Science & Math   

Rain gardens add beauty to your landscape while naturally managing stormwater. In this hands‑on class, learn how rain gardens work, why native plants are essential, and how thoughtful design reduces runoff and supports local ecosystems. Discover site selection, soil preparation, plant choices, and step‑by‑step installation. Every participant will receive a starter plant kit to begin creating your own rain garden at home.

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.

Learn who maintains the wetlands and recreational trails beyond city limits, who built the levee protecting the City of Lincoln, and who manages the reservoirs scattered across the rural landscape. Discover the many facets of the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District and examine how it advances its mission to conserve land, water, and wildlife while supporting environmental education initiatives throughout the district.

Learn who maintains the wetlands and recreational trails beyond city limits, who built the levee protecting the City of Lincoln, and who manages the reservoirs scattered across the rural landscape. Discover the many facets of the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District and examine how it advances its mission to conserve land, water, and wildlife while supporting environmental education initiatives throughout the district.

Severe weather comes to us through our senses, whether it’s the sound of thunder, the feel of high winds and driving rain, the view of storm clouds or the soreness in our joints when bad weather is predicted. Learn the details behind severe weather statistics, safety and terminology. Stories of historic storms and tornadoes will be shared, enhanced by many pictures and videos.

Severe weather comes to us through our senses, whether it’s the sound of thunder, the feel of high winds and driving rain, the view of storm clouds or the soreness in our joints when bad weather is predicted. Learn the details behind severe weather statistics, safety and terminology. Stories of historic storms and tornadoes will be shared, enhanced by many pictures and videos.

Discover the benefits, uses, upsides and downsides of the trees that grow well and tolerate the soil and climate conditions in eastern Nebraska. Learn about the trees we love from an experienced landscaper and tree grower.

Discover the benefits, uses, upsides and downsides of the trees that grow well and tolerate the soil and climate conditions in eastern Nebraska. Learn about the trees we love from an experienced landscaper and tree grower.

Buzz into the fascinating world of some of the most social of all insects. From honeybees to bumble bees, we will explore the caste system, the journey to becoming a queen, and the communication methods within and between colonies. Join us as we discover the differences and similarities among these marvelous creatures while learning how to better understand their myriad strategies for collective well-being.

Buzz into the fascinating world of some of the most social of all insects. From honeybees to bumble bees, we will explore the caste system, the journey to becoming a queen, and the communication methods within and between colonies. Join us as we discover the differences and similarities among these marvelous creatures while learning how to better understand their myriad strategies for collective well-being.

Learn about today’s evolving electric grid and the operational, technological, and security challenges facing the power industry. Explore the factors driving rapid change, including the integration of renewable energy resources, accelerating load growth, and increasing demand for reliability and resilience. Given the increasing digitalization of the grid, discover the cybersecurity risks introduced by modern technologies which include vulnerabilities associated with new grid devices and communication networks.

This course is co-sponsored by the UNO Alumni Association.

Learn about today’s evolving electric grid and the operational, technological, and security challenges facing the power industry. Explore the factors driving rapid change, including the integration of renewable energy resources, accelerating load growth, and increasing demand for reliability and resilience. Given the increasing digitalization of the grid, discover the cybersecurity risks introduced by modern technologies which include vulnerabilities associated with new grid devices and communication networks.

This course is co-sponsored by the UNO Alumni Association.

Learn how the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities’ Watershed Management Division protects our community from flooding and stormwater pollution. Explore the history of local flood mitigation projects and how they shaped today’s drainage system. Learn how floodplain regulations and the Community Rating System help reduce risk and insurance costs, and how stormwater Best Management Practices improve water quality. Includes practical home tips and a guided tour of local watershed features.

Explore the life and writing of Loren Eiseley (1907–1977), one of the 20th century’s most influential nature writers with deep Nebraska roots. Trace his journey from boyhood wanderings in and around Lincoln to paleontological work in the western Nebraska badlands and a distinguished academic career. Read selected works highlighting how his early experiences in Nebraska shaped his writing. All participants receive a free copy of The Loren Eiseley Reader.

Explore the life and writing of Loren Eiseley (1907–1977), one of the 20th century’s most influential nature writers with deep Nebraska roots. Trace his journey from boyhood wanderings in and around Lincoln to paleontological work in the western Nebraska badlands and a distinguished academic career. Read selected works highlighting how his early experiences in Nebraska shaped his writing. All participants receive a free copy of The Loren Eiseley Reader.

Join us on a nature walk to talk native gardening in a relaxed, fun, social atmosphere. This tour will highlight the native Nebraska-style landscape on the April Sampson Cancer Center campus. Discover the different types of prairie and native plants, what they look like, the benefits of using them, and how to incorporate these important plants into your home or business landscape. Be ready to walk and/ or stand the entire time.

Join us on a nature walk to talk native gardening in a relaxed, fun, social atmosphere. This tour will highlight the native Nebraska-style landscape on the April Sampson Cancer Center campus. Discover the different types of prairie and native plants, what they look like, the benefits of using them, and how to incorporate these important plants into your home or business landscape. Be ready to walk and/ or stand the entire time.

Enjoy a guided walk at Prairie Pines Nature Preserve, founded by Walt and Virginia Bagley in 1959. In December 2024, the 145-acre property was transferred to Wachiska Audubon. Wachiska and Prairie Pines Partners work together to maintain the habitat and promote conservation, education, and nature experiences.

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.

 

Doppelgangers, Enemies, and Strangers – Ted Wheeler (1 session)

Combining history and creative writing, learn about the historical figures behind the novel, The War Begins in Paris, including a pioneering female journalist who later joined a group of American “radio traitors” who broadcast propaganda on behalf of the Nazis. The author discusses his approach to discovering character during the early drafts of a story and walk participants through their own generative writing exercise.

Shaping Omaha’s Future – Pete Festersen (1 session)

Discover the top priorities, opportunities and challenges facing the City of Omaha including a discussion of city finances, public safety, economic development, affordable housing, and quality of life measures and the key public-private partnerships that make the city work.

Jesse James in Nebraska – Jeff Barnes (1 session)

The notorious Jesse James typically isn’t thought of in connection with Nebraska… but he was here. Nebraska was where the outlaw could find family and friends. It was where he could plan robberies, make a recovery of an escape, and even sit for his most famous photograph. He wanted to buy a farm here and some even say he started a family here! Learn what’s known of the truth, the fiction and the legend of Jesse James in Nebraska.

Nebraska’s Unique Legislature – Charlyne Berens & Numerous Current/Past State Senators (4 sessions)

Nebraska’s Unicameral is the only one-house, nonpartisan legislature in the nation. Learn the history and principles behind it, then hear insights from the recently retired long-time Clerk of the Legislature, former senators, current senators and lobbyists about how the Unicameral works, its strengths and weaknesses and how it continues to change.

Nebraska Ecology – Alie Mayes, Monica Macoubrie, Grace Gaard, Brianna Nugent (6 sessions)

From the Pine Ridge in the west, the central Sandhills, to the prairies and woodland corridors found in the east, Nebraska is home to many unique habitats and ecosystems that support a rich biological diversity of flora and fauna across the state. Gain a broad understanding of Nebraska’s ecology, and the diversity found in the birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and fish that call our state home.

Dangerous Earth – David Harwood (5 sessions)

This course provides geological context to understand Earth processes that pose risks to humans, our infrastructure, and the natural world. Learn about catastrophic impacts from mega-earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, ocean acidification and anoxia, meteorite impacts, and abrupt climate changes from runaway global geochemical feedback. By reviewing Earth's past, we can understand the timing and scale of future events to help us prepare for inevitable calamities that will affect humanity and our co-inhabitants of Planet Earth.

Embracing Technology: A Guide to Artificial Intelligence – Rich Sincovec (2 sessions)

Artificial Intelligence, AI, is a force driving our future. Unlock the secrets of AI: where it began, how it functions, and the transformative power it holds for you in everyday life. Learn how to use AI systems in planning trips, summarizing books,  authoring stories, songs, and poems, creating recipes and images, language translation and other things. Watch AI come to life and explore its power on devices you are now using such as smart phones, computers, and tablets.

Modern College Football Officiating – Kevin Mar (1 session)

An inside look of what goes into a week as a major college football official crew chief, from the minute the crew steps off the field on Saturday to next week's game. True “Whistle Wisdom” from a high-level Division 1 official for 20+ years and 16 bowl games. Learn about crew scheduling, logistics, learning the teams, coaches, and tendencies, and how they handle hectic play by play situations, decisions, and instant replay.

My Mother and the Holocaust Brought to Light – Irv Lubliner (1 session)

Before her death in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in ghettos and concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Poland. Her son, Irv, has published her powerful writings in “Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust.” Join us as he shares excerpts from the book, reflects on his mother’s resilience, and offers his perspective as a child of survivors and on bringing her work to light.

The Steps of St. Paul – Bob Kacvinsky (1 session)

Come experience the photos and stories of key places in Greece that St. Paul visited to bring the Christian message to the gentiles. Experience where Paul baptized and converted the 1st European Lydia in Philippi, visit Paul's bases of Ephesus and Thessaloniki, and where Paul received lashings in Corinth.

Nebraska was formerly covered by shallow seas whose levels rose and fell for more than 500 million years. At Schramm Park, south of Gretna, NE, observe rocks and search for fossils that provide evidence for a portion of these fluctuating marine environments. After a lecture in the park’s Education Center, visit a rock outcrop of Pennsylvanian Age (300 million years old). Find additional information about the program here: https://docs.google.com/document/ d/1RBOTnhHSGm7yTY_1Iy-axNAT8h7q57hK/edit

Explore how the mind works beneath conscious awareness, integrating neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy to explain how prediction, emotion, and biology shape perception, judgment, personality, and behavior. Topics include automatic and controlled processing, bias and intuition, allostasis and stress, the Big Five personality model, moral psychology, and narrative identity. We will emphasize humility, self‑understanding, and compassion, showing how awareness of unconscious influences supports wiser choices and healthier relationships.

Explore how the mind works beneath conscious awareness, integrating neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy to explain how prediction, emotion, and biology shape perception, judgment, personality, and behavior. Topics include automatic and controlled processing, bias and intuition, allostasis and stress, the Big Five personality model, moral psychology, and narrative identity. We will emphasize humility, self‑understanding, and compassion, showing how awareness of unconscious influences supports wiser choices and healthier relationships.

The following package of courses were 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. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with the link to the package of courses.

All programming originates from OLLI at UNL.

 

Braver Angels: Healing Our Democracy – Barbara Dewey (1 session)

The mission of Braver Angels, a national organization, is to heal the dramatic political divide afflicting our nation – not by trying to convince either side that it is wrong but by helping people learn to converse and even disagree in a respectful and civil manner. Learn how a group of concerned volunteers is working to form a Nebraska alliance of Braver Angels and how you can get involved.

Identity Theft: A Consumer Guide – Ryan Sothan (1 session)

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.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases: Free Speech and Press – John Bender (4 sessions)

The First Amendment may seem clear and absolute, but in fact, it is neither. What freedom of speech and the press mean has been the subject of several Supreme Court opinions. This class will examine eight major precedents in four areas: prior restraints, libel, dissent and symbolic expression These cases have shaped our contemporary understanding of freedom of expression.

Tech Basics for Everyday Life – Ryan Sothan (3 sessions)

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.

Global & Regional Water Issues: Challenges and Solutions – Multiple Instructors (2 sessions)

OLLI Symposium – Sept 27, 2025 - Water is one of the most critical resources for sustaining life, agriculture, and economic development. Challenges such as scarcity, pollution, climate change, and equitable distribution continue to threaten water security worldwide and right here in Nebraska. National and local experts examine policies, conservation strategies, and scientific advancements aimed at securing water resources for future generations.

Contact and Conflict – Jeff Barnes (1 session)

More than three centuries of Nebraska’s history during the Plains Indian Wars are marked throughout the state by historical monuments. Explore these instances of “contact and conflict” between Native peoples and European Americans in Nebraska and how they are commemorated, from trading, treaties, war and reconciliation.

A Life Well-Lived: Your Legacy Plan – Kevin Orth and John Love (4 sessions)

This course offers a guided, introspective journey through your past, present, and future. Explore your life story, clarify personal wishes, and create a legacy of love and guidance. Your decisions will bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones, relieving them of difficult choices during emotional times and allowing them to focus on honoring your life and the memories you’ve shared.

Community in a Time of Crisis – Day Hefner (1 session)

While the phrase “unprecedented times” is the refrain we often hear to describe these days, the deep polarization and the challenge of forming a collective identity are by no means new to the church. Explore the struggles of the early church reflected in the Book of Acts and the letters of Paul as they wrestled with how to pull together Gentile and Judean, slave and free, women, men, and so on into a new community, forging a new communal identity in response to the ground-shaking new things God was doing.

Esports at UNL: Engaging Students in 2025 – Instructor: Ryan Tan (1 session)

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

Entrepreneurial Lawyering at Nebraska Law - Instructor: Brett Stohs (1 session)

At the Nebraska College of Law, nine clinical programs offer third-year law students the opportunity to represent clients before they graduate and become lawyers. Supervised by licensed attorney professors, students provide valuable legal services to clients without means to hire a private attorney. Brett Stohs started the Weibling Entrepreneurship Clinic in 2013 and has served over 500 startups, small businesses, and nonprofits. He shares his pedagogy and passion, providing a sampling of valuable experiential programs.

Child and Youth Advocacy in Out-of-Home Care - Dawn Rockey & Monika Gross (1 session)

Learn about CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for abused or neglected, truant and ungovernable children and youth in the juvenile court system and about the Foster Care Review Office (FCRO) for Nebraska. FCRO volunteers oversee the safety, permanence, and well-being of children in out-of-home care. CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children in the court room and become a stable adult giving the child a fighting chance to gain a voice, achieve safety and stability and develop a sense of self-worth.

Contemporary Otoe-Missouria Lives Resilience – Christina Goodson (4 sessions)

This course focuses on contemporary Otoe-Missouria history post-removal to Indian Territory (1881-present), the survivance of Otoe-Missouria people and ways of life, and language revitalization and reclamation among the Otoe-Missouria and other Nebraska tribes. The course covers major U.S. Indian Policy such as the Dawes Act, Allotments, Termination, Indian Claims Commission, and Relocation.

Know Your Rights in Long-Term Care – Tami Barrett (1 session)

At some point, we or our loved ones may need long-term care. This course offers guidance from the Nebraska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for the rights of residents in assisted living and skilled care facilities. Learn about state and federal laws that protect those rights, explore real-life scenarios, and gain tools to ensure quality care. Also learn how to connect with local resources and explore volunteer opportunities through the ombudsman program.