Exploration Place educates 613 students through free Science in the Summer program

WICHITA, Kansas — Exploration Place has partnered with the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia for a seventh year to offer the free GSK Science in the Summer™ program. Altogether, 613 students in grades 2 – 6 explored science careers and practiced real science techniques.

Exploration Place educators spent the summer visiting 16 schools, libraries and community centers across the state with the aim of inspiring the next generation of scientists.

The 2023 theme was Be a Physicist. Students participated in five activities that each highlighted a real-world career. They played the role of a sound engineer, laser scientist, accident investigator, power plant engineer and materials scientist by finding solutions to problems typically tackled by these scientists. The program is supported by the global healthcare company GSK.

“GSK has a long history of investing in STEM education programs that increase access and improve outcomes for students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM careers,” said Maya Martinez-Davis, president, US Pharmaceuticals at GSK. “GSK Science in the Summer™ provides elementary and middle school-aged students the opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM experiments and activities over their summer breaks, with the goal of putting them on the path to becoming our next generation of innovators.”

Exploration Place, the largest science center in the state, has seen extraordinary growth in demand for its STEM education programming in recent years.

“The earlier we introduce kids to the wonders of science, the brighter their future becomes” said Adam Smith, Exploration Place president and CEO. “With the GSK Science in the Summer™ program, we’re not just teaching science, we’re shaping future thinkers, creators and problem-solvers.”