Things To Do At OU...
There are many engaging opportunities open to school groups and every member of the family on the OU campus.
Elementary and middle school groups discover "why college?" through hands-on academic activities in the College of Engineering and School of Geology, and age-appropriate, outreach programs in our world class museums of art and natural history and OU’s National Weather Center. Explore the exciting options* below.
Engineering Experience
- No Charge
- K-12 groups
- 60 students, maximum group size
- 90 min. to half-day experiences are available from 9 a.m.-noon
- Please allow at least two weeks' notice. (availability subject to OU academic calendar)
The newest and one of the most popular offerings to school groups on the OU campus, is the "Engineering Experience" in the College of Engineering. Designed to engage youngsters with a window into college life, and spark interest in engineering, science and math as viable career paths.
Your students will interact with OU Engineering students and staff in hands-on activities and experiments, opportunities to meet members of competitive engineering teams and student organizations, and a tour with brief information session of the College of Engineering. The more time you have, the more fun elements can be scheduled.
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
- Admission Fee: Youth $4
- K-12 groups
- Allow 60-90 min.
- Please allow at least two weeks' notice. (availability subject to OU academic calendar)
- Website
Over 4 billion years of Oklahoma's natural history can be seen in a 198,000 square foot facility. Five galleries feature thousands of artifacts in 50,000 sqaure feet of spectacular exhibit space. Visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating natural and cultural history of Oklahoma...from the world's largest Apatosaurus (formerly, Brontosaurus), to the oldest painted object in North America.
The education department offers classroom programs and Discovery Room sessions for school groups. Each program is grade appropriate, natural history-based and developed to meet Oklahoma state PASS Objectives. All programs require reservations at least two weeks in advance.
The Discovery Room is a place to explore artifacts and scientific specimens in a hands-on, interactive environment. Visitors can participate in activities, observations and games that focus on understanding natural history, archaeology, fossils, geology and Oklahoam's natural resources. The museum offers a variety of ongoing programs in the Discovery Room, free with museum admission.
(405) 325-4712 / School Groups: (405) 325-4712 or (405) 325-1008
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
- No Charge
- K-12 groups
- 50 maximum per group
- Please allow at least two weeks' notice. (availability subject to OU academic calendar)
- Website
The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art houses not-to-be missed permanent collections and visiting exhibits. This world-class art museum also offers a range of programs for geared specifically for school groups, adults, children, families, and teachers. Let us bring alive the wonders of fine art for you and your students!
General (405) 325-3272/ School Groups: (405) 325-5990
National Weather Center
- No Charge
- K-12 groups
- 50 maximum per group; groups over 35 will be divided in two
- Please allow at least two weeks' notice. (availability subject to OU academic calendar)
- **NOTE** All tours require a reservation due to scheduling and security guidelines. Please understand that if you visit without a confirmed reservation, you will be asked to visit on a different date.
School tours typically last 1.5 hours. Educational components may be included as part of the tour, including: Science on a Sphere presentations, weather briefings on the Weather Wall, or PowerPoint presentations on weather topics. Please indicate your interest in adding this to your tour when scheduling your group.
Public tours include visits to the McCasland Family Observation Deck, OU's School of Meteorology, the National Weather Center (NWC) Roof Top Observatory, classroom and laboratory facilities, as well as NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, the National Weather Service Norman Forecast Office, and the National Severe Storms Laboratory.
NWC security guidelines require that foreign nationals (non-US citizens) obtain security clearance. Foreign national visitors are required to complete and submit the NWC Foreign National Visitor Form at least two weeks in advance of a tour date (contact the NWC Tour Coordinator for details).
Group tours are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. April 28, 2016, is the last day group tours are available for the 2015-16 academic year. Group tours are not offered during the month of May.
Summer group tours are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning June 2.
Pick & Hammer
- No Charge
- K-12 groups
- 60-90 min.
- 3rd-12th grade groups, 50 Students maximum group size
- Please allow at least two weeks' notice. (availability subject to OU academic calendar)
Join the rock stars of Pick & Hammer, the official OU Student Organization of the School of Geology and Geophysics, as they explore the wonders of "inner space."
School Groups will learn about aspects of the geosciences including the rock cycle, rock and mineral identification, geophysics, energy resources, and more! We hope to inspire students to study and learn about the world around them and consider careers in the geosciences
Activities include a mineral scavenger hunt, cupcake coring, seismic activities, and related experiences. (possible lab visits for high school groups, depending on professor availability)
Thanks to a special grant, transportation funding can be provided upon request and invoice documentation.
Self-Guided Campus Tour
- No Charge
- Allow 60-90 min.
A general overview of main campus buildings and historical points of interest, it allows you to enjoy our "campus beautiful by day and night" at your own pace and convenience.
Check out these “must see” places at the University of Oklahoma. Read the historical building markers across campus to learn about the history and tradition of OU. To register for an official campus tour in the future, visit tour.ou.edu.
Self-Guided Tour (PDF) | Campus Map (PDF)
Galileo's World
- Self-guided tours available
- K-12 groups
- 20 students, maximum group size (larger groups can be divided)
- 60 or 90 minute experiences are available
- Please allow at least two weeks' notice for docent-led tours (subject to availability and OU academic calendar)
Galileo’s World reprise offers visitors another chance to experience the award-winning exhibition that illustrates connections between science, art, literature, music, religion, philosophy, politics, and culture. Materials on display at partner locations have returned to OU Libraries and are available in a rotating display located in 5th floor exhibit hall. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday, 9-5, and until kickoff during home football games. Guided tours can be scheduled in advance by filling out our online form or calling 405-325-2760.
