Overview

GSK Science in the Summer™ is a free summer STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) program designed to inspire the future generation of scientists and engineers. This program provides exciting opportunities for students to embody science careers, think scientifically, and have fun. Through a series of hands-on activities, students will dive deep into the fascinating world of space exploration and be introduced to different career paths as they step into the roles of Astrobiologist, Planetary Geologist, Robotics Engineer, Rocket Engineer, and Spacesuit Designer.

Additional Information

• The program aims to increase interest and confidence among students in doing science and pursuing STEM careers, especially students from backgrounds currently underrepresented in STEM fields.
• Led by The Franklin Institute, the national network this year will bring together an additional 22 informal science institutions to reach an estimated 23,400 youth in grades 2 – 6 through partnerships with 290 community-based youth-serving organizations nationwide.
• In Minnesota, nearly 600 children will join thousands more GSK Science in the Summer™ students nationwide as they learn the importance of space science through fun, hands-on, age-appropriate experiments at local community organizations.
• The curriculum is freely available at scienceinthesummer.fi.edu.
• The program is 100% free STEM enrichment.
• Students will keep and take home their daily science tricks and their final projects at the end of the week.
• Camp Innovation officially starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. Doors open at 8:45 a.m. Pick up is available from 3:50 to 4:10 p.m.
• Young Makers Camp will similarly open the doors 15 minutes before camp starts and have a drop off window 10 minutes before and after the half-day ends.
• Household and Supporting members receive a 10% discount on registration.
• The program is supported by GSK and led by The Franklin Institute.
• The program is administered through The Bakken Museum.
• The program has a new theme: Be a Space Scientist!
• The program has an expanded footprint and curriculum.
• The program expects to reach over 27,000 students throughout 78 organizations while providing valuable tools and training for 530 educators across the nation.
• In Minnesota, 600 students will experience being a physicist through fun, hands-on experiments at 13 schools, libraries, and community centers.
• Students will be introduced to five "Be a Physicist!" activities that each highlight a real-world career. They will play the role of a laser scientist, power plant engineer, materials scientist, and more by finding solutions to problems tackled by these scientists.
• The program helps students recognize the importance of science, think scientifically, and improve problem-solving skills through age-appropriate activities that include sending laser signals to relay messages to Earth, engineering a device to amplify video game sound, and designing a ski suit to keep athletes warm.
• Science in the Summer™, now in its 37th year, aims to inspire the next generation of scientists.
• Theme for 2023: Be a Physicist!
• The Bakken Museum is proud to be among the top STEM education organizations across the nation providing interactive experiences for students while school is out of session.
• GSK has a long history of investing in STEM education programs that increase access and improve outcomes for students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM careers.
• GSK Science in the Summer™ provides elementary and middle school-aged students the opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM experiments and activities over their summer breaks, with the goal of putting them on the path to becoming our next generation of innovators.
• It is critical to provide students with opportunities to discover the wonders of science, explore various career paths, and recognize the important role scientists play in changing our world.
• GSK Science in the Summer™ was created more than 36 years ago in Philadelphia as part of GSK's commitment to supporting diverse and equitable participation in STEM education and careers, especially for those from backgrounds currently underrepresented in STEM fields.
• The program aims to increase confidence among young students in doing science and pursuing STEM careers, grow the confidence and skills of educators to lead high-quality informal STEM programs for youth, and help build the capacity for community-based organizations to positively engage youth in STEM through sustainable partnerships.
• A 2022 program impact evaluation report administered by Rockman et al Cooperative (REA) shows that after participating in the program: 94% of children reported an increase in their confidence in doing science, and 78% of educators said they are more comfortable teaching STEM topics, and 85% reported being more interested in teaching STEM topics.
• The Bakken Museum is partnering with Red Lake School District to provide students with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning experiences during the summer break.
• The museum will provide approximately 230 students with in-person and livestreaming engineering curriculum.
• During the GSK Science in the Summer™ program, each student will receive their own kit of materials and support form Bakken Museum educators to complete engineering challenges.
• In-person programs will occur at Red Lake Elementary on June 9 and 23.
• Ponemah Elementary students will use engineering kits provided by The Bakken Museum along with livestreaming instruction on July 2, 9, 16, and 23.
• The program is sponsored by GSK, developed by The Franklin Institute, and conducted by The Bakken Museum.
• GSK Science in the Summer, is a free summer STEM program that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by providing opportunities for children to explore science careers, think scientifically, and practice real science techniques.
• The Bakken Museum and St. Paul Urban Tennis (SPUT) will team up to offer a combined science, technology, tennis, engineering, and math summer camp (STTEM) at the Eastview Recreation Center in St. Paul.
• Monday through Friday, students ages eight through 13 will play tennis and design, build, and showcase their very own inventions.
• The STTEM camp is free for all participants and SPUT has given priority to youth from underrepresented and historically excluded communities within the STEM field.
• "Science and tennis require kids to think creatively, adapt, and persist to improve," said The Bakken Museum Director of Education Justin Spencer.
• "We at The Bakken Museum are excited to partner with St. Paul Urban Tennis to provide students with this unique camp experience."
• Throughout the week, campers will practice creative thinking and problem-solving skills, make magic tricks, and play games while exploring science, technology, and engineering concepts in a fun, engaging environment.
• Youth will also participate in two separate sessions of tennis throughout the day.
• "We are thrilled to be partnering with The Bakken Museum to give youth within our programs the opportunity to gain exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math," said Saint Paul Urban Tennis Executive Director Song Thao.
• "By combining physical exercise with engaging STEM activities, we hope to encourage students to see that they can be athletes, inventors, and innovators."
• Campers design, build, and show their inventions during summer camp at The Bakken Museum.
• In addition, campers will practice creative thinking skills, learn magic tricks, play games, and explore science, math, technology, and engineering in a fun, engaging environment.
• Students learn to responsibly use tools and technology.
• Students engage in a variety of hands-on activities that ultimately prepare them to design and build their own projects over the course of the week.
• Students will have a set of tools and materials available that they can use in their projects and inventions.
• The students will participate in games, work on group problem-solving challenges, learn about electricity and circuits, take part in hands-on safety training with the tools in the makerspace, engage in activities to inspire creativity, and put together daily take-home science-based magic tricks.
• Students will work with camp staff to create their own original creations utilizing the Bakken Museum's invention process: Think It, Make It, Improve It, Show It.
• Wednesday, January 15 (12 p.m.) - Scholarship Drive and Scholarship Applications Open.
• Campers design, build, and show their inventions during summer camp at The Bakken Museum.
• In addition, campers will practice creative thinking skills, learn magic tricks, play games, and explore science, math, technology, and engineering in a fun, engaging environment.
• Students learn to responsibly use tools and technology.
• The Bakken Museum is a 2023 Blue Star Museum.
• The Bakken Museum announced it will join museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer.
• The Bakken Museum has been voted into the top ten best science museums across the country.
• The Bakken Museum is an independent 501(c)(3).
• Memberships, admission fees, and venue rentals support the Museum's research, exhibitions, and educational programming.
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• The Franklin Institute develops the GSK Science in the Summer™ curriculum.
• GSK Science in the Summer™ was created more than 37 years ago in Philadelphia as part of GSK's commitment to supporting diverse and equitable STEM education.
• The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in science and technology learning and a dynamic center of activity.
• The Franklin Institute is Pennsylvania's most visited museum.
• The Franklin Institute is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education.
• GSK is a science-led global healthcare company.
• Media Contact: Stefanie Santo, The Franklin Institute 215.448.1152, [email protected].
• Media Contact: Kate Kanaby, GSK, [email protected].
• Media Contact: Joe Imholte, The Bakken Museum 651.446.3108, [email protected].
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• Open Menu Close Menu
• Folder: Plan a Visit
• Folder: Education Programs
• Folder: Exhibits & Collections
• Folder: Events
• Folder: Membership & Support
• Folder: About
• Visitor Information
• Accessibility
• Museum Store
• Group Visits & Tours
• Admission
• News
• Back
• Clubs & Camps
• Field Trips
• Offsite Programs
• Library Programs
• Back
• Exhibits
• Collections
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• Minnesota Voices of Medical Alley Oral History Project
• Earl Bakken's Legacy
• Community Curated
• Franklin Room
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• Volunteer
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• Contact Us | Photography Policy | Museum Logos | Press Photos | Press Overview
• The Bakken Museum, in collaboration with The Franklin Institute, offering free out of school time STEM programming throughout Minnesota
• Across Minnesota, 600 students will experience being a physicist through fun, hands-on experiments at 13 schools, libraries, and community centers.
• Students will be introduced to five "Be a Physicist!" activities that each highlight a real-world career.
• They will play the role of a laser scientist, power plant engineer, materials scientist, and more by finding solutions to problems tackled by these scientists.
• The program helps students recognize the importance of science, think scientifically, and improve problem-solving skills through age-appropriate activities that include sending laser signals to relay messages to Earth, engineering a device to amplify video game sound, and designing a ski suit to keep athletes warm.
• Science in the Summer™, now in its 37th year, aims to inspire the next generation of scientists
• Theme for 2023: Be a Physicist!
• The Bakken Museum, in collaboration with The Franklin Institute, offering free out of school time STEM programming throughout Minnesota
• Science in the Summer™, a free STEM program for elementary-aged students designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, returns this summer with a new "Be a Physicist!" theme and an expanded footprint and curriculum.
• Supported by GSK and led by The Franklin Institute, the program expects to reach over 27,000 students throughout 78 organizations while providing valuable tools and training for 530 educators across the nation.
• Read More
• Guest User 5/8/23 Guest User 5/8/23
• 1,170 Prairie Elementary School Students Receive weeklong science assemblies, residencies from The Bakken Museum
• Read More
• Laura Whittet 6/9/21 Laura Whittet 6/9/21
• Red Lake Elementary School students to take on the role of engineers during summer programming provided by The Bakken Museum
• Minnesota students take on the role of space scientists during GSK Science in the Summer™ with The Bakken Museum in collaboration with Philadelphia's Franklin Institute
• GSK Science in the Summer™, a free summer STEM program designed to inspire the future generation of scientists and engineers, returns this summer with a new theme: Be a Space Scientist!
• Led by The Franklin Institute, the national network this year will reach an estimated 23,400 youth in grades 2 through 6 through partnerships with 290 community-based youth-serving organizations nationwide.
• Read More
• Guest User 4/15/24 Guest User 4/15/24
• The Bakken Museum President & CEO Announces Departure
• Read More
• Guest User 2/23/24 Guest User 2/23/24
• The Bakken Museum Ranked Top 10 Best Science Museums in US
• The Bakken Museum has been voted into the top ten best science museums across the country.
• Read More
• Guest User 1/22/24 Guest User 1/22/24
• September News
• Sep 5
• Written By Guest User
• SUMMER SPOTLIGHT: OUTREACH EDUCATION
• We're proud to share that over the past three months, we reached nearly 600 off-site students through GSK Science in the Summer program, led by The Franklin Institute.
• We visited libraries, schools, and community centers all over Minnesota to share free STEM programming with elementary-aged students.

• ---

• DISCOVERY DAYS: INNOVATION FAIR
• Minnesota students take on the role of space scientists during GSK Science in the Summer™ with The Bakken Museum in collaboration with Philadelphia's Franklin Institute
• GSK Science in the Summer™, a free summer STEM program designed to inspire the future generation of scientists and engineers, returns this summer with a new theme: Be a Space Scientist!
• Led by The Franklin Institute, the national network this year will reach an estimated 23,400 youth in grades 2 through 6 through partnerships with 290 community-based youth-serving organizations nationwide.
• Read More
• Guest User 4/15/24 Guest User 4/15/24
• The Bakken Museum President & CEO Announces Departure
• Read More
• Guest User 2/23/24 Guest User 2/23/24
• The Bakken Museum Ranked Top 10 Best Science Museums in US
• The Bakken Museum has been voted into the top ten best science museums across the country.
• Read More
• Guest User 1/22/24 Guest User 1/22/24
• Minnesota students take on the role of space scientists during GSK Science in the Summer™ with The Bakken Museum in collaboration with Philadelphia's Franklin Institute
• GSK Science in the Summer™, a free summer STEM program designed to inspire the future generation of scientists and engineers, returns this summer with a new theme: Be a Space Scientist!
• Led by The Franklin Institute, the national network this year will reach an estimated 23,400 youth in grades 2 through 6 through partnerships with 290 community-based youth-serving organizations nationwide.
• Read More
• Guest User 4/15/24 Guest User 4/15/24
• The Bakken Museum President & CEO Announces Departure
• Read More
• Guest User 2/23/24 Guest User 2/23/24
• The Bakken Museum Ranked Top 10 Best Science Museums in US
• The Bakken Museum has been voted into the top ten best science museums across the country.
• Read More
• Guest User 1/22/24 Guest User 1/22/24
• SUMMER CAMP AT THE BAKKEN MUSEUM
• Summer Camp
• THE SUMMER CAMP YOU'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR.
• Campers design, build, and show their inventions during summer camp at The Bakken Museum.
• In addition, campers will practice creative thinking skills, learn magic tricks, play games, and explore science, math, technology, and engineering in a fun, engaging environment.
• EVERY SESSION
• Students learn to responsibly use tools and technology
• Minnesota students take on the role of space scientists during GSK Science in the Summer™ with The Bakken Museum in collaboration with Philadelphia's Franklin Institute
• GSK Science in the Summer™, a free summer STEM program designed to inspire the future generation of scientists and engineers, returns this summer with a new theme: Be a Space Scientist!
• Led by The Franklin Institute, the national network this year will reach an estimated 23,400 youth in grades 2 through 6 through partnerships with 290 community-based youth-serving organizations nationwide.
• Read More
• Guest User 5/17/23 Guest User 5/17/23
• The Bakken Museum is a 2023 Blue Star Museum
• The Bakken Museum announced it will join museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer.
• Read More
• Guest User 5/8/23 Guest User 5/8/23
• The Bakken Museum, in collaboration with The Franklin Institute, offering free out of school time STEM programming throughout Minnesota
• GSK Science in the Summer™, a free STEM program for elementary-aged students designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, returns this summer with a new "Be a Physicist!" theme and an expanded footprint and curriculum.
• Supported by GSK and led by The Franklin Institute, the program expects to reach over 27,000 students throughout 78 organizations while providing valuable tools and training for 530 educators across the nation.
• Read More
• Guest User 5/17/23 Guest User 5/17/23
• The Bakken Museum is a 2023 Blue Star Museum
• The Bakken Museum announced it will join museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer.
• Read More
• Guest User 5/8/23 Guest User 5/8/23
• Camp FAQs
• Visit the Summer Camp Webpage
• WHAT DO THE STUDENTS DO?
• Students engage in a variety of hands-on activities that ultimately prepare them to design and build their own projects over the course of the week.
• Students will have a set of tools and materials available that they can use in their projects and inventions.
• The students will participate in games, work on group problem-solving challenges, learn about electricity and circuits, take part in hands-on safety training with the tools in the makerspace, engage in activities to inspire creativity, and put together daily take-home science-based magic tricks.
• Students will work with camp staff to create their own original creations utilizing the Bakken Museum's invention process: Think It, Make It, Improve It, Show It.
• WHEN DOES THE 2025 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION OPEN?
• Wednesday, January 15 (12 p.m.) - Scholarship Drive and Scholarship Applications Open.
• Summer Camp FAQs
• Campers design, build, and show their inventions during summer camp at The Bakken Museum.
• In addition, campers will practice creative thinking skills, learn magic tricks, play games, and explore science, math, technology, and engineering in a fun, engaging environment.
• Visit the Summer Camp Webpage
• WHAT DO THE STUDENTS DO?
• DO THE STUDENTS GET TO KEEP THEIR PROJECTS?
• Students will keep and take home their daily science tricks and their final projects at the end of the week.
• WHEN ARE DROP OFF AND PICK UP?
• Camp Innovation officially starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m.
• We will open the doors at 8:45 and greet arriving campers on their way in.
• Pick up will be available from 3:50 to 4:10 to allow for any campers who might finish the take-home activity early.
• Young Makers Camp will similarly open the doors 15 minutes before camp starts and have a drop off window 10 minutes before and after the half-day ends.
• ARE THERE DISCOUNTS OR SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
• Yes!
• Household and Supporting members receive a 10% discount on registration.
• Become a member and save.
• Science, technology, tennis, engineering, and math summer camp (STTEM)
• The Bakken Museum and St. Paul Urban Tennis offering combined summer camp
• STTEM camp is free for all participants and SPUT has given priority to youth from underrepresented and historically excluded communities within the STEM field.
• "Science and tennis require kids to think creatively, adapt, and persist to improve," said The Bakken Museum Director of Education Justin Spencer.
• "We at The Bakken Museum are excited to partner with St. Paul Urban Tennis to provide students with this unique camp experience."
• Throughout the week, campers will practice creative thinking and problem-solving skills, make magic tricks, and play games while exploring science, technology, and engineering concepts in a fun, engaging environment.
• Youth will also participate in two separate sessions of tennis throughout the day.
• "We are thrilled to be partnering with The Bakken Museum to give youth within our programs the opportunity to gain exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math," said Saint Paul Urban Tennis Executive Director Song Thao.
• "By combining physical exercise with engaging STEM activities, we hope to encourage students to see that they can be athletes, inventors, and innovators."
• Red Lake Elementary School students to take on the role of engineers during summer programming provided by The Bakken Museum
• For the fourth year, The Bakken Museum is partnering with Red Lake School District to provide students with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning experiences during the summer break.
• The museum will provide approximately 230 students with in-person and livestreaming engineering curriculum.
• During the GSK Science in the Summer™ program, each student will receive their own kit of materials and support form Bakken Museum educators to complete engineering challenges.
• In-person programs will occur at Red Lake Elementary on June 9 and 23.
• Ponemah Elementary students will use engineering kits provided by The Bakken Museum along with livestreaming instruction on July 2, 9, 16, and 23.
• This program is sponsored by GSK, developed by The Franklin Institute, and conducted by The Bakken Museum.
• GSK Science in the Summer, is a free summer STEM program that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by providing opportunities for children to explore science careers, think scientifically, and practice real science techniques.
• 3M Launches 'Science at Home' To Help Close Distance Learning Gap
• To help school systems, parents and caregivers adjust to this new reality, 3M is thrilled to introduce Science at Home, an online video library of easy, at-home science experiments performed by 3M scientists and special guests.
• Watch Science at Home Intro Video
• "The next generation of innovators is critical to our future in solving many of the global challenges we face today."
• "With Science at Home and through our philanthropic focus on education, we are doing our part to support children with e-learning content and assistance with distance learning capacity building," said Denise Rutherford, 3M's senior vice president of corporate affairs.
• The experiments, which were designed for children ages 6-12, reinforce core scientific principles and are conducted with common household items.
• For the next several months, the Science at Home program will post at least one new video experiment each week.