“Science in the Summer” is one free program that Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center if offering. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – Starting in June, elementary students can take advantage of the “Science in the Summer” national program at Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center.

GSK is one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. GSK sponsors the science program, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science administers the study.

Sci-Quest is one of 12 locations hosting this free program, which will teach the wonders of chemistry through fun hands-on classes, Sci-Quest development/marketing director Jennifer Deermer said. Students who will enter grades 2-6 are the target audience.

“‘Science in the Summer’ encourages students to get involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning, while mitigating the effects of summer learning loss,” Deermer said.

STEM education is important especially for teaching students critical thinking skills and explaining core theories and principles that affect daily life. “This year, young scientists will learn the basics of chemistry through lessons that explain matter and the differences between chemical and physical changes,” Deermer said.

The young student scientists will learn the definition and concept of matter, and matter does not always take the same form. “They will observe physical and chemical changes with fun, interactive experiments,” Deermer said.

Students also will decide if substances are acids, bases or neutrals by using litmus and pH papers and a universal indicator. “They will observe physical and chemical changes with fun experiments like turning pennies golden, making crystals and watching popcorn ‘dance,'” Deermer said.

Sci-Quest is one of 12 new science centers or museums to host “Science in the Summer” in 2015. “Sci-Quest will offer an outreach program at libraries throughout North Alabama in July and an in-house program just for United Way organizations in June and July,” Deermer said.

For more information about the study, visit scienceinthesummer.com.

Sci-Quest’s address is 1435 Paramount Drive in Huntsville. For more information, call 256-837-0606 or visit sci-quest.org.