If you ask a kid, summer is about vacations, Popsicles and swimming. It’s certainly not about learning or science or engineering.

But thanks to GlaxoSmithKline’s Science in the Summer program, June and July are a chance for children to discover and experiment, and actually love doing it.

The free hands-on program for students entering second through sixth grades in the fall is sponsored by GSK, in cooperation with The Franklin Institute, and is held at local libraries. This summer’s theme, Simple Machines, will teach students about physics, using six kinds of simple machines: lever, inclined plane, screw, wheel, pulley and gear. Students will experiment with building simple machines that help make things easier, like lifting huge boulders, building bridges, pumping water, etc., all while learning about motion.

“They love it because it’s all hands on, lots and lots of experiments and activities, and the teachers are all real science teachers,” said Royersford Library children’s librarian Nancy Niggel. “It also helps that each student gets his or her very own science ‘stuff’ to keep after the class, things like safety goggles, magnifying glasses, pencils, booklets, bags and a certificate.”

During each session, students will learn scientific methods of hypothesis and experimentation through inquiry-based instruction.

“Children are led through scientific concepts by the teacher, and participate in experiments that reinforce those concepts,” said Mary Linda Andrews, GSK’s director of community partnerships.

Since Science in the Summer began 26 years ago, GSK, dedicated instructors and local libraries have given more than 100,000 students in the Greater Philadelphia region something productive to do over their summer vacations.

“Instructors are certified teachers, most of whom are local elementary and middle-school teachers,” Andrews said. “We have a group of teachers who are dedicated to the Montgomery County libraries. They come back year after year, so many are familiar faces.”

It’s the combination of the beloved instructors, engaging content and hands-on experimentation that makes Science in the Summer such a hot commodity with kids (and parents).

“For parents, I believe Science in the Summer is popular because it is a high-quality program offered at no charge,” Meyer said. “For the kids, I think the hands-on experiments really make it fun. Also, you can tell the teachers that run the classes enjoy sharing their knowledge of science with the children.”

The librarians love it too, especially Niggel, who says she’s learned a lot from Science in the Summer over the years herself. The students’ favorite experiments usually turn out to be Niggel’s, as well, like working with dry ice, looking at specimens through microscopes and growing cultures in Petri dishes.

“This will be my ninth summer of Science in the Summer, and I’m sure we will fill our classes again. We always do,” Niggel said. “In fact, we usually have enough students interested that we could almost fill another two classes.”

If you think your child might be interested in Science in the Summer at your local library, register now. Classes fill up quickly.

Parents must register in-person at the library, and selection process varies by location. Students will be selected to participate either through a lottery or on a first-come, first-served basis.. (See below for course dates and times, registration and selection process information.)

Registration began on May 1 at Lansdale Library, and according to director Tom Meyer, by 5 p.m., one session was already more than halfway full.

“Anticipation and excitement for the program always starts to build in April, and the first day of registration is quite busy,” Meyer said. “And when the classes start during the summer, the kids can’t wait to get in the room and start with the experiments.”

Since Science in the Summer is so popular, and since each program is just a few days, only students who can attend the full program should register.

“We ask that participants attend both days if they are chosen for the class,” Niggel said.

Abington Free Library
1030 Old York Road, Abington, PA, 19001
Library Phone Number:  215-885-5180
Registration Dates: May 21 – June 3
Lottery; Notification after June 4
Course Dates and Times:  June 25 - 28 (a.m. & p.m.)
Level I: 10 - 10:45 a.m., Level II: 11:15 a.m. – noon
Level I: 2:00 - 2:45 p.m., Level II: 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.

Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library
1001 Powell Street, Norristown, PA, 19401
Library Phone Number: 610-278-5100, ext. 3
Registration Dates: May 1 until filled
Students selected on first-come, first-serve basis
Course Dates and Times:
July 14 & 21 (Saturday session)
Level I: 10 – 11:45 a.m., Level II: 12:30 – 2:15 p.m.
July 16 – 19 (a.m. only)
Level I: 10 - 10:45 a.m., Level II: 11:15 a.m. – noon

Royersford Free Library
200 S. Fourth Ave., Royersford, PA, 19468
Library Phone Number: 610-948-7277
Registration Dates:  May 1 – 31
Lottery; Notification by June 9
Course Dates and Times: 
July 16 -17 (two-day session)
Level I: 10 a.m. – noon, Level II: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Upper Dublin Public Library
805 Loch Alsh Ave., Fort Washington, PA, 19034
Library Phone Number: 215–628-8744
Registration Dates:  April 27 – May 24
Lottery; Drawing on May 25
Course Dates and Times: June 25 – 28 (a.m. only)
Level I: 10 - 10:45 a.m., Level II: 11:15 a.m. – noon

Wissahickon Valley Public Library – Ambler
209 Race St., Ambler, PA, 19002
Library Phone Number: 215-646-1072
Registration Dates: April 16 – May 12 
Lottery; Notification by June 8
Course Dates & Times: June 25 - 28 (p.m. only)
Level I: 2:00 - 2:45 p.m., Level II: 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.

Wissahickon Valley Public Library – Blue Bell
650 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA, 19422
Library Phone Number:  215-643-1320
Registration Dates: April 16 – May 12
Lottery; Notification June
Course Dates & Times: June 25 - 28 (a.m. only)
Level I: 10 - 10:45 a.m., Level II: 11:15 a.m. – noon

Lansdale Public Library
301 Vine St., Lansdale, PA, 19446
Library Phone Number:  215-855-3228
Registration Dates: May 1 until full
Students selected on first-come, first-serve basis 
Course Dates and Times: July 30 - 31 (two-day session)
Level I: 10 a.m. – noon, Level II: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Perkiomen Valley Library at Schwenksville
290 Second Street, Schwenksville, PA, 19473
Library Phone Number: 610-287-8630
Registration Dates: May 1 – 31
Lottery; Notification first week of June 
Course Dates and Times: July 9 -10  (two-day session)
Level I: 10 a.m. – noon, Level II: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Pottstown Public Library
500 E. High St., Pottstown, PA, 19464
Library Phone Number:  610-970-6551                     
Registration Dates: June 11 – July 9
Lottery; Notification begins July 11
Course Dates and Times: July 23 - 26 (a.m. & p.m.)
Level I: 10 - 10:45 a.m., Level II: 11:15 a.m. – noon
Level I: 2:00 - 2:45 p.m., Level II: 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.

Upper Moreland Free Library
109 Park Ave., Willow Grove, PA, 19090
Library Phone Number: 215-659-0741
Registration Dates: May 23 – June 10
Lottery; Notification by June 17
Course Dates and Times: July 23 - 26 (a.m. & p.m.)
Level I: 10 - 10:45 a.m., Level II: 11:15 a.m. – noon
Level I: 2:00 - 2:45 p.m., Level II: 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.

Upper Perkiomen Valley Library
350 Main Street, Red Hill, PA, 18076
Library Phone Number: 215-679-2020
Registration Dates: May 1 – May 31
Students selected on first-come, first-served basis
Course Dates & Times: July 11 - 12 (two-day session)
Level I: 10 a.m. – noon, Level II: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.scienceinthesummer.com or call your local library at the listed phone number or call GlaxoSmithKline’s Science in the Summer Montgomery County Library Coordinator, Cheri Crow at 610-278-5100, ext. 131.