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, returned this summer with a new theme: Be a Biologist!
The 2022 curriculum invited elementary school-aged children to play the role of biologists and tackle challenges in fisheries, plant biology, paleobiology, and wildlife biology through hands-on activities and experiments. Students explored the world of living things as they tackled real-world problems — such as solving a mystery at a troubled fishery, uncovering ancient fossils, planning the perfect plant habitats, and lending a hand to threatened hummingbirds.
Supported by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), in partnership with Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute, and administered through the Museum of Nature & Science since 2018, this fun, 100 percent free STEM enrichment program helps prevent summer slide and works to keep students engaged with learning through fun, hands-on activities that will help ignite a lifelong passion for science. This year, the program has reached more than 800 Las Cruces students.
“Scientists are encountering problems today that we never thought we would face, which is why it is critical to foster interest in science as early as possible,” said Maya Martinez-Davis, President, US Pharmaceuticals at GSK. “GSK Science in the Summer™ provides students in the communities where we live and work, firsthand scientific experience putting them on the path to becoming our next generation of leaders.”
GSK Science in the Summer™ was created in Philadelphia as part of GSK’s commitment to supporting STEM education and students from communities often under-represented in STEM careers. The program is 36 years old, and each year continues to evolve to remain fresh, engaging, and relevant for children across the country. Developed by the Franklin Institute, the curriculum is freely available at scienceinthesummer.fi.edu.
For more information, visit www.fi.edu. GSK is a science-led global healthcare company. For further information, please visit https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/about-us/.
The Museum of Nature & Science, 411 N. Main St., is accessible through RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1, Stop 1. For additional information, visit the Museums System website at: https://www.las-cruces.org/1523/museums or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @LCMuseums.
For information, contact Stephanie Hawkins, Education Curator, at 575/532-3372 or by email at shawkins@las-cruces.org.