Summer is a time of growth, fruit, and bloom, when life on this planet feels abundant and vibrant. It might be a season when we feel more aware of other beings living alongside us, even here in the city. Is it a natural time to consider being a scientist? We here at Youth Services think so!

Biology is no more or less than the study of life itself. What does it mean to Be a Biologist? This summer, Philadelphia kids will have the chance to find out! GSK and the Franklin Institute invite young learners in grades 2-6 to participate in Science in the Summer, an annual, hands-on, STEM experience to illuminate what it is to do science. We are excited to announce that the program will be offered in person this year!

The program will be hosted by thirty-three of our neighborhood libraries, with in-person science learning and experimentation led by local educators. Participating families are chosen by lottery, and must pre-register each child to be eligible. For more details about scheduling and sign-up, please visit our Science in the Summer page.

In the meantime, help the young folks in your life get enthused about the science of living things! They might be wondering, what is a biologist, anyway? Maybe your young learners want to try a little science at home. You could explore the themes and materials from previous Science in the Summer programs. And of course, a picture book is worth more than 1,000 words! Check out reading recommendations from our catalog on the Be a Biologist booklist. Join the Virtual Spring Into Reading Challenge or the Virtual Summer of Wonder to log your titles and reading minutes, and help us meet our community goal!

May your summer be filled with all the kinds of learning that inspire your curiosity, interest, and excitement about life itself!