Guest post from the Museum of Science and Industry
This summer, families are invited to blast off to space with the help of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI).
MSI once again is offering families the opportunity to keep kids engaged and have some fun together with its annual Summer Brain Games program. Thousands of registrants from around the country have enjoyed the program the past three summers, participating in eight weeks of free and fun at-home science experiments designed to combat the “summer brain drain.” This year’s Summer Brain Games runs June 22 through August 16, 2015.
Families receive a FREE Museum Entry voucher when they sign up online at msichicago.org/summerbrain (one ticket per household). They’ll also receive weekly emails with detailed instructions on eight different space-themed science activities, which can be easily done (with some adult supervision) using items found around the house or inexpensively purchased. Summer Brain Games is sponsored by Whole Foods Market Chicago.
The free Summer Brain Games activity guide is available in both English and Spanish and can be downloaded at msichicago.org/summerbrain starting June 22. The activities are a great way to learn about astronauts, astronomy and other space science and engineering concepts. Learn about pressure as you launch a rocket into the sky, become an engineer and design a protective landing pod for an “egg-stronaut,” and much more. It’s a great way for families with kids of all ages to stay active and enthused as they learn more about the world around them.
“Kids lose about three months of learning over the summer, which means those first few weeks when school starts again is devoted to relearning the same concepts,” said Bryan Wunar, the Museum’s director of community initiatives. “With Summer Brain Games, thousands of kids and their families join us to experiment, learn and have fun together. We are excited to bring back this program for a fourth year.”
MSI will be bringing its Summer Brain Games activities into Chicago’s neighborhoods this summer. High school students who are interning with the Museum this summer will spend time at 18 Chicago Public Library branches engaging children in space science experiments.
Families can register NOW at msichicago.org/summerbrain. When the program kicks off June 22, they’ll receive a voucher good for a FREE Museum Entry ticket to MSI. Then each week, families will receive an email with instructions and tips on each space activity and additional suggestions on how to play with science during the summer.
Here’s what previous participants said:
- “Our family had a wonderful time exploring and learning. The kids looked forward to having a different project to work on weekly.”
- “Trying the activities together made it worthwhile when the kids got to see that it works! The best thing my oldest said was that she learned the value of teamwork.”
- “This was such an easy and wonderful way to experience science that showed the kids science can be fun and done just about anywhere.”