What is Avenues of Scientific Discovery? The objective of Avenues of Scientific Discovery is show middle and high school students that science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are fun and interesting fields. We also want to make science approachable for students, which might guide them into a field of study they would not have otherwise known about or been interested in. More important, showcasing different scientific fields of study allows students to experience what science is all about in postsecondary education and the real world.   

Who can attend Avenues of Scientific Discovery? Avenues of Scientific Discovery is open to all regional middle and high school students, though we have an attendance cap of 300 students. 

Does our school have to pay anything for our students to attend? Students are able to attend and eat lunch for free because of our generous sponsors. 

Why do we have to pre-register students? Students must be pre-registered for this event. The reason for this is, we need to have a waiver signed by their parents that allows them to attend the event. The waivers parents sign are required by the NDSU Police and Safety Office for any minor attending any event on campus. The event itself is generally considered safe and any required personal protective equipment (goggles, rubber gloves, etc.) is provided by NDSU. 

Where do we park our school bus? Event coordinators will give you directions to the designated bus parking. You may also choose to bring a school van.  

Is there a fee to park our school bus? Parking is free for busses and vans when you park in the designated parking area. If you choose to park a school van in one of the visitor lots, please ensure you have paid for a parking pass at one of the pay stations. Your bus or van will receive a parking ticket if you are not parked in the designated parking area.   

Where do I Drop Off and Pick Up?

Event drop off and pick up will take place in the MU parking lot and on Administrative Avenue just outside of the MU parking lot. Busses will want to stay on Administrative Ave for easier navigation at the MU parking lot can get tight. Check-in is  in the A. Glenn Hill Center. Chaperones will be in the drop-off zone to assist as needed and direct students to the AG Hill. 

Parents are welcome to participate in the event, but they are not required to. Additionally, if a parent or guardian would like to stay on campus during the day, they are welcome to stay in the Memorial Union which has multiple seating areas and guest wifi available. 

Event pick-up is located in the same place as the event drop off, and is highlighted in green on the map provided. Chaperones at the event will make sure that students are not waiting by themselves at pick-up

What should my students do with their coats? We will have a coat hanging station for students to bring their winter coats if they’re still needed by the time of the event. Some schools have also chosen to leave their coats on their bus since students are dropped off right at the door. It is up to your school which option you choose but please ensure students remove any personal items from their jackets to ensure items are not lost. 

Do my students need to bring anything? Your students are not required to bring anything. If they are interested in taking notes, they are welcome and encouraged to bring a notebook and pen or pencil.  

What should I waer?

Participants should wear shoes that cover their entire foot. A good tennis shoe is recommended. Some of the workshops are hands-on and students may be working with a variety of materials. It is also a good idea to ensure your student is wearing socks as they may need to walk around campus to get to their classrooms. We also ask that long hair is tied back. 

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is provided thanks to our generous sponsors. Event volunteers will escort students to the West Dining Center. The Clean Eats station serves food that is free from gluten and the top nine allergies: fish, shellfish, dairy, soy, eggs, nuts, tree nuts, sesame, and wheat. Please let us know if you have any severe allergies that require additional accommodations.