Explore Natural History: University of Nebraska State Museum

a CILC Content Provider

Sparking people's interest in the natural world and preserving it for future generations. That is our philosophy at the University of Nebraska State Museum. Established in 1871, the University
of Nebraska State Museum is an active research museum. We are known for our paleontological
collections, especially our iconic hall of ancient elephants, yet we also
maintain over 13 million specimens, ethnographic and archeological
objects. The museum is focused on promoting discovery in natural science, and
fostering scientific understanding and interpretation of the Earth’s
past, present and future through world-class exhibits, collections,
special events, and education. The Museum is a
proud Smithsonian Affiliate and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

2023-2024

2022-2023

2021-2022

2020-2021

2017-2018

Programs by Explore Natural History: University of Nebraska State Museum

Science Chat SPECIAL: Sun and Stars

This program last 45 minutes and is suited for grades K-5th. Science Chat Specials are part of a series of programs, one every few of months throughout the academic year.

Animals in the Hall

Become a young scientist today! Like a scientist, we’ll start with what you know – and then ask a lot of questions as we travel our Hall of Nebraska Wildlife exhibit. Listen to and identify animal sounds, explore animal behavior, check out...

Art of Sea Monsters

Draw a picture of the past! We’ll look at fossil evidence, think like a paleontologist, draw what we see, and then imagine the possibilities. You will learn about fossils, how they inform us about past environments, and in what ways science...

Elephants in Your Backyard: Making Teeth Talk

Uncover a mystery – paleontology style! Your classroom fossil dig is followed by a “trip” to the museum. Together we uncover the tale told by teeth, traits, and time. You’ll uncover clues to middle America's ancient climate and habitats known...

Evolution Examined!

Dig in to the theory of evolution. Investigate current research. Discover how evolution applies to you and the environment around us. And try to sing like a fly! All it takes is a little variation, inheritance, selection and time.

Flickering, Flashing Fireflies

Investigate fireflies! We will study the life cycle of these bright little insects, take a close look at their body structure, and discover why they flash.Scientists that study insects are called Entomologists. So come along, young...

Fossil Finds in Volcanic Ash

Discover this fossil bed up-close!Prehistoric rhinos, three-toed horses, and llama-like camels lay where they died 12 million years ago, now extraordinarily preserved in ash.You will be taken INTO the fossil bed, a privilege not afforded to on...

Horse Evolution

To better understand evolution, check out our scientific investigation and interpretation lab, VFT, and mystery breakout box. By examining horse fossils, teeth, and ancient pollen your students will use multiple lines of evidence to explore the...

The Stories Skulls Tell

Ancient skulls still speak to us. We’ll explore our own skulls, consider structure and function, look at modern animal skulls and then roam our galleries searching out the fossils of ancient mammals. Who were these creatures? The answers lie in...

Traditions Shaped by Land & Sky

How do humans meet life's challenges? The First Peoples of the Great Plains developed varied solutions to life upon a challenging terrain. Using our First People's gallery we will consider the many decisions made and the archeological and...

Tusker Power!

Step Right Up! See the wild elephants who once freely roamed America’s heartland. Explore these prehistoric pachyderms world. Come eye to eye with “Archie”, the world’s largest mounted mammoth. Discover the amazing life history left in their...

Type of Organization

Arts/Cultural/Museum

Contact

Raphael Pepino unsmvirtuallearning@unl.edu
645 North 14th Street
Lincoln NE 68508
4024722637
United States

https://museum.unl.edu/education

Primary Disciplines

The programs of Explore Natural History: University of Nebraska State Museum cover:

Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Problem Based Learning
Science
History & Social Studies
STEM

Awards, Quotes, Testimonials

"The hands-on activities before and during the lessons were a big plus." MS Teacher

"The kit was wonderful! It gave the teachers direction in how to prepare for the field trip and helped the kids be ready to interact." Elem. Teacher

"The pace was nice and relaxed and gave all of the students time to think and respond." 4th Grade Teacher

"Your presentation skills make the content fun, engaging, and challenging, regardless of the age!" Instructional Media Coordinator