As an ongoing initiative of North Dakota State College of Science, faculty continue to pursue outreach and collaboration with K-12 partners across the state. By offering opportunities for community organizations to come to campus for educational and exploratory events, NDSCS hopes to continue to be an enriching force in K-12 education and beyond.

As part of this initiative, NDSCS Mathematics and Science department faculty recently hosted a NOVA Fearful Symmetry event at NDSCS Wahpeton for area Cub Scouts in grades 2 – 5. NOVA programs are STEM-related programs to help Cub Scout members gain interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. During this NOVA event, Wahpeton Cub Scouts were introduced to the concept of symmetry, and worked on construction projects with marshmallows and toothpicks, watched a video about symmetry in the world, did crafts where symmetry was used in the design, and toured areas of NDSCS where symmetry in construction techniques (such as arches, stained glass windows, etc) are demonstrated.

Lisa Karch, PhD, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer commented on NDSCS’s efforts, saying “Partnerships with our K-12 institutions are integral to our mission as a College. We are proud of the work and collaboration our faculty are doing in providing educational opportunities and outreach in our communities. For many young students, this is their first opportunity to visit NDSCS and imagine themselves as a college student in the future.”

NDSCS looks forward to growing the NOVA event at a larger level in future years, bringing Cub Scouts from across the region, and providing a day camp for these students to experience various STEM-related opportunities. In addition to the Cub Scout NOVA program, NDSCS continues to partner with the K-12 sector by hosting additional community events like Math Olympics, FFA regional competitions, SkillsUSA, youth summer camps, and more.