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Technology/STEM

Embracing a Technological Future

Programs at Boys & Girls Clubs give members basic computer skills; introduce them to digital movie making, music making, photography, graphic design and web development, homework help and educational software.

Competitions & Challenges

Through the Engineering Design Challenge (EDC), Club kids use their creativity, curiosity, and analytical thinking to solve problems, experience authentic learning, and develop valuable skills. They participate in rigorous and engaging team projects that help shape the future of the engineering workforce and NASA.

During the Crew Exploration Vehicle EDC, kids create a model for a new space vehicle that can carry two astronauts safely during a drop test. At the conclusion of the challenge, they create a team video articulating the steps taken in the EDP.

ImageMakers National Photography Contest – Club members can take part in the ImageMakers photography contest that enables them to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through visual arts. The contest has three categories:

1. Culture and Tradition: Depicting the events, activities, stories and social gatherings that make up our world, these photographs might show the daily life of a family, or the traditions and emerging trends that define a group.

2. Surroundings: These photographs depict our physical surroundings, whether it’s natural beauty or the streets .

3. Portraits: Portraits are a representation of a person or people in which the facial expression is predominant, providing insight into personality, mood and style.

• Local Contest (March 1, 2019) – Club members ages 6-18 can participate in the photography contest. The first place winners in the three categories and four age groups are sent on to the regional competitions.

• Regional Contest (April – May) – Local Clubs submit photographs and competitions are conducted in six regional locations in May and June. First place photographs go to the national contest.

• National Contest (June – July) – The top photographs in each of four age groups and five categories are selected as national winners. Each national winner’s picture is displayed on the virtual gallery.

What is Zero Robotics?
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.



Programs

Welcome to computer boot camp, soldier! Are you ready to get started learning the basics of computer operation? Skill Tech I: Basic Training will teach you everything you need to know about computer operation from simply moving the mouse all the way up to animating that winning resume!

This is a Club Tech hardware and networking skills program. Your mission is as follows: Gather data on what makes computers useful, investigate ways computers communicate, acquire networking capabilities, navigate high-tech career paths, and above all…do not allow the evil Mr. X succeed.

Take digital photos, explore the effects of distance and angle and learning about photo composition. Learn how to use photo-editing software, from completing basic tasks, such as cropping and color to light adjustment. Take on advanced projects that use image filters and layering.

Learn artistic concepts and technology skills that allow youth to create professional-quality print materials and animation. Develop logos, posters and more.

Learn how to create simple Web sites, then advance to building more robust sites with page links, graphics, text and sound, while learning important design lessons along the way.

Explore the world of digital video software and basic screenplay writing. Learn to mix in musical loops and photos and create original short movies.

Explore the world of digital music software and basic music theory. Learn to mix musical loops and compose and record original songs.

It seems all young people seem to love computer games and on Fridays, our young people are playing with a purpose as they are challenged by fun, yet educational games.

NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children®(NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates.

Technology/STEM

Impact on Our Youth

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County has provided a wide variety of nationally recognized and impact driven programs throughout the years and partners with numerous other service providers, such as the Palm Beach County Health Department, Literacy Coalition, local universities, and many others to enhance the learning opportunities of the youth served.

To become a partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and support our technology programs, please contact Dennis Young at info@bgcpbc.org or (561) 683-3287.