STEM for Kids
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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County has always incorporated STEM education into its programming. Using partners like 4H & Mad Science as well as curriculum developed nationally and internally. Our youth enjoy hands-on learning experiences, as well as creative approaches and use of multi-media. We utilize technology like Schoology, a Learning Management System, to provide our staff professionals with resources to develop and execute lesson plans with recognized and high-quality resources. Schoology supports our students with a multi-media, personal, and structured learning experience too. Our STEM programs teach, enrich and encourage a curious mind to understand processes, scientific inquiry, and our world.
For upcoming STEM classes for Middle School and High School Students, see our Teen STEM Club Program.
To participate in the STEM programs, you can join our After School Program, Summer Camp, Teen STEM Club, IT Computer Exchange or MyFutures-STEM Club (online).
Annual Youth STEM Conference
This conference for 4th to 9th graders is open to the community and continues an annual fall tradition. Last year in 2021, students participated in person at the Spruce Street Club in Lawrence or virtually over Zoom. Local companies and organizations lead the workshops and panels, making it truly a community experience to serve youth and inspire young minds with possibilities.
With over a dozen workshops to choose from, students learned and enjoyed STEM activities that introduced, fit, or expanded their interests. Oceanography, robotics, health science, material science, computing, and network engineering represented some workshop areas. Enthusiastic volunteers from local companies and organizations presented all workshops. For example, STEM Conference supporters participating and presenting included Otsuka, Comcast, BMS, Bloomberg, Munich RE, Johnson & Johnson, Integris, Princeton University, TCNJ, and MCCC. Students also asked questions and listened to career panels to understand STEM professionals' academic and career paths. Kimberly Smith, Regional Director for Comcast Community Impact, stated, "We recognize the importance of STEM education in preparing kids for our future workforce. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County's annual STEM Conference allows students to hear from a diverse group of professionals working in various industries. It supports our commitment to expand digital skills within our communities and create a diverse workplace where everyone has an opportunity to succeed."
Register at https://bit.ly/BGCMSTEM22 to volunteer by running a workshop or speaking on a STEM career panel at our November 10, 2022 conference. For more information contact Debra Lawrey at dlawrey@bgcmercer.org. Click here, for the 2022 STEM Conference Flyer.
MyFuture - STEM
Free online STEM activities open for any youth grades K-12. More than 325+ virtual activities on MYFUTURE. Sponsored by Comcast. Registration required.
| Program Areas | Activity Age Groups | |
| DIY | Health & Wellness | 6 to 9 years |
| Computer Science | Sports | 10 to 12 years |
| Performing Arts | Leadership | 13 to 15 years |
| Digital Arts | College & Career | 16 to 19 years |
| Visual Arts |
Roadmap to Careers: Available now on MyFuture - Roadmap to Careers is a platform that allows teens to explore careers by completing a short interest survey, watching videos based on their interests and developing a plan forward in pursuit of their interests.
For more information or to enroll for FREE, contact Debra Lawrey at dlawrey@bgcmercer.org or 605-695-6060 x221
STEM Partnership Programs
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The Club delivers a wide variety of STEM opportunities for area K-12 grade students throughout the year. Some of our STEM programs involve partnerships with organizations that can deliver educational programs for a specific STEM area. In the past, BGCM has partnered with Rutgers 4H Youth Development, Mad Science, and Students 2 Science. This brings "real-world" experience and proven programs into our Clubs, while making it a fun and enjoyable experience for our youth.
Our partnership programs bring enriching experiences and hands-on learning to our kids. For some recent examples, our Mad Science curriculum included:
• Scientific Method: students learned about the various stages of the Scientific Method. This workshop introduced students to making a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, and discussing outcomes.
• Slime Time: In this program, we explored, created, and played with the most entertaining and useful molecule known to science, and discovered its many shapes and forms. Children made their own slime that they got to take home and keep!
• Dry Ice-capades: Children were introduced to the scientific concepts of phase changes and states of matter. They witnessed the phenomenon of sublimation as they demonstrated the unique properties of dry ice & the spectacular "smoke" it creates.
• ph Factor: Children reviewed the colorful pH scale and dipped into the world of acids and bases! Through Mad Science, they explored the pH extremes with Reaction Tubes in a popping experience! Discovering whether liquids found at school were acids or bases using your personal pH Paper.
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