Summer of STEAM: Take the “MODS Challenge” All Summer Long

Thanks to a partnership between the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) and Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), students across the District can continue to use their critical thinking skills and creativity to tackle an array of unique FREE STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) learning activities all summer long.

MODS developed eight weeks of fun, innovative and STEAM project-based learning units with multiple science activities students can do at home and share on social media.

The slate of activities that comprises the MODS Challenge was part of the District’s transition to distance learning due to the coronavirus pandemic and aimed to engage students with hands-on learning opportunities. The MODS Challenge offers a STEAM curriculum aligned with core educational standards. Through the challenges, students also have access to some of the IMAX® films in MODS’ extensive library of documentaries. All MODS Challenge modules are available for students to access for free all summer long. Parents and students can pick the theme(s) in which they are interested in learning.

Over the final week of the school year, MODS launched, the science behind hurricanes and climate. This final challenge was particularly timely as the start of hurricane season began June 1st. The virtual Eye of the Storm series was a collaboration of MODS, Florida International University’s (FIU) International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) and was sponsored by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and IHRC.

“As an epicenter for STEM in South Florida and a longstanding educational partner of the District, we were excited to engineer a project-based weekly curriculum that connects students to inspiring and relevant science,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. 

“Through the MODS Challenges, we are engaging students with unique learning opportunities to spark their imaginations and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills – all while having fun,” said BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “We appreciate the ongoing collaboration with the Museum of Discovery and Science in providing these challenges. It’s an example of the positive impact we can have on our students by working together through community partnerships.”

The MODS Challenges are accessible by BCPS students via Canvas and on the MODS website, mods.org/modschallenge. 

MODS Challenge themes include:

Environment and Nature

Engineering

Physical Science

Ecosystems

Health and Wellness

Space

Animals

Eye of the Storm: Hurricanes and Climates 

Students can share their projects with MODS and BCPS through Twitter using @browardschools and @modsftl with #MODSChallenge. Special thanks to Wells Fargo and Ultimate Software for sponsoring the MODS Challenge.