SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Science, technology, engineering & math.  Recent studies show that math scores for middle school students are strong predictors of high school success.  Our local high school principals have told us that most freshmen are not prepared for high school level math and science.  Few youth in our neighborhoods are exposed to technology and engineering concepts.  We want our members to have a basic foundation of science knowledge and enough experience to gain an interest in science.  BGCP provides small group instruction in:

• Science.  Members learn science concepts through weekly interactive projects. This program has proved to be a great way to improve our members’ critical thinking and exploration skills while instilling a curiosity for science.
• Technology.  In our Peapod Academy and Computer Clubhouses, members learn to real-world applications in Digital and Print Media Creation, Photography, Computer Programming, Animation, Audio and Film Production, Video Game Design and Computer Literacy.  Members have won many national honors for their projects.
• Engineering.  Junior Engineers complete hands-on building projects like bridges, roller coasters and robotics. Lego League teams design, construct and program their own intelligent robot inventions to compete against other teams on obstacle courses.  Members also compete in the San Jose Tech Museum’s annual technology challenge. 
• Math.  Members build math skills through hands-on learning, games and small-group instruction. Classes place members in ability-level groups targeting specific learning needs.
• Career Exposure.  Most of our members don’t have exposure to STEM career opportunities, so we take them on field trips to visit local corporate campuses.  Members recently visited Google, Electronic Arts, Pixar, Abbott Labs, and the NASA Ames Research Center.  Professionals visit to share their career experiences.

Our COMPUTER CLUBHOUSE provides our members (ages 10 and up) with a chance to use industry leading multimedia software such as Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Flash Pro and Dreamweaver. Members can also produce their own music and videos using Cakewalk Sonar, Sonic Foundry Acid and Adobe Premiere. Under the guidance of staff members and volunteers, members define their own projects based on their personal interests. Typical projects include creating pictures of their favorite athletes, building web sites of their favorite singers, creating their own beats and music CDs, and even building their own video game! These projects, many of which incorporate music and art, effectively blend technology with creativity. The Computer Clubhouse is a powerful example of the effectiveness of “hidden learning.”

Opportunities to learn about science also abound. The SUPER STARS SCIENCE program provides exposure to basic scientific principles via entertaining lessons and exciting, project-oriented activities. Members can participate in the TECH CHALLENGE, which engages young minds in the subjects of critical thinking, teamwork and perseverance, through our partnership with the Tech Museum. Teams of members are presented with a Design Challenge to solve a reality-based problem. In the past, students have been asked to construct devices that will navigate a planetary surface, climb a swaying mast, or explore a pyramid. It is a unique opportunity for teams to apply their knowledge and gain practical experience designing and testing solutions to a real-world science and technology problem

Our members also enjoy FIELD TRIPS to local sites of scientific interest, such as multi-media corporations and interactive museums.

BGCP OFFERINGS

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You can help our members access a world that they might have missed through the public school system. Our Science & Technology Program welcomes your contributions of time, expertise, equipment or monetary gifts.

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