School is out for summer -- pool parties, beach days and some much needed rest and relaxation are on the agenda for students, teachers and staff alike.
 
Just as teachers shut the door on their classrooms, students often shut the door on learning. Once the initial summer excitement settles, the dangerous summer slide begins to set in.
 
According to the Reading Now Network, research shows that children can lose up to three months of academic progress over one summer vacation. Research also shows teachers typically spend between four to six weeks re-teaching material students have forgotten over the summer.
 
The major problem: parents consistently cite summer as the most difficult time to ensure that their children have productive things to do, according to the National Summer Learning Association.
 
Summer vacation can and should be more than just fun in the sun. Organizations across Michigan are doing their part to combat summer slide the best way possible, integrating fun and learning. From prehistoric safaris, forensic training, app design and video game science, students are continuing to learn throughout the summer by exploring beyond the traditional classroom.
 
The Michigan Science Center combats summer slide with unique programs
 
Studying the science behind superheroes, solving crimes and becoming an astronaut for a week may sound a little too fun to qualify for summer learning, but the Michigan Science Center disagrees.
 
The Michigan Science Center is nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math.

“We’re focused on achieving this mission both during the school year and in the summer,” said Jennifer Kanyo, Michigan Science Center educational specialist. “Kids have minds like sponges, they can learn incredibly fast, but they can also lose what they have learned just as easily. That’s why it’s extremely important for children to continue to learn throughout the summer,” she added.

Offering a diverse range of subjects, from survival training to marine biology, the Michigan Science Center understands the importance of keeping summer learning fun and engaging for youth, offering truly one-of-a-kind learning experiences for camp attendees.

The Michigan Science Center also recognizes children learn in their own unique ways, offering programs catering to all kinds of learners, with STEM principles in mind.

“By providing a variety of programs, we can connect with a variety of children. We want children to realize that they encounter STEM concepts in their everyday lives. Then, they can begin to see themselves as scientists or engineers and that STEM careers are fun, interesting and attainable,” said Kanyo. 

Beyond traditional STEM learning, the Michigan Science Center emphasizes integration of the arts. Programs such as movie making magic and exit stage left utilize film and acting to tell science stories.

“There are many different types of learners and many children who have different interests. We understand the importance of art and we’ve partnered with arts organizations such as the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on programs and exhibits,” said Kanyo.

Michigan Science Center camps are doing more than just combating summer slide -- they are planting the STEM seed in youth and inspiring students to pursue STEM subjects and explore STEM careers.

“Campers leave our camps excited. We often hear from camp parents that during the car ride home, or at the dinner table, they can’t stop talking about what they did at camp that day. It’s not just that they have learned something new, but also their eyes have been opened to a whole new world of possibilities. They understand that they can purse a STEM-related career and that science is interesting and exciting,” said Kanyo.

Impression 5 Science Center increases summer learning on all levels, from STEM to writing

Lansing's Impression 5 Science Center hosts summer L.A.B.S. camp to prevent summer learning loss, encouraging students to play, create and challenge.  

“Impression 5 believes keeping a learning environment year round is an important practice for all children. Summer months are a great way for kids to be part of larger learning environment that includes informal classrooms, museums, outdoors and their own backyards,” said Impression 5 director of innovation and learning, Micaela Balzer.  

Impression 5 breaks the traditional science mold, offering programs in advanced video game science and app design. Attendees can design a virtual game by setting challenges, levels and creating characters. App designers use MIT’s App Inventor programming to make creative ideas into real, functional applications.

“The integrations of programs that include technology and art are so important for children, it allows them to have a personal experience with a topic and for creativity to soar. Children often learn best from hands-on experiences -- creating an environment for them to choose their own path, create their own content, is often the key to have them invested in their learning,” said Balzer.

Although science is the primary subject of choice at Impression 5, the staff emphasizes the importance of maintaining reading and writing skills throughout the summer.
 
“Impression 5 offers summer informal programs for children to continue building on the skills they work really hard to acquire during the academic year. Reading and writing are areas in which children need constant opportunities to practice and exposure to maintain or progress their skills. Impression 5 offers opportunities for children to write in their science journals and read about their favorite science topics,” said Balzer.
 
Building upon reading and writing skills makes for a dynamic program that is directly repelling the summer slide plague.
 
“We don't want children's minds to stay idle, we want them to keep questioning, keep seeking new information, we encourage active minds and develop educational programs and exhibits to do this,” said Balzer.
 
Summer learning, particularly in the field of science, is also essential in sparking STEM interest in youth. Career related programs at Impression 5 help lay the foundation for future science endeavors.
 
“Science plays a pivotal role in our complex society and Impression 5 wants to continue to give children a positive experience with the subject. Science literacy is important as our children become leaders in our communities and their decisions continue to shape our future,” said Balzer.
 
Summer learning can make for summer fun
 
One of the longest summers ever is upon Michigan youth -- several schools across the state have 13 weeks of summer break.  Although it’s important to make time for rest and relaxation, it’s even more important to avoid the summer slide.
 
Summer learning can be fun. Innovative programs similar to the Michigan Science Center and Impression 5 Science Center can keep kids learning and most importantly, having fun. With programs like these, students really won’t want summer to end.