Science comes to life at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science with a rotating hands-on station inspired by real women in STEM, thanks to the support of the IF/THEN® Champions Network. This engaging exhibit invites visitors of all ages to dive into themed activities that connect directly to the careers and stories of real scientists, engineers, and innovators. Whether you’re a toddler, teen, or adult, there’s something here to spark your curiosity—and help you see yourself as part of the STEM world.

Real Scientists, Real Stories

Every few months, we rotate the station’s theme to highlight a new set of STEM professionals from IF/THEN, a national effort to elevate and celebrate women in science, technology, engineering, and math. These scientists are working across disciplines to make discoveries, building real solutions. Their portraits and stories are featured prominently in the exhibit space, offering a glimpse into their daily work and a powerful reminder that STEM involves everyone.

We showcase role models from a range of backgrounds and disciplines so that every child, every family, and every visitor can find someone relatable and inspiring.

Reaching the Stars

Our current theme, Reaching the Stars, shines a spotlight on three dynamic women whose careers are quite literally out of this world:

• A Telescope Systems Specialist who ensures we can peer deeper into the universe than ever before
• An Astrophysicist uncovering the secrets of galaxies and star systems
• A Spaceflight Engineer helping design and support missions that push the boundaries of space exploration

To help bring their work to life, the hands-on station includes themed activities such as:

• Exploring Star Formations – Use models and visuals to understand how stars are born and grouped
• The Many Colors of Stars – Discover what a star’s color reveals about its age, temperature, and life cycle
• Space Construction with Building Blocks – Use simple shapes to build rockets, rovers, and space stations! Follow photo examples or dream up your own design—just like space engineers do.

The goal is to spark curiosity and confidence—because seeing the possibility is often the first step. Whether visitors pursue STEM careers or simply enjoy learning something new, the act of exploring, building, and imagining builds skills that last a lifetime.

Science is everywhere—and it’s for everyone. And at the science center, it all happens through fun.

Always Something New to Explore

The IF/THEN station follows a seasonal rotation of inspiring themes, each highlighting different women in STEM and offering hands-on activities to match. Throughout the year, visitors can explore new disciplines and activities, each with its own stories, materials, and ways to play and learn.

If you haven’t been to the science center in a while, now is the perfect time to come back. There’s always something new to see, touch, and try. Stay up to date by signing up for the newsletter, checking out the calendar of events, or stopping in soon!