Children passionate about science will have the opportunity to learn throughout the summer with a free program that is touring local libraries.
Science in the Summer, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline in partnership with The Franklin Institute and area libraries, gives children entering second through sixth grade the opportunity to experience hands-on, science-related activities while they are on their summer break.
“This year’s program will continue to provide children with opportunities to experience the wonders of science at an age-appropriate level,” said Mary Linda Andrews, director of Community Partnerships for GlaxoSmithKline. “Our goal is for students to develop a deeper, long-lasting interest in science.”
GlaxoSmithKline, a research-based pharmaceutical and health care company, is also providing participating libraries with an annual grant to purchase books as part of the program.
This is the 27th year of Science in the Summer. There are enough spots to allow approximately 4,900 elementary school students to attend classes in libraries that will host the program in the five-county region.
Science in the Summer classes began June 22, and run through the first week of August. Dates vary based on local libraries. The Pottstown Regional Public Library will host classes July 22-25.
All Montgomery County locations will be focusing on genetics in this year’s programs. Projects that students enrolled in the program will experience include lessons on human chromosomes and genes, how to build a cell, extracting DNA from a strawberries, fingerprint examination, and construction of DNA molecules.
The program is taught by certified teachers, and classes have a maximum of 15 students each. Two age groups are available, level one, which is for children entering second and third grade, and level two, which is for students entering fourth through sixth grades. Classes will run for four days and will be offered from 10-10:45 a.m. and 2-2:45 p.m. for level one, and 11:15 a.m. until noon or 3:15-4 p.m.
Registration is free and will be held June 17 through July 9. Parents interested in signing their children up can visit the Pottstown library.
For more information and additional locations where the program is being held, visit www.scienceinthesummer.com