Science Chat Specials

Introduce students to the work of scientists by letting them hear from the scientists themselves! Science Chat Specials are Virtual Learning Programs that are live and interactive, focusing on Nebraska science phenomena. 

A scientists shares his research in a virtual field trip presentation.

Morrill Hall provides two different distance learning opportunities - Science Chat Specials and Virtual Field Trips. Science Chat Specials are designed to accommodate larger audiences while still providing some interaction as students learn directly from science experts. Virtual Field Trips are designed to be done for individual classrooms and support state and national standards. Additional program details for Science Chat Specials are below:

 

Science Chat Special Program Details

Fees

Each Science chat special is billed by the school. This means that more than one classroom at the same school can attend at the same cost! The school-wide fee for each program is $125.

Due to the generous support of the Rogers Foundation and the Morrill Hall Scholarship Fund, all Nebraska schools qualify for FREE Science Chat Specials for the 2025-2026 school year.

Capacity

Unlimited participants. Please note, more than one school will be attending the program at the same time. If you want individual interaction with educators, consider a Virtual Field Trip program. 

Registration/Cancellation

Registration timeline: 2 weeks advance notice required

Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email prior to your program. Please check the confirmation for accuracy. 

Cancellation: Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled program. Failure to cancel in advance may result in being charged the full price of the program. There is no charge if the program is cancelled due to unforseen Museum technical problems. 

Technology Delivery Mode

Science Chat Specials are delivered via Zoom. Please contact us if you have questions about your technology needs.


Register for a Science Chat Special

Each program is offered ONE DAY ONLY. Register for one, or as many of the programs as you wish. 

SCATegories

February 26, 2026 | 9:30am & 11:00am

UNSM Zoology Collection
It's poop! What is it trying to say? Discover what zoologists and paleontologists can learn from what animals leave behind, from their behind. 

Images of different animal piles of scat over a generated graphic background of science tools and tracks.

Bats, Our Nighttime neighbors

March 26, 2026 | 9:30AM & 11:00 AM

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Come visit our nighttime neighbors. Join UNSM and the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to observe the "batty" behaviors of our nighttime neighbors. 

Two bats flying over a generated blue background of bat silhouettes.

Husker Habitats

April 30, 2026 | 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM

UNL Center for Grassland Studies & UNSM Botany Collection
Who lives here in Nebraska? Our famous prairie is filled with unique plant and animal life. Let's explore at the UNL Center for Grassland Studies with Dr. David Wedin.

A sandhill crane flies over native grasses with a generated background of prairie animal silhouettes.