The Sam Noble Museum at The University of Oklahoma inspires minds to understand the world through collection-based research, interpretation, and education.
(Best Suited for Ages 3-10) Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. we bring stories to life with Crafts and Tales at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History! In this engaging program, children are invited to gather for a lively story time, where fascinating tales spark curiosity and set the stage for exploration. Each session […]
(Best Suited for Ages 3-10) Every Saturday at 11 a.m. we're hosting Stories & Specimens for children and families! In this engaging program, children are invited to gather for a lively story time, where fascinating tales spark curiosity and set the stage for exploration. Each session dives into a themed topic, connecting stories to science […]
(Ages 6-8) Calling all young explorers! Join us from July 20-24 for an unforgettable summer camp experience at the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Each week‑long, three‑hour session of Summer Explorers is led by experienced museum educators and features unique themes packed with hands‑on activities, experiments, and plenty of opportunities to discover something new. This […]
(Ages 9-12) Calling all young explorers! Join us from July 20-24 for an unforgettable summer camp experience at the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Each week‑long, three‑hour session of Summer Explorers is led by experienced museum educators and features unique themes packed with hands‑on activities, experiments, and plenty of opportunities to discover something new. This […]
Oklahoma has an incredible diversity of moths from microscopic specks of glitter to North America's largest species reaching up to 7 inches in wingspan. These insects fill many interesting niches in our ecosystem including food sources for larger animals, pollination of countless plants, and decomposition of organic matter. DuFran will present on the importance of these winged creatures, and the […]
(Ages 6-8) Calling all young explorers! Join us from July 13-17 for an unforgettable summer camp experience at the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Each week‑long, three‑hour session of Summer Explorers is led by experienced museum educators and features unique themes packed with hands‑on activities, experiments, and plenty of opportunities to discover something new. This […]
(Ages 9-12) Calling all young explorers! Join us from July 20-24 for an unforgettable summer camp experience at the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Each week‑long, three‑hour session of Summer Explorers is led by experienced museum educators and features unique themes packed with hands‑on activities, experiments, and plenty of opportunities to discover something new. This […]
Journey through the crossroads of creativity and curiosity at Curiousiday: The Art of Science, happening August 8 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Sam Noble Museum! This Curiousiday event invites visitors of all ages to experience how artistic expression and scientific exploration intertwine to deepen our understanding of the natural and cultural world. From mesmerizing […]
In April 1937, after the events of the Dust Bowl, Oklahoma passed the Conservation District Enabling Act, which gave citizens the opportunity to form their own conservation districts and created the agency now known as the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. In this lecture, the speakers will talk about the events that led to the formation of the Soil […]
(Best Suited for Ages 3-10) We’re bringing stories to life with Crafts and Tales at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History! In this engaging program, children are invited to gather for a lively story time, where fascinating tales spark curiosity and set the stage for exploration. Each session dives into a themed topic, […]
(Ages 3-5 with adult) Introduce your little learner to science concepts through doing, discovering, and making! In this session, young scientists will explore sunshine, rain, wind, snow, and more. Little learners will discover how weather shapes our world in a joyful, sensory-filled adventure! Registration Opens on August 11.
(Ages 6-11) Spike’s Club inspires children ages 6 to 11 to love learning through active exploration and play. Each Thursday from 3:30 to 6:00 pm children will explore different natural and cultural history themes. During this installment of Spike’s Club, we’ll be diving into the fascinating science behind Oklahoma’s waterways and their inhabitants. Registration Opens […]
(Ages 5+ with adult) Come discover the amazing diversity of Oklahoma moths. We’ll start in the classroom where we will learn about moth species from local experts, then we will venture outside to the museum’s back yard to see these beautiful creatures up close. Flashlights will be provided for use during the program. Participants may […]
Get ready to follow the footsteps, wingbeats, and swim trails of some of nature’s most incredible travelers at Movement & Migration, a Curiousiday all about animal movement and migration. Discover how animals navigate vast distances, brave challenging environments, and use amazing adaptations to survive and thrive. This event is open to the public and included free with standard museum admission, making […]
Speaker: Dr. James Finck, Professor of History at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Dr. James W. Finck will be discussing the history of Chickasha, Oklahoma from founding up until the present. His book entitled "Chickasha" was part of the Images of America series by Arcadia Publishers. He has lived in Chickasha for 14 years […]
Application Deadline September 20, 2026. Training begins Saturday, September 26 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm (ages 18 and older) The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History will begin the Fall 2026 Docent Training on Saturday, September 26 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. During the three-month program, participants will obtain in-depth knowledge of the museum […]
(Ages 5+ with adult) Experience the sights, sounds, and creatures that emerge as day turns to night. We’ll meet at the museum to learn about creatures that come out in the evening and then caravan in personal vehicles to a Norman park to see and hear them for ourselves! Registration Opens on August 11.
(Ages 5+ with adult) Step into the shoes of an archaeologist—discovering how scientists study the past to reveal the mysteries of Oklahoma’s history. Through hands-on exploration, we’ll learn about the tools and other technologies that played a crucial role in ancient life. Registration Opens on August 11.
(Ages 18+ or 12+ with adult) Learn how evolving technologies transformed the everyday lives of people throughout Oklahoma’s past. Then, roll up your sleeves and try out some of those very same groundbreaking tools and techniques for yourself—discovering firsthand how ancient innovation shaped the world we know today. Registration Opens on August 11.
(Ages 12-17) It’s October, which means things are getting spooky at the Sam Noble Museum! Grab a friend and join us for a night of snacks, crafts, and creepy-cool adventures. Explore the galleries after dark and discover the real science behind one of your favorite movie monsters—zombies! Don’t miss out on the chills, thrills, and […]
(Ages 6-11) Join us for a bite-sized adventure for school holidays. Our Explorers Day Camps are a 2-day experience that will transform a simple day off into an unforgettable educational adventure. Whether digging into paleontology, unraveling ancient mysteries, or stepping into the shoes of a scientist, campers will experience the museum in a whole new […]
Get ready for a spine-chilling experience at our annual Spooktacular Curiousiday this October! Explore the eerie and fascinating side of nature as we uncover creepy critters and mysterious objects. Museum guests are invited to participate in hands-on activities, children’s costume contest, and even a few creepy surprises! Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the spooky season with a scientific twist!
(Ages 3-5 with adult) Introduce your little learner to science concepts through doing, discovering, and making! In this session, young scientists will learn about the Day of the Dead through colorful stories, art, and crafts. Little learners will explore how families honor loved ones and celebrate life with joy and creativity! Registration Opens on August 11.
(ages 5 and up) There’s a whole world too small to see—until you look through a microscope! Help us celebrate the 30th annual Oklahoma Ugly Bug Contest by learning how microscopes work, trying them yourself, and exploring fascinating tiny specimens in this hands-on workshop for all ages. Presented in collaboration with the University of Oklahoma, […]
Speaker: Dr. Marc N. Levine, Associate Curator of Archaeology, Sam Noble Meuseum, and Associate Professor of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma Coastal Oaxaca is one of the few regions of Mexico where native communities have maintained nearly all aspects of their traditional textile production techniques. This includes cultivating native cotton, hand-spinning thread, utilizing local dyes, and weaving on the back-strap loom. What can […]
(Ages 18+) Adult Night in the Exhibits (N.I.T.E.) is your chance to explore, sip, and socialize. No kids, no stress, just curiosity, good company, and exclusive access to our exhibits after dark. This Adult N.I.T.E. we’re celebrating the spooky season by exploring the science behind some of our favorite movie monsters! We’re talking zombies, vampires, aliens, and much, much more Expect creepy crafts, […]
(Ages 6-11) Spike’s Club inspires children to love learning through active exploration and play. Each Thursday from 3:30 to 6:00 pm children will explore different natural and cultural history themes. During this installment of Spike’s Club, we’ll learn about the many holidays celebrated by cultures around the world. Registration Opens on August 11.
(Ages 18+ or 12+ with adult) Join us on a guided bird-watching walk at a local Norman Park. Get an up-close look at native bird specimens before embarking on a nature walk to learn about birds and how to identify them by sight and sound. Binoculars will be provided for use during the program. This […]
Explore the rich tapestry of Oklahoma's natural history at an exciting event dedicated to our state's diverse ecosystems and geological wonders! Discover the ancient landscapes that shaped our state, from the rugged mountains to the expansive plains, and learn about the incredible biodiversity that thrives here. Admission is free, making it the perfect opportunity to experience Oklahoma's natural history with family and friends!
(Ages 3-5 with adult) Introduce your little learner to science concepts through doing, discovering, and making! In this session, young scientists will discover the amazing world of birds through stories, specimens, and hands-on activities. Little learners will explore feathers, nests, and bird calls while learning what makes these creatures so special! Registration Opens on August 11.
Speaker: Dr. Andre Moncrieff, Assistant Curator of Ornithology, Sam Noble Museum, and Assistant Professor of Biology, University of Oklahoma Dr. Andre Moncrieff is an evolutionary biologist and curator of birds at the Sam Noble Museum. In this talk, he will explore how genetic research is helping to untangle the evolutionary history of tropical birds, following their stories from […]
(Ages 6-11) Join us for a bite-sized adventure for school holidays. Our 2-day Explorers Day Camps transform a simple day off into an unforgettable educational adventure. Whether digging into paleontology, unraveling ancient mysteries, or stepping into the shoes of a scientist, campers will experience the museum in a whole new way—full of excitement, creativity, and […]
(Ages 5+ with adult) Travel back in time and uncover the prehistoric world with Dig into Dinos: Invertebrates! Uncover a world of ancient creatures without backbones. Examine fossils, enjoy hands-on activities, and learn how these amazing invertebrates lived! Registration Opens on August 11.
(Ages 3-5 with adult) Introduce your little learner to science concepts through doing, discovering, and making! In this session, young scientists will explore the fascinating world of ancient sea creatures through stories, fossils, and hands-on activities. Little learners will discover snails, trilobites, and other invertebrates that once lived long ago! Registration Opens on August 11.
(Ages 3-5 with adult) Introduce your little learner to science concepts through doing, discovering, and making! In this session, young scientists will explore the fascinating world of ancient sea creatures through stories, fossils, and hands-on activities. Little learners will discover snails, trilobites, and other invertebrates that once lived long ago! Registration Opens on August 11.
(University of Oklahoma students) Need a change of scenery while studying the week before finals? Come down to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the southside of campus to destress with dinos! Study areas and a calming craft will be set up in our scenic Pleistocene Plaza. Light refreshments will be provided to fuel students' study sessions from 1:00 - 5:00 pm.
(Ages 18+ or 12+ with adult) In Crafting Nature, creativity and science combine! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to make your own eco-friendly paper using recycled materials and native flowers. Discover how to transform paper scraps and junk mail into unique, beautiful sheets—perfect for your next drawing, handwritten note, or holiday card. Registration Opens on August 11.
(All ages) Step into a magical realm of frost and snow at our Winter Wonderland Curiousiday! This enchanting celebration of winter invites attendees to uncover the fascinating scientific phenomena that define this chilly season, from the physics of snowflakes to the biology of winter wildlife.
Speaker: Dr. Hayley Lanier, Associate Curator of Mammalogy, Sam Noble Museum, and Associate Professor of Biology, University of Oklahoma We live in a time of accelerated environmental change, with organisms forced to shift their ranges, adapt to new pressures, or face extinction. As archives of biodiversity, museums are especially well situated for understanding these organismal responses. In this lecture, Dr. […]
