Passport to Explore
Passport to Explore is a year-long annual program for K-8th grade explorers that curates
science outreach activities led by individuals and units within the LSU science community,
as well as community events in the Baton Rouge area.
Participation
Students in K-8th grade sign up to participate in the program through the registration form linked below. Those who sign up will track the activities or "destinations" (listed below) they participate in by submitting them through an online form. This is how you earn "stamps." Towards the end of the year, students will be awarded prizes for completing activities. Note: You will be required to upload a photo from the destination/activity OR write a 2-5 sentence summary of your experience for it to count towards your completed activities.
Faculty/units participation
We offer LSU STEM faculty and units the opportunity to advertise their outreach activities through the Passport to Explore program. Each approved activity will receive signage and a stamp to designate them as an official Passport to Explore destination. The stamps will be used to stamp the printable passports of participating K-8th grade students.
Participating parties will be able to describe the infrastructure of Passport to Explore as needed, i.e., in the Broader Impacts sections of NSF proposals, in service materials, etc. Passport to Explore will be highlighted in the Pursuit for Kids, social media, and other community-focused outward facing communications.
To include your event/activity in the Passport to Explore program, complete the submission form below for consideration. You can submit at any time during the year.
Passport Destinations
Be sure to check back because destinations may be added throughout the year.
Date Specific Events General Locations
Date Specific
| Event Name | Date | Time | Location | Audience | Description | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Science Academy |
January 7, 2023 January 14, 2023 January 28, 2023 |
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Highland Road Park Observatory |
Ages 8-12 |
Cadets are brought into the wonderful world of astronomy and given an exciting chance to explore gravity, simple machines, stars, spacecraft, meteors, the Earth-Moon system, asteroids and comets, and the electromagnetic spectrum. More information: https://www.brec.org/index.cfm/event/science-academy |
Registration closes the Friday before each class. $5 for EBR Parish Residents $6 for out-of-parish residents |
|
Saturday Science |
January 21, 2023 |
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. |
EBR Main Library at Goodwood Blvd |
Grades 4-8+ |
Topic - Below the Sea Floor in Belize: Discovering Ancient Maya Sites submerged by Sea-level rise. Speaker - Heather McKillop Sponsored by the Physics & Astronomy department, this public lecture series has been running for 30 years. It aims to communicate the scientific discoveries made by LSU faculty and researchers to the general public. Please see https://www.lsu.edu/physics/colloquia-seminars/saturday-science.php |
Contact Parampreet Singh psingh@lsu.edu with questions. |
| STEM Story Time | January 28, 2023 | 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. | Goodwood Library Eden Park Library Bluebonnet Library Carver Library |
K-3rd grade |
The LSU College of Science and Office of Diversity and Inclusion invites children in kindergarten through third grade to explore the worlds of math and science through an exciting science story time adventure led by some of the university’s top scientists and mathematicians. Each story time is followed by a fun, hands-on activity that allows the young scientists to feed their curiosity and take an even deeper dive into a math and science discovery. |
Registration is required: Register Now |
| Saturday Science | [Sunday] January 29, 2023 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | EBR Main Library at Goodwood Blvd | Grades 4-8+ |
Topic - How Earth Came to Be: From the Big Bang to Planet Formation Speaker - Matthew Penny Sponsored by the Physics & Astronomy department, this public lecture series has been running for 30 years. It aims to communicate the scientific discoveries made by LSU faculty and researchers to the general public. Please see https://www.lsu.edu/physics/colloquia-seminars/saturday-science.php. |
Contact Parampreet Singh psingh@lsu.edu with questions. |
| LIGO Science Saturdays | First Saturday of every month (February - October 2023) |
10:00 a.m. - 12:45 pm 1:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
LIGO Livingston | General |
On the first Saturday of every month starting in February 2023, from 10 AM - 12:45 PM, and from 1:15 PM - 4 PM, visitors are welcome to drop in and experience the LIGO Science Education Center's Science Saturdays. These events are FREE. We offer tours weather permitting and approximately 50 interactive science exhibits. We welcome individuals and small groups. |
Registration is Required: Register Here |
|
Science Academy |
February 4, 2023 February 11, 2023 February 25, 2023 |
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Highland Road Park Observatory |
Ages 8-12 |
Cadets are brought into the wonderful world of astronomy and given an exciting chance to explore gravity, simple machines, stars, spacecraft, meteors, the Earth-Moon system, asteroids and comets, and the electromagnetic spectrum. More information: https://www.brec.org/index.cfm/event/science-academy |
Registration closes the Friday before each class. $5 for EBR Parish Residents $6 for out-of-parish residents |
|
Saturday Science |
February 18, 2023 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | EBR Main Library at Goodwood Blvd | Grades 4-8+ |
Topic - LSU Campus Mounds: Oldest man-made structures in the Americas Speaker - Brooks Elwood Sponsored by the Physics & Astronomy department, this public lecture series has been running for 30 years. It aims to communicate the scientific discoveries made by LSU faculty and researchers to the general public. Please see https://www.lsu.edu/physics/colloquia-seminars/saturday-science.php |
Contact Parampreet Singh psingh@lsu.edu with questions. |
|
Discover Hilltop's Wildlife: Family Field Day |
February 25, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | LSU Hilltop Arboretum | General |
Explore the skies, land, and water at Hilltop through a series of walks and IDs led
by our Master Naturalists! https://www.lsu.edu/hilltop/programs/adult/discovernature.php |
Registration is required through Hilltop, but this event is FREE and designed to be fun and informative for families and adults. Registration link: https://www.lsu.edu/hilltop/programs/adult/discover_hilltop_wildlife_registration.php Parking is extremely limited, carpooling is strongly encouraged. |
|
Saturday Science |
[Sunday] February 26, 2023 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | EBR Main Library at Goodwood Blvd | Grades 4-8+ |
Topic - A journey to the Big Bang and Beyond Speaker - Parampreet Singh Sponsored by the Physics & Astronomy department, this public lecture series has been running for 30 years. It aims to communicate the scientific discoveries made by LSU faculty and researchers to the general public. Please see https://www.lsu.edu/physics/colloquia-seminars/saturday-science.php |
Contact Parampreet Singh psingh@lsu.edu with questions. |
|
Science Academy |
March 4, 2023 March 11, 2023 March 25, 2023 |
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Highland Road Park Observatory |
Ages 8-12 |
Cadets are brought into the wonderful world of astronomy and given an exciting chance to explore gravity, simple machines, stars, spacecraft, meteors, the Earth-Moon system, asteroids and comets, and the electromagnetic spectrum. More information: https://www.brec.org/index.cfm/event/science-academy |
Registration closes the Friday before each class. $5 for EBR Parish Residents $6 for out-of-parish residents |
| Girls' Day at the Museum | March 4, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | LSU Museum of Natural Science | 4th-6th grade |
The LSU Museum of Natural Science and LSU College of Science invite girls in grades 4 through 6 to apply to LSU’s Girls' Day at the Museum. Participants will meet new, like-minded friends, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the LSU Museum of Natural Science, learn from LSU College of Science student organizations through hands-on science activities, AND snack and chat with some of LSU's top women scientists. |
Applications are closed. |
| ENGage LSU | March 13, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | LSU Campus, Patrick F. Taylor Hall | 6-8th grade |
ENGage LSU is a yearly event for middle school students to learn more about the different fields of engineering and the diversity of potential careers. Students tour research labs at LSU in our state of the art engineering building (Patrick F. Taylor Hall) and participate in hands-on activities led by faculty and students. Past topics included the battle between tumors and drug resistance, flexible robots, aging bridges, nanomaterials, and decoding DNA. This event is FREE and open to 6th-8th grade classes on a first come, first serve basis. One teacher/chaperone for every 10 students is required; maximum of 40 students per school due to space constraints. |
*Teachers will receive a confirmation e-mail with more information and will be required to complete a school agreement form to confirm their spot |
|
Saturday Science |
March 25, 2023 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | EBR Main Library at Goodwood Blvd | Grades 4-8+ |
Topic - The First Exciting Discoveries with the James Webb Space Telescope Speaker - Geoffrey Clayton Sponsored by the Physics & Astronomy department, this public lecture series has been running for 30 years. It aims to communicate the scientific discoveries made by LSU faculty and researchers to the general public. Please see https://www.lsu.edu/physics/colloquia-seminars/saturday-science.php |
Contact Parampreet Singh psingh@lsu.edu with questions. |
| Our Earth, Our Laboratory | April 1, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | LSU Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex | 7th-8th grade |
Students in grades 7 and 8 are invited to apply for Geaux Science Explorations: Our Earth, Our Laboratory — a day of fun earth and energy science activities led by some of LSU's top geologists. Learn about geology research at LSU on Earth and Mars, lunch and chat with LSU scientists and students, and explore research labs and rock samples. |
Apply Here: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4UXwurTqasVXut0 |
|
Science Academy |
April 1, 2023 April 8, 2023 April 15, 2023 |
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Highland Road Park Observatory |
Ages 8-12 |
Cadets are brought into the wonderful world of astronomy and given an exciting chance to explore gravity, simple machines, stars, spacecraft, meteors, the Earth-Moon system, asteroids and comets, and the electromagnetic spectrum. More information: https://www.brec.org/index.cfm/event/science-academy |
Registration closes the Friday before each class. $5 for EBR Parish Residents $6 for out-of-parish residents |
|
Saturday Science |
April 22, 2023 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | EBR Main Library at Goodwood Blvd | Grades 4-8+ |
Topic - Some stars attract each other, dance, and merge together Speaker - Juhan Frank Sponsored by the Physics & Astronomy department, this public lecture series has been running for 30 years. It aims to communicate the scientific discoveries made by LSU faculty and researchers to the general public. Please see https://www.lsu.edu/physics/colloquia-seminars/saturday-science.php |
Contact Parampreet Singh psingh@lsu.edu with questions. |
| Louisiana Earth Day | April 2023 | TBA | North Boulevard between the Old State Capitol and the Old Governor's Mansion, Baton Rouge, Louisiana | General |
Bringing together the community to celebrate responsible environmental stewardship with an annual Earth Day festival. |
|
|
Science Academy |
May 6, 2023 May 13, 2023 May 27, 2023 |
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Highland Road Park Observatory |
Ages 8-12 |
Cadets are brought into the wonderful world of astronomy and given an exciting chance to explore gravity, simple machines, stars, spacecraft, meteors, the Earth-Moon system, asteroids and comets, and the electromagnetic spectrum. More information: https://www.brec.org/index.cfm/event/science-academy |
Registration closes the Friday before each class. $5 for EBR Parish Residents $6 for out-of-parish residents |
| Ocean Commotion | Fall 2023 | AM and PM sessions | LSU PMAC | 5-8th Grade (AM session); K-4th Grade (PM session) |
Ocean Commotion is a one-day educational fair hosted by the Louisiana Sea Grant. It offers students an opportunity to learn about a host of issues that affect our coast, rivers, bayous, and other environments in a lively, hands-on learning manner. |
*Schools must apply for a spot. |
General Locations
| Location | Days Open | Hours | Address | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LSU Museum of Natural Science | Monday - Friday | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | LSU Main Campus, Foster Hall | Free Admission |
| LSU Hilltop Arboretum | Monday - Sunday | dawn to dusk (daylight hours) | 11855 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 | Free Admission |
| LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens | Monday - Sunday | 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | 4560 Essen Ln (I-10 at Essen Lane), Baton Rouge, LA 70809 | Free Admission |
| BREC Highland Road Park Observatory | Monday - Thursday | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | 13800 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 | Free Admission |
| BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo | Monday - Sunday |
Monday - Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
3601 Thomas Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70807 |
Adults/Teens - $8.75 2-12 - $5.75 1 & under - Free |
| Louisiana Art & Science Museum | Wednesday - Sunday |
Wednesday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
100 River Road South, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 |
Adults - $12 Children - $10 Seniors (65+) - $10 *Free the first Sunday of the month |
| Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center | Tuesday - Sunday |
Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
10503 N. Oak Hills Parkway, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 |
2 and younger: Free 3-17: $2 18-64: $3 65 and older: $2.50 Full-time college students with ID: $2.50 |
| Knock Knock Museum | Tuesday - Sunday |
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
1900 Dalrymple Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 |
Visitors - $14 0-23 months - Free |
Please contact Valerie Stampley with any questions.
Sponsored by