Sunday Scientist program to explore Native American life Oct. 17

Released on 10/07/2010, at 12:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, through Oct. 17, 2010

WHERE: NU State Museum, Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets

Lincoln, Neb., October 7th, 2010 —
"Sunday with a Scientist" logo
A 14-foot tipi assembled by Mark Awakuni-Swetland's UNL Omaha language class on the lawn east of Memorial Stadium in 2004. (University Communications)
A 14-foot tipi assembled by Mark Awakuni-Swetland's UNL Omaha language class on the lawn east of Memorial Stadium in 2004. (University Communications)
Mark Awakuni-Swetland describing the use of the chokecherry lacing pins for buttoning up the front of the tipi to his Omaha language class on the lawn east of Memorial Stadium in 2004 (University Communications)
Mark Awakuni-Swetland describing the use of the chokecherry lacing pins for buttoning up the front of the tipi to his Omaha language class on the lawn east of Memorial Stadium in 2004 (University Communications)

The University of Nebraska State Museum will present a program for children and families about traditional Native American life on the Great Plains as part of its Sunday with a Scientist series 1:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Morrill Hall.

Morrill Hall is south of 14th and Vine Streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus. Museum Sunday hours are 1:30-4:30 p.m.

The program, "Native Americans: Tipi Life on the Prairie's Edge," will be led by Mark Awakuni-Swetland, associate professor of anthropology and ethnic studies at UNL. Visitors can view and learn about a modern 14-foot tipi, along with late 19th- to early 20th-century furnishings, clothing, tools and games.

Sunday with a Scientist is a series of presentations that highlights the work of museum scientists and those from other departments and institutions, while educating children and families on a variety of topics related to science and natural history. Presenters share scientific information in a fun and informal way through talks, demonstrations and activities, or by conducting their science on site. Sunday with a Scientist programs are the third Sunday of each month through December.

Upcoming Sunday with a Scientist Topics: Nov. 21 -- ancient people and their killer beans; Dec. 19 --- Nebraska amphibians.

The University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History in Morrill Hall is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty and students are admitted free with valid NU ID. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free. For further information, telephone the museum at (402) 472-3779, visit www.museum.unl.edu, or contact Kathy French, education coordinator, at (402) 472-6647 or by e-mail.

Writer: Dana Ludvik, Public Relations Coordinator, NU State Museum, (402) 472-3779