BGCA MyFuture STEM Kit - Sponsored by Thermo Fisher Grades: 3-8 Number of Students: 1 Number of Lessons: 7 Contact Hours: 5-7 Additional Resources: N/A Highlights: DIY STEM on MyFuture Reach youth wherever they are through the DIY STEM on MyFuture activities. This program utilizes common, “everyday” materials found in most homes or at the Club, along with the materials in this kit, to demonstrate STEM concepts through activities in three different badges—Observe, Create, and Investigate. Curriculum or Lesson Topics: DIY STEM on MyFuture introduces youth to a variety of activities in a fun-filled, activity-based curriculum connecting scientific theory and practical application. There are currently 13 DIY STEM activities. Written for tweens, but appropriate for extended age groups and families, the kit supports the following 7 activities: From the CREATE Badge, focusing on an introduction to engineering: Art Bot Art Spinner Motorized Car From the INVESTIGATE Badge, focusing on cause and effect: Slime Challenge Salty Circuits Oobleck From the OBSERVE Badge focuses on the importance of observing details: Balloon Blow Up What’s Included: Toy DC Motor - 1 9V Battery Clip Connector - 1 2 x AA Battery Holder - 1 Motor Mounting Bracket - 1 Electronic Switch - 1 Electronic Wire - 1 red, 1 black Propeller (3 or 4 vanes) - 1 Axle/Shaft - 2 Toy Wheel - 4 LED Light - 2 AA Battery - Alkaline - 2 Paper Clips (Size 1) - 2 Small Cork - 1 Foam Tape Squares - 4 Salt (0.75g packets) - 20 Balloons - 3 Baking Soda - at least 1/3 cup Contact Lens Solution - 1 Corn Starch - 1.5 cups Markers (Waterbased, Any Color/Size) - 3 Straw (flexible or straight) - 1 White Glue - about 8 oz. - 1 Food Coloring - 1 Small Funnel - 1 Pipette - 1 Masking Tape - 1 ⚠WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Special Notes and Considerations: GOAL: The goal of the MyFuture platform is to break down the digital divide by ensuring all youth have access to a high quality Club experience both inside and outside the Club. There are currently over 325 activities to choose from, allowing youth to earn badges that represent new skills and understandings. They DIY STEM program on MYFuture allows youth who might not otherwise have access to STEM experiences to explore a range of STEM topics with simple, FUN, hands-on activities. These individual kits allow staff to reach youth virtually at home, in the Club, or through the MyFuture platform. WHY: Exposure to science, technology, engineering and math is critical during the tween years, when children's natural curiosity drives interest and builds capacity for success in these disciplines. During the current challenges faced by schools and Clubs during the Covid pandemic, young people need engaging activities and social interaction through a variety of settings. These kits will support independent, virtual, or in-Club interactions. WHO: These kits are designed for use by youth ages 8-13. "During COVID operations, we have many hours to fill with all day service. Given that most kids are completely burnt out on digital devices it is a welcome break to use a tactile and fun opportunity like this with these kits. Our kids love the high quality materials and the very interactive challenges inside. They were thrilled about the coloring bots. The boys had competitions with the fan driven cars. Kids were helping innovate and explore so many useful techniques together it was a blast. Kids are learning a great deal about STEM and getting to practice their 21st century skills..." - Matt Sorensen, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley Thank you to Boys & Girls Club of Waltham for sharing the staff video from Anna S. their Education director, demonstrating one way to use the kits in a virtual setting. Thank You! During the development of the Individual STEM kits, STEMfinity partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to create a tool that helped Club staff reach youth with STEM programming no matter where they were—at home or at the Club. We appreciate the support from two of the Clubs who were part of the development process: Thank you to BGC of Waltham for sharing the staff video from Anna S. their Education director, demonstrating one way to use the kits in a virtual setting. And thank you to Matt Sorensen, CEO of BGC of Emerald Valley, for his positive feedback and sharing the photos of his Club members engaged in the activities.
