Overview

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. This 100% free STEM enrichment 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. 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. 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.

Additional Information

• 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.
• Administered through The Bakken Museum.
• The Franklin Institute develops the GSK Science in the Summer™ curriculum, which is freely available at scienceinthesummer.fi.edu.
• 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 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.
• This summer, nearly 600 children across Minnesota 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.
• Across Minnesota, 600 students will experience being a physicist through fun, hands-on experiments at 13 schools, libraries, and community centers.
• 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
  • 78% of educators said they are more comfortable teaching STEM topics, and 85% reported being more interested in teaching STEM topics