Get "stuck" on science with GSK Science in the Summer

GSK Science in the Summer™ (www.scienceinthesummer.com) enriches young minds through offering elementary school-aged children a free summer science education program. Students in second through sixth grade in the Greater Philadelphia Area are given the opportunity to study Physical Science & Electricity (Bucks County), Oceanography (Chester County), Genetics (Delaware County), Chemistry (Montgomery County), and Simple Machines (Philadelphia County). Sponsored by GSK and hosted by The Franklin Institute, GSK Science in the Summer classes are taught by certified teachers at local libraries. Through simple, hands-on experiments, GSK Science in the Summer helps students “grow into science” and gain first-hand knowledge of complex concepts: students learn about density and buoyancy, the uniqueness of fingerprints, the strength of levers, and much more!

To spread the joy of science, GSK Science in the Summer is sharing an assortment of activities from its Physical Science and Electricity curriculum—activities that you can do in your very own home! Please note: for optimum safety, an adult should be present during all experiments, and children should wear safety glasses when conducting experiments at home and schools.

Adventures with Magnets

People have been using magnets for thousands of years—they were even used by ancient Greek and Chinese civilizations! We still use magnets today for a variety of different applications, from refrigerator decorations to compasses to electric motors. Three metals are known to be magnetic: iron, cobalt, and nickel.

Magnets have two poles, South and North; a magnetic field extends outwards from these two poles, surrounding the magnet. A magnetic field is a force that causes magnets to either attract or repel other magnets within this field.

The following activities will allow young scientists to explore how magnets work:

1. Equipped with a magnet, young scientists can go for a treasure hunt around the house! Ask them to search for objects that are attracted to the magnet, and discuss possible reasons these objects have this attraction.
2. Using a strong magnet as a base and paperclips as blocks, young scientists can build small structures. What happens when they try to build these structures without the magnet as a base?
3. Ask the young scientist to place a magnetic object (like one of those found during the treasure hunt!) on a surface, such as a table or book. Then instruct them to place the magnet on the other side of the surface, beneath the magnet. As they move the magnet around, they will see the object move as well!

For more information on GSK Science in the Summer classes, visit www.scienceinthesummer.com.

About GSK – GSK – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information go to us.gsk.com, follow us on twitter.com/GSKUS, or visit our blog (www.morethanmedicine.us.gsk.com/blog/).

About The Franklin Institute – Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, 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. It is dedicated to creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake. For more information, please visit www.fi.edu.

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Armstrong, GSK, (215) 751-5664 or jennifer.l.armstrong@gsk.com

Camille Dager, Harris, Baio & McCullough, (215) 440-9800 or camille@hbmadv.com