Project Based Learning & Activities

MindWorks Resources Evidence & Research based Curriculum

MindWorks Resources develops comprehensive curriculum designed to support the dynamic needs of after-school programs. Through the study of the 21^st Century Learning Model, research in learning styles of children, implementation of components of project based learning, and in-depth knowledge of the nation common core standards and state standards for education, MindWorks Resources has successfully designed an all-inclusive, evidence based program which promotes the 21^st Century Learning Model.

The 21st Century Learning Model applies learning science research and principles to the design of learning activities, projects, assessments, and environments to create a student-centered model of instruction. Principles which are key to the 21^st Century Learning Model and integrated into the MindWorks curriculum include:

• Authentic learning – learning from real world problems and questions
• Mental model building – using physical and virtual models to refine understanding
• Internal motivation – identifying and employing positive emotional connections in learning
• Multi-modal learning – applying multiple learning methods for diverse learning styles
• Social learning – using the power of social interaction to improve learning impact
• International learning – using the world around you to improve teaching and learning skills.

In addition, MindWorks Resources curriculum integrates the following 21^st century best practices into daily, hands-on lessons:

Learning Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Creative Thinking
• Collaborating
• Communicating

Literacy Skills

• Information Literacy
• Media Literacy
• Technology Literacy

Life Skills

• Flexibility
• Initiative
• Social Skills
• Productivity
• Leadership

Zero Robotics – Space SPHERES

The Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program is a computer programming competition for middle school students where they learn to control satellites aboard the INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION during the summer. A five-week STEM curriculum introduces students to computer programming, robotics, and space engineering, and provides hands-on experience programming SPHERES (Synchronized, Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites). The program culminates in a tournament where winning teams’ SPHERES compete aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Middle school participants get the chance to see the SPHERES operate in space via a live feed from the ISS while NASA astronauts provide real-time commentary.

 

Memory Trees Gardening Program

We are excited to have an ongoing gardening program at our Florence De George 21st CCLC location, run by Memory Trees, Inc. This program will provide members with the hands on learning experience of growing, caring and harvesting produce from the garden. Members will showcase what they’ve grown through FRESH workshops and discuss how parents can incorporate the produce into everyday meals!

 

Wacky Wild Science 

21st CCLC participants at the Florence DeGeorge, Marjorie S. Fisher and Max M. Fisher Boys & Girls Clubs had a “Creepy, Crawly Adventure” with Ms. Stephanie from Wacky Wild Science Group. Ms. Stephanie explained the difference between bugs and insects, talked about their defense mechanisms, explained the difference between poison and venom and brought a few animals for the children to interact with. Ms. Stephanie’s creepy crawly guests including: a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, a Blue Death Feigning Beetle (named Blueberry), a Chilean Tarantula (named Rosie), a scorpion, a bearded dragon (named Jack), and last but certainly not least, a ball python (named Monty). The kids had a blast and we will be having Wacky Wild Science Group back to the sites in the near future.

Students at Marjorie S. Fisher

Power Hour – Homework Help

Student across all sites and all grade levels participate in Power Hour, a one hour homework help session facilitated by certified teachers and/or club staff.

 

Cultural Arts

Our students love to dance! Thanks to our arts enhancement programs in Belle Glade, South Bay and Canal Point, dance instructors work with groups of Boys & Girls Club members on developing original choreography for performance and competition.

Boys & Girls Club members created percussion instruments to play together, developing their collaborative skills and practicing building small, medium and large percussion ensembles.  In true BGC fashion, members also decorated their instruments to show off their unique styles!

 

We are especially proud of the arts partnerships Boys & Girls Clubs have created with stellar arts organizations throughout Palm Beach County.  Students from 3 of our Belle Glade area clubs created scenes from “Summer Camp: The Musical” with music and musical theater instruction from professional staff of the Delray Beach Chorale and worked together to produce a rousing end of summer performance for the community.

Members of the Delray Beach Boys & Girls Club are putting in hours of practice studying strings with professional musicians from Symphonia: Boca Raton, one of South Florida’s premier orchestral groups.  The program is designed to build an entire string ensemble within the club: members are being introduced to each instrument and matched up by interest and skill to violin, viola, bass and cello.