call CAl trash-can audio wheelchair right-chevron headphones tickets left-large-arrow facebook space cart pin video-resource-button sensitive-content atm youtube left-chevron plus wifi search eye instagram group backward right-large-arrow chevron-up wheelchair-3 traffic-sign baby-stroller mouse chevron-down twitter clock money cheers magnifying-glass calendar blog pdf-file-icon pin-map pause forward mother right-arrow left-arrow minus cart-with-number silverware Lifted Logic Web Design in Kansas City clock location phone phone-alt play chevron-down medium-chevron-down chevron-down-thin chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up facebook checkbox checkbox-checked radio radio-selected instagram google plus pinterest twitter youtube send linkedin close down-arrow rewind fast-forward thin-plus information elevator restrooms transportation up-arrow pencil

Press Releases

KANSAS CITY AREA STUDENTS TAKE ON THE ROLE OF ENGINEERS DURING GSK SCIENCE IN THE SUMMER™ IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

KANSAS CITY AREA STUDENTS TAKE ON THE ROLE OF ENGINEERS DURING GSK SCIENCE IN THE SUMMER™
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE

FREE STEM ENRICHMENT PROGRAM RETURNS FOR SUMMER 2021

June, 28, 2021 (Kansas City MO) – For the seventh consecutive year, Science City is thrilled to participate in GSK Science in the Summer™, a free summer STEM program that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by providing opportunities for children to embody science careers, think scientifically, practice authentic science techniques, and have fun, with a new theme: Be an Engineer! Programs are available in-person or as a virtual option.

Provided by GSK in partnership with Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute and administered through Science City, this fun, 100% free STEM enrichment program helps prevent the summer slide and works to keep students engaged with learning through fun, hands-on activities that will ignite a lifelong passion for science. This year, the program is expected to reach more than 28,000 students at 32 informal science organizations across the country*.

This all-new curriculum invites children to play the role of engineers and tackle challenges in electrical, biomedical, environmental, and structural engineering through at-home experiments, videos, and live virtual events. Students will explore the engineering design process as they solve real-world problems—including managing a playground’s stormwater runoff and designing a sturdy lightweight pedestrian bridge.

“Scientists are finding solutions to problems today that we never thought we would face, so it’s even more important than ever to foster students’ interest in science early on so they can see themselves on that trajectory,” said Becki Lynch, Director, US Community Partnerships at GSK. “GSK Science in the Summer™ gives students the opportunity to embody the role of scientists—identify a problem, find solutions, and test the results, and that’s what science is all about, solving the unsolvable challenges.”

GSK Science in the Summer™ was created in Philadelphia as part of GSK’s commitment to supporting STEM education. In 2021, the program celebrates its 35th anniversary, and each year it continues to grow and improve to remain fresh, engaging, and relevant for children across the country. This summer, nearly 400 children in the Kansas City area will join thousands more GSK Science in the Summer™ students nationwide as they learn the importance of engineering through fun, hands-on, age-appropriate experiments at local community organization,  and live virtual events.

Science in the Summer™ is uniquely impactful in that it takes what students are learning in the classroom and brings it to life, creating a cohesive learning experience that ties everything together and resonates,” said Dr. Darryl Williams, Chemical Engineer and Senior Vice President of Science and Education at The Franklin Institute. “Science is at the forefront now more than ever and ensuring that underserved and traditionally underrepresented youth across the country have opportunities to see themselves as engineers, chemists, or doctors will help create a more diverse STEM workforce.”

The GSK Science in the Summer™ curriculum is developed by The Franklin Institute and is freely available at scienceinthesummer.fi.edu.

###

About Science City

Internationally awarded for “Visitor Experience” by ASTC and regionally awarded “Favorite Family Friendly Attraction” by Visit KC Visitors Choice Awards, Science City powered by Burns & McDonnell is named one of the country’s TOP 25 science centers. Annually, it educates and entertains hundreds of thousands of science-thirsty children of all ages, including the very youngest learners in its four new, expansive Early Learning additions. Kansas City’s Science Center is THE place for inquisitive young minds to create, explore, and experiment with the BIG world of science through hands-on learning and non-stop fun. Featuring over 300 interactive exhibits and host to countless STEM-based events — including the annual Greater Kansas City Science & Engineering Fair — Science City leads the region in recognition from educators, parents, caregivers AND children alike. Continually evolving and always inventing new ways to make science meaningful and fun, Science City has become THE regional destination for families, groups, special events and even “Science City On The Road” outreach. Union Station Members enjoy Science City visits free of charge. To learn more, please visit ScienceCity.com.

The Franklin Institute
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. Pennsylvania’s most visited museum it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.

GSK
GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information, please visit www.us.gsk.com.

Media Contact:

Stefanie Santo, The Franklin Institute 215.448.1152 or 267.251.4632, [email protected]

Evan Berland, GSK, 215.751.5497, [email protected]

Margaret Hoang, Science City, 816.460.2019 [email protected]

*The GSK Science in the Summer™ national network is sponsored by GSK and offered in partnership with The Franklin Institute. In 2021, the network will reach approximately 17,000 children at 30 sites across the country, in addition to 11,000 children in the program’s two flagship locations (6,000 children in the Greater Philadelphia Area and 5,000 children in 10 counties across North Carolina, in partners