We’re excited to announce three new exhibits at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science, awarded to us through the IF/THEN® Initiative, a nationwide effort to advance women in STEM and inspire the next generation of scientists.

These Play Workshops invite kids to explore what it’s like to work in real science and engineering careers through open-ended, hands-on play. Each station was inspired by the workbench of a real IF/THEN® Ambassador—a scientist leading the way in their STEM fields.

Anaerobic Chamber

Inspired by Dr. Ana Maria Porras, a biomedical engineer who studies microbes and human health. Kids can explore lab tools, test materials, and try working inside gloves—just like scientists do when studying tiny organisms!

Spectrophotometer

Inspired by Dr. Jessica Esquivel, a particle physicist who investigates how the world works at its smallest scales. Kids can experiment with light and materials to discover the difference between opaque, translucent, and transparent objects.

Impact Testing Lab

Inspired by Jasmine L. Sadler, MBA, an aerospace engineer who designs strong, efficient structures. Kids can build with foam and wooden blocks to see which designs can stand up to the force of a wrecking ball.

Making STEM Approachable

These new exhibits bring science careers to life in a way that’s approachable, imaginative, and fun. They’re designed to spark curiosity and maybe even plant the seed for a future in STEM.

Plan your visit today

Come explore these new IF/THEN Play Workshops and more at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science. Members enjoy unlimited free admission and reciprocal benefits at more than 350 science centers and museums worldwide through the ASTC Travel Passport Program.