This summer, a free educational program that has brought hands-on science fun to thousands of children will expand from four locations on the East Coast to an additional 12 sites nationwide.
The national expansion of Science in the Summer, which is sponsored by GSK, administered by AAAS, and hosted by science centers and museums, encourages students to learn more about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) while minimizing the impact of summer learning loss.
"We are very excited to be expanding our partnership of the GSK Science in the Summer™ program," said Betty Calinger, AAAS Education and Human Resources project manager and program administrator for the Washington, D.C. Metro area. "The program teaches core science concepts in a way that is engaging and accessible, and we are proud to be able to bring it to even more students this year."
The Science in the Summer program offered by 12 science centers and museums will focus on chemistry and is open to students entering second through sixth grade. Participants will learn about matter, and observe physical and chemical changes with experiments including turning pennies golden, making crystals, and watching popcorn "dance." Students will also use litmus and pH papers to determine whether substances are acids, bases, or neutrals.
"We are delighted at the success of the GSK Science in the Summer program™, and are pleased to be taking it to a national level," said Mary Linda Andrews, GSK Director of Community Partnerships. "Every child deserves a high-quality, engaging opportunity to experience science, and we hope that by expanding our program, we are planting the seed for a lifelong interest in and appreciation of science in the hearts and minds of the participants."
Since its debut 30 years ago, more than 125,000 children have participated in Science in the Summer in the Philadelphia area. Thousands of children have also participated in North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and the Washington, D.C Metro area.
Registration for Science in the Summer starts in May. In addition to the four original sites, the following locations will host the program this year:
- Adventure Science Center in Nashville
- Cleveland Museum of Natural History in Cleveland
- Kansas City's Science Center, Science City at Union Station in Kansas City
- miSci (Museum of Innovation and Science) in Schenectady
- Museum of Discovery & Science in Ft. Lauderdale
- North Museum of Nature & Science in Lancaster
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland
- Science Central in Ft. Wayne
- Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul
- Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport
- Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center in Huntsville
- SCIWORKS, The Science Center and Environmental Park of Forsyth County in Winston-Salem