Sofia was the first North Dakota’s Gateway to Science member to arrive at our Spring STEM Spectacular. She bounded into the science center with her family, decked out in a NASA t-shirt and a jacket with NASA patches, ready to explore the GeoDome and our Earth & Space activities. Sofia has participated in a wide variety of Gateway to Science programming, from summer camps to mini-camps on school holidays to Girls Who Code club to free family events throughout the year.

Sofia thinks NDGTS is important because “it helps people learn about science and how to think about the world around us and why things are the way they are.” In other words, North Dakota’s Gateway to Science helps everyone think like a scientist. She appreciates the supportive, friendly staff at the science center. Sofia’s favorite exhibits in our gallery are the brain teasers and the habitat for Scout, our bearded dragon. When asked about STEM Adventure Camp, she points to designing and building projects in our Maker Space as a highlight, along with meeting new people and getting to try and learn a variety of new things. In addition to camp programming, Sofia enjoys Gateway to Science family events because she can participate in hands-on activities with her younger sister.

Sofia’s parents value NDGTS because “it’s an environment in which our daughter feels safe to test ideas and concepts. It has become an integral part of her educational experience.” North Dakota’s Gateway to Science is helping Sofia, and many youth like her, develop 21st century skills and a passion for scientific inquiry.