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A Journey into Health Science: GSK Science in the Summer 2025

The GSK Science in the Summer program is back again for its 39th transformative year, inviting children aged 7 to 12 to delve into the captivating realm of health science under the inspiring theme: Be a Health Scientist! Coordinated by The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, this nationwide initiative will touch the lives of 23,400 students this summer across 450 organizations in underserved communities, creating a community of future scientists.

An Innovative Approach to STEM Education

This free summer enrichment program aims to make STEM learning accessible and engaging. Students will engage in hands-on activities that mimic real-world scientific professions. Role-playing various health science careers—from athletic trainers to epidemiologists—students will not only gather knowledge but also hone critical problem-solving skills necessary in today’s world.

Imagine students acting as athletic trainers, cardiologists, dietitians, and more, as they confront real health challenges through practical activities designed to ignite their curiosity. Each experiment tells a unique story of health dilemmas and encourages learners to ask vital questions: What affects our health? How can we prevent illnesses? Such inquiry not only makes science relatable but also immediately relevant to their lives and futures.

Program Highlights

Some of the fascinating activities include:
1. Be an Athletic Trainer:
Students will address knee pain issues among sports team members, testing strength and mobility while selecting exercises to improve their performance.

2. Be a Cardiologist:
Participants will learn about cardiovascular health by using a model to analyze how arterial blockages impact blood flow and develop solutions to restore a healthy circulation.

3. Be a Dietitian:
Students will take a closer look at nutrition, determining how certain beverages can boost Vitamin C intake for those in need.

4. Be an Epidemiologist:
Learners will investigate how illnesses spread within a school, using models to trace their origins and propose prevention strategies.

5. Be an Orthopedic Doctor:
Compelling simulations will challenge students to find means of keeping a hockey player's broken leg aligned during recovery.

Through these dynamic themes, students are provided with a thoughtful lens on their role in the scientific community, fostering an environment where inquiry is not only encouraged but celebrated.

Expanding Opportunities

The program aims to reach 6,400 participants in the Philadelphia region alone, integrated with over 180 local locations such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Mighty Writers, and the Free Library of Philadelphia. It doesn’t stop there; educators also benefit with professional training to enrich the STEM experiences for youth.

GSK’s commitment to accessible STEM education aims to spark enthusiasm and confidence in science, targeting those young minds from under-resourced communities. The Franklin Institute recognizes the profound impact that positive STEM interactions can have on students’ identities and the importance of role models who resonate with their experiences.

Maya Martinez-Davis, President of US GSK, said, “Through fun, hands-on learning opportunities, we can ignite passion for STEM careers among students.”

The Grand Finale

Towards the end of this enriching program, a field trip to The Franklin Institute’s new Body Odyssey exhibit will culminate the summer experience, allowing students to explore science in an immersive environment.

For those interested in applying, the GSK Science in the Summer curriculum is accessible free of charge at The Franklin Institute’s website. This incredible initiative not only empowers the youth of today but also prepares a generation of tomorrow’s health scientists ready to take on the challenges of their communities.

By inspiring curiosity and passion for science, GSK Science in the Summer continues its vital mission to cultivate future innovators and leaders in health science, shaping the landscape of STEM education nationwide.