Releases | New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Hundreds of Budding Engineers across the State Participated in the GSK Science in the Summer Program, administered by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science   

September 8th, 2021

This summer, hundreds of students in central and northern New Mexico tackled challenges in electrical, biomedical, environmental, and structural engineering through at-home experiments, videos, and live virtual events. As part of the GSK Science in the Summer™ program, these young engineers explored the design process as they solved real-world problems — including managing a playground’s storm water runoff and designing a sturdy lightweight pedestrian bridge.

Provided by GSK in partnership with The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and administered beginning this year through the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (NMMNHS) in Albuquerque, GSK Science in the Summer™ is a completely free STEM enrichment 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, all while keeping students engaged through hands-on activities.

“The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science was honored to present this program to the children of New Mexico, and we look forward to continuing this important program next summer,” said Deb Novak, director of education at NMMNHS.

GSK Science in the Summer™ was created in Philadelphia as part of GSK’s commitment to supporting STEM education. In 2021, the program celebrates its 35th anniversary, and each year it continues to grow and improve to remain fresh, engaging, and relevant for children across the country. Nearly 800 children across central and northern New Mexico joined thousands of other GSK Science in the Summer™ students nationwide this summer as they learned the importance of engineering through fun, hands-on, age-appropriate experiments.

“Scientists are finding solutions to problems today that we never thought we would face, so it’s even more important than ever to foster students’ interest in science early on so they can see themselves on that trajectory,” said Becki Lynch, director of U.S. Community Partnerships at GSK. “GSK Science in the Summer™ gives students the opportunity to embody the role of scientists — identify a problem, find solutions, and test the results, and that’s what science is all about, solving the unsolvable challenges.”

“Science in the Summer™ is uniquely impactful in that it takes what students are learning in the classroom and brings it to life, creating a cohesive learning experience that ties everything together and resonates,” said Dr. Darryl Williams, chemical engineer and senior vice president of science and education at The Franklin Institute. “Science is at the forefront now more than ever and ensuring that underserved and traditionally underrepresented youth across the country have opportunities to see themselves as engineers, chemists, or doctors will help create a more diverse STEM workforce.”

The GSK Science in the Summer™ curriculum was developed by The Franklin Institute and is freely available at www.scienceinthesummer.fi.edu.

 

About the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Trustees of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation, through the generous support of donors. Established in 1986, the mission of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is to preserve and interpret the distinctive natural and scientific heritage of our state through extraordinary collections, research, exhibits, and programs designed to ignite a passion for lifelong learning. The NMMNHS offers exhibitions, programs, and workshops in Geoscience, including Paleontology and Mineralogy, Bioscience, and Space Science. It is the Southwest’s largest repository for fossils and includes a Planetarium and a large format 3D DynaTheater.

About The Franklin Institute
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. Pennsylvania’s most visited museum it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.

About GSK
GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information, please visit www.us.gsk.com.  

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