Youngsters look forward to learning during summer vacation at Science in the Summer. The program is offered at Chester Counties libraries, which provide the venue and volunteer support. On July 1 and 2, Parkesburg Library hosted the program at the Pfc. Robert Montgomery VFW Post 4480 in Parkesburg.
Science in the Summer has been a popular fixture in the suburban Philadelphia area since 1986. The program is sponsored by GSK, and the Franklin Institute has been a partner and administrator of the program since 2012.
The free program offers hands-on learning experiences in classes divided by age group. Level One students are those who will enter second or third grade in the fall, and Level Two students are those who will enter fourth through sixth grades. Both groups have the basic curriculum, with the older students exploring topics in greater depth.
This year, libraries have been given the option of offering one-hour classes for four days or two-hour classes on two days.
Classes are taught by experienced, certified instructors such as Stephanie Smith, who is a teacher at Unionville High School. "I love it. I think it's a nice change from my usual curriculum," she said. "This is nice to change it up a bit and get them doing some fun, hands-on things."
One of the major attractions of Science in the Summer is the opportunity to learn through active, hands-on experiences. Each year, the theme of the event is different, with the current program titled "The Science of Me."
"It talks about the digestive system, the circulatory system, the nervous system and then DNA and what makes us unique," Smith said. Some of the activities included in the class are an experiment in digesting cereal, working with simulated blood samples and exploring a sheep heart.
"I think the big goal is to get them interested in the sciences and expose them to different careers," Smith said. "The kids keep coming back and seem very excited about the programs."
"It's a nice opportunity for the children to be able to do science without the pressure of all the other subjects," said Joyce Gallagher of Parkesburg. Her son, Benjamin, is participating in the program for the fourth year in a row. "He shows me projects that they did or things they worked on. I think it's nice to keep their brain engaged in learning activities."
Anna Paguio's son, Paul, is participating in Science in the Summer for the first time. "I saw the program at the library, and I think it's really cool, and he likes science," she said. "This is a great program."
For more information, readers may visit http://www.scienceinthesummer.com.
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