” alongside “First People of the Plains: Traditions Shaped by Land and Sky.” You will examine rare artifacts up close and discover the stories behind them. Learn how geography, environment, and craftsmanship shaped regional traditions and global warfare. This expert-led gallery walk offers a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on human history.

Discover how the sun converts mass into energy and why replicating it on Earth is neither possible nor useful. Trace the atomic age from fission weapons to modern nuclear power, exploring why we cannot simply copy the H-bomb for electricity. Analyze the pros and cons of potential pathways to fusion, meet the leading companies driving today's industry, and examine recent investments that are shaping the future of clean energy.

Discover how the sun converts mass into energy and why replicating it on Earth is neither possible nor useful. Trace the atomic age from fission weapons to modern nuclear power, exploring why we cannot simply copy the H-bomb for electricity. Analyze the pros and cons of potential pathways to fusion, meet the leading companies driving today's industry, and examine recent investments that are shaping the future of clean energy.

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.

It’s the beginning of Fall! Experience the sights and sounds of the fall prairie at its most glorious state. We will meet at the Prairie Building for an introduction before hiking at least two miles on uneven terrain.

Preserved within and between the dunes of Nebraska’s Sandhills (the largest stabilized dune field in North America) is a record of the Great Plains climate and biota that spans 3 million years. Dune sand contains billion-year-old quartz and felspar derived from Rocky Mountain granite and delivered to the Plains by glacial rivers. Dune strata indicate southward desert winds. Fossil bones are rare but tracks and burrows within the dunes reveal climate shifts.

Preserved within and between the dunes of Nebraska’s Sandhills (the largest stabilized dune field in North America) is a record of the Great Plains climate and biota that spans 3 million years. Dune sand contains billion-year-old quartz and felspar derived from Rocky Mountain granite and delivered to the Plains by glacial rivers. Dune strata indicate southward desert winds. Fossil bones are rare but tracks and burrows within the dunes reveal climate shifts.

Join us for a fun and informative look at the history of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and a peek into its future with this class at the zoo. Enjoy meeting one of our Ambassador Animals and a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the exhibit spaces.

Explore the deep history and diverse landscapes of Lincoln's largest park. This guided walking tour will take you through scenic trails to uncover early historical origins, local wildlife habitats, and unique floodplain ecology. Gain insights into vital conservation efforts; Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Bring water, dress for the weather (hats, sunscreen, bug spray) and wear sturdy shoes. Requires walking, climbing and navigating winding, uneven, unpaved terrain.

Learn the history of light and lighting and its effects on human health and sleep. Discover light sources and their development including modern LEDs and LASER lights. Explore the impact of light color mix and its effect on behavior and comfort.

Learn the history of light and lighting and its effects on human health and sleep. Discover light sources and their development including modern LEDs and LASER lights. Explore the impact of light color mix and its effect on behavior and comfort.

Nothing is more vital to life than water. In two engaging sessions, a UNL associate professor of hydrogeology will take us beneath the surface to explore the science of groundwater and surface water and explore practical strategies for reducing water use in daily life. We'll unpack the concepts of blue, green, and gray water; calculate our own water footprints and examine Lincoln's current water sources and its ambitious Water 2.0 plan.

Nothing is more vital to life than water. In two engaging sessions, a UNL associate professor of hydrogeology will take us beneath the surface to explore the science of groundwater and surface water and explore practical strategies for reducing water use in daily life. We'll unpack the concepts of blue, green, and gray water; calculate our own water footprints and examine Lincoln's current water sources and its ambitious Water 2.0 plan.

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.

AI can speak as well as any human, but does it know what it’s saying? Does it have a self to be aware of, or to defend? Journey deep into the philosophical and scientific quandaries surrounding AI consciousness.

AI can speak as well as any human, but does it know what it’s saying? Does it have a self to be aware of, or to defend? Journey deep into the philosophical and scientific quandaries surrounding AI consciousness.

Limestones (rocks composed of calcium carbonate) are forming today in soils (Great Plains caliche), lakes (Lake Michigan) on deep seafloors (Pacific), and in shallow tropical seaways (Great Barrier Reef). Many thick ancient limestones underlie the US from Florida to Oregon. Nearly all limestones are composed of fossils. Caves and sinkholes are/were generated by the dissolution of limestone. Carbon stored in limestone for millions of years returns to the atmosphere by subduction at plate boundaries.

Limestones (rocks composed of calcium carbonate) are forming today in soils (Great Plains caliche), lakes (Lake Michigan) on deep seafloors (Pacific), and in shallow tropical seaways (Great Barrier Reef). Many thick ancient limestones underlie the US from Florida to Oregon. Nearly all limestones are composed of fossils. Caves and sinkholes are/were generated by the dissolution of limestone. Carbon stored in limestone for millions of years returns to the atmosphere by subduction at plate boundaries.

Inspired by a visit to the International Quilt Museum and the diversity and wide array of quilt styles throughout history, this year’s theme of the 2026 Sunken Gardens is “A Patchwork Garden,” drawing on both traditional and modern quilt-making throughout the 250 years of American history. Please plan accordingly for the weather and your comfort. A good deal of walking is required.

Inspired by a visit to the International Quilt Museum and the diversity and wide array of quilt styles throughout history, this year’s theme of the 2026 Sunken Gardens is “A Patchwork Garden,” drawing on both traditional and modern quilt-making throughout the 250 years of American history. Please plan accordingly for the weather and your comfort. A good deal of walking is required.

Discover Nebraska's diverse reptiles and amphibians! Explore our 16 native snake species, learn the difference between hard and soft-shell turtles, and unlock the mysteries of skinks and salamanders. Find out which species have webbed feet and if salamanders shed skin. Through a mix of safe, hands-on encounters and observation-only displays, you will deeply connect with the fascinating wildlife hidden in the corners of our Nebraska landscape.

Discover Nebraska's diverse reptiles and amphibians! Explore our 16 native snake species, learn the difference between hard and soft-shell turtles, and unlock the mysteries of skinks and salamanders. Find out which species have webbed feet and if salamanders shed skin. Through a mix of safe, hands-on encounters and observation-only displays, you will deeply connect with the fascinating wildlife hidden in the corners of our Nebraska landscape.

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 are available 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.

Women Who Lived for Danger – Lynn Roper (4 sessions)

Fearless, smart, creative and decisive women. From 1940, the British SOE trained 39 women to handle guns and explosives, work undercover, endure interrogation and use complex codes as they were dropped into Nazi-occupied France to work as secret agents. America’s intelligence agency, the OSS, began in 1942, bolstered this effort and evolved in 1947 to the CIA where trailblazing, daring women helped the U.S. face the new, growing Soviet threat. These courageous agents of change also fought for equal pay and opportunities for women.

World War II in the Pacific – Roger Lempke (6 sessions)

The U.S.A. fought World War II in two fronts that were quite different on opposite sides of the world. After Pearl Harbor the war in the Pacific had aircraft carriers engaging in combat for the first time and “island hopping” become a major tactic never experienced in warfare. Explore the significant characteristics of the war in the Pacific including pre-war relations, military leadership, tactics, and logistics in the vast ocean region.

Functional Strength and Balance – Diane Hopkins (4 sessions)

Enhance overall physical fitness and improve the ability to perform daily activities with confidence. Focusing on muscular strength, flexibility, mobility and balance, engage in exercises tailored to support functional movement and reduce the risk of injury. Using just a chair, through guided workouts and movement strategies, build confidence in your physical abilities, fostering greater independence and overall well-being.

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene – Liz Kocher (3 sessions)

Long-lost until discovery in the late 19th century, the gospel account of Mary Magdalene tells the story of discipleship, conflict, and the proclamation from a voice too often overlooked. Explore the world within and behind the text of Mary Magdalene’s gospel and get a glimpse into the complex world of artifact discovery and scripture interpretation.

Classic Car Restoration – Mike Zimmerman (1 session)

You’ve always wanted to restore that car you drove as a teenager but were afraid to take the first step. Discover the things to consider making the project manageable. Designed for both beginners and veterans, learn proper tools, workspace, costs and safe preservation methods along with bodywork techniques, paint preparation, engine care, and interior refurbishment to bring a vintage car back to life while maintaining authenticity.

First Century Son(s) of God – Michael Ryan (1 session)

The Son of God? What can it mean? Although Christians understand Jesus is the Son of God, many are not aware of the title’s meanings in the first century nor that there were others to whom the term applied. Exploring the implications of other "sons of god" challenges and illuminates our understanding of the Gospels today. Deepen your understanding of the gospels through an historical critical approach.

Lincoln Saltdogs Baseball: Life Behind the Scenes – Shane & Morgan Tritz (1 session)

Go behind the scenes with Saltdogs General Manager Shane Tritz and his daughter, Morgan, as they share an inside look at life in Minor League Baseball. Hear firsthand stories about the highs and challenges of managing a team, family life around the ballpark, and what it’s really like to be part of the Saltdogs organization. A fun, personal glimpse into the world of professional minor league baseball.

Gait Speed: The 6th Vital Sign – Casey Bogenrief (1 session)

Discover why gait speed is more than just a way of measuring how fast you walk. This simple, accessible indicator reflects the health and function of multiple body systems and is strongly linked to overall vitality and survival. Learn how slowing down can signal underlying changes and how reduced mobility can create a cycle of inactivity and deconditioning that impacts long-term health. Participate in a gait-speed assessment and learn what you can do to improve this vital sign.

Restoring and Managing Resilient Prairies – Chris Helzer (1 session)

Prairies are beautiful, diverse and fascinating. View photos and hear stories about Nebraska prairies and learn about how land stewards keep them vibrant and healthy. Explore seed harvest, prescribed fire, grazing, mowing, invasive species management, and the art and science of blending those in surprisingly sophisticated ways. Discover how bees, badgers, cows, and people can all interact and coexist.

Yes, Your Vote Matters – Sandra Washington, Eric Gerrard, Laurel Van Ham (1 session)

Learn the most effective and efficient ways to express your opinions at the local, state and federal levels. We’ll discuss contacting elected and appointed officials, testifying at public hearings, social media, letters to the editor and more. We’ll focus on individual actions while recognizing the power of collective action. Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert or in-between, and whether you have a few minutes or plenty of time, your civic engagement can make a difference!

Learn how starting with one cell followed by forty rounds of cell division leads to a baby made of trillions of cells. This journey relies on special chemical signals and cellular "talk" that happens only during development, never to be used again in adult life. A PBS video will show this incredible process in action, making the complex science of birth easy to see and understand.

Sedimentary rocks commonly contain body fossils (bones and shells of animals). The rocks also contain trace fossils (burrows, tracks, scratches, and borings) that record the activities of ancient animals, offering insights into feeding and locomotion, as well as providing information about depositional environments (river, sand dune, beach, deep sea floor). Trace fossils can reveal information on the rate of sedimentation, and presence or absence of trace fossils can show if the ancient environment was oxygenated.

Sedimentary rocks commonly contain body fossils (bones and shells of animals). The rocks also contain trace fossils (burrows, tracks, scratches, and borings) that record the activities of ancient animals, offering insights into feeding and locomotion, as well as providing information about depositional environments (river, sand dune, beach, deep sea floor). Trace fossils can reveal information on the rate of sedimentation, and presence or absence of trace fossils can show if the ancient environment was oxygenated.

Craft beer popularity has encouraged hop production to expand beyond the Pacific Northwest (PNW) into the Midwest. The challenge? Many hop varieties do not perform well under Midwest conditions. The UNL hop breeding program is developing varieties that can thrive here. During this guided tour, participants will walk through the hop field to discuss plant development, care, and breeding. Participants will compare different hop cones, including the first Nebraska-based commercial hop introduced in 2026! This class requires walking and standing and moving about on uneven ground.

Curious why you enjoy certain wines more than others? Understand your personal taste through a guided tasting of five white wines. Learn how acidity, texture, aromatics, tannins, and fruit shape your experience. Gain tasting and smelling skills along with a simple framework for describing wine. No prior knowledge is necessary. Light snacks provided.