GSK and the Free Library kick off annual Science in the Summer program

27 free library locations will host a free summer course in sports science.

This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.

Darryl Murphy
Registration is now open for Philadelphia’s GSK Science in the Summer program. On Friday morning, educators from the Franklin Institute joined students from General Philip Kearny Elementary School at the Ramonita G. Rodriguez Library to celebrate opening day.

The program, which is free for students in grades 2-6, provides a hands-on STEM summer enrichment program that engages elementary students to encourage and support learning and exploration. It is sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, a global healthcare corporation, and will be administered by the Franklin Learning Center.

"We are thrilled to bring this exciting learning opportunity back to children throughout Philadelphia this year with a brand-new curriculum developed in partnership with The Franklin Institute," said Marti Skold-Jordan, manager of Community Partnerships at GSK, in a statement.

"This program was born in Philadelphia three decades ago from GSK’s commitment to supporting STEM education, and every year since it has continued to grow and improve to remain fresh, engaging and relevant for children here and across the country.”

Now in its 31st year, students will be introduced to a new course theme: Science in Sports, which focuses on how science is used to aid athletes in improving their performance.

"When I was a kid in the GSK Science in the Summer program, I loved learning about science and doing the hands-on experiments at my local library,” said Elizabeth Kenny, library coordinator for GSK Science in the Summer at the Free Library of Philadelphia, and GSK Science in the Summer program alumnus.

“I kept the workbook from the program for years, and I would pull it out every so often to do experiments at home. The four hours of GSK Science in the Summer truly inspired me to continue exploring the world of science for years afterwards.”

Stefano Giuliani, a fifth-grade teacher at Kearny Elementary, said “incorporating both science and physical activity” is good for maintaining the interest level of the kids.

The GSK Science in the Summer classes will be held at 27 free library locations in the city and courses will begin at the Andorra branch of the free library on June 27. To register for classes visit www.scienceinthesummer.com