Free science education program coming this summer to our Clubs

The wonders of electricity and magnetism will be explored when the Cleveland Museum of Natural History delivers the GSK Science in the Summer curriculum to seven Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland sites this summer.

The free, hands-on programs will be offered during June and July. Participating Clubs are: Broadway   (June 14, June 16); East Cleveland (June 28, June 30); FDR  (July 19, July 21 at Patrick Henry School); Heights Youth Club  (July 5, July 7); King Kennedy (July 12, July 14); Luis Munoz Marin (July 26, July 28) and Saint Luke’s (June 21, June 23).

Each of the locations will offer 1½- to 2-hour classes for children entering grades 2 through 6. The Museum’s science educators will instruct the courses using the GSK Science in the Summer™ curriculum. Instructors will teach students the wonders of electricity and magnetism through hands-on experiments. Students will learn about what makes materials magnetic and how permanent magnets work by observing their effect on different materials. They will build their own circuits, and then use that knowledge to construct electric-powered devices. Students will also make an electromagnet to understand more about how magnetism and electrical current are interrelated, and how we make use of these phenomena in our daily lives.

The program is designed to connect students of all backgrounds with stimulating coursework and exciting activities that foster critical skills and a love of discovery and learning. It helps students “grow into science” by learning core concepts.

“We are thrilled to share our educators’ expertise so that Cleveland area children can participate in these programs,” said Mary Rouse, manager of public programs at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. “We are grateful for this opportunity to bring quality STEM education to the community. This is an innovative way to connect students to science and encourage summer learning.”

The Museum received a grant from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to instruct the programs. It is one of 20 host organizations across the country to participate in the national program, which is committed to enriching young minds through free summer science education.

To register children for GSK Science in the Summer™ in Cleveland, contact each participating Boys & Girls Club site.