Kudos have to be given to the community volunteers in Bismarck, North Dakota that decided informal learning could be a good thing. At Gateway to Science, children, and even adults, can now learn hands-on science in an environment that utilizes interactive programs and special exhibits in ways that traditional in-classroom learning never could.
In the fall of 1994 these community volunteers saw their dream become a reality when North Dakota’s first hands-on science museum was opened in Bismarck. With the goal of offering this unique learning opportunity to not only students, but also teachers and parents, Gateway to Science soon spread beyond the local towns of Bismarck and Mandan to all of North Dakota.
The exhibits at the Gateway to Science include such things as science of Mystery II, Electricity and Magnetism, and Roller Coasters. Science of Mystery II puts together investigation and mystery in a new exciting, educational way with a hands-on crime lab, making fourth grade level students feel like they’re part of a CSI team. Many different activities are included in the Electricity and Magnetism exhibit, and Roller Coasters explores the basic principles behind working roller coasters such as revolving targets, over the hill, and loop the loop.
Specific educational activities are provided at the Gateway to Science such as Air Pressure, Chemical Reactions, and Optical Illusions. In Air Pressure kids participate in a race of their own balloon rockets, showing how a change in air pressure works. Chemical Reactions explores the differences between acid and base substances and also heat energy. In Optical Illusion visitors see many classic optical illusions up close.
In addition to these hands-on exhibits and activities, Gateway to Science also provides traveling exhibits, Science Happenings, and summer programs. The traveling exhibits include both Science of Mystery and Science of Mystery II, both putting kids in their own crime scene investigation. Special Science Happenings include events such as Young Scientists Club, Spooktacular Science, Einstein on Wine, and Chemistry Demo Night. The summer programs are presented as camps, and include Lego Camp, Space Camp, and Family Rocket Camp, among others.
Teachers will find the Gateway to Science a useful addition to their own curriculum with field trips and Traveling Science Trunks. The Science Trunks cover areas such as Acids and Basics, Applied Physics, Basic Electricity, Plants, and Water Chemistry, and are aimed at a variety of different age groups.
Family and individual memberships are offered at Gateway to Science, with benefits such as free unlimited admission, reciprocity to other science centers in the ASTC family, discounted rates for special events, and a newsletter. Family memberships range in price from $40 to $55. Grandparent memberships, meant for the grandparents and their grandchildren, are offered for $35. Individual memberships are offered for $25, and Senior and Student memberships are offered for $15. A Sustaining membership allows the member to bring guests, and at $100, also includes a donation to the museum.
The Gateway to Science Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 7:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from Noon to 5:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays. The office is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday. Adults are admitted for $5, Children $2, and 4 and under are admitted for free, as are members.
Gateway to Science
1810 Schafer Street, Suite 1
Bismarck, ND 58501-1218
Phone (701) 258-1975
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