Faculty Mentor Name
Rolly Kali-Rai
Abstract
The main objective of this SPA project is to create a club that increases middle school students’ (grades 6–8) interest in academic subjects such as mathematics, science, and history. At Aspire Benjamin Holt Middle School, the after-school program currently offers a rotating set of clubs on Fridays. Students typically choose between two activities, such as a cooking club or a game club. However, many students show limited interest in mathematics and often struggle with their math homework.
To address this need, a new club called Brainteaser Club will be added to the Friday rotation. This club will focus primarily on math-based games while also incorporating other critical-thinking activities such as trivia, dominoes, mancala, and word puzzles. Games are more engaging for students than traditional worksheets and provide opportunities to practice math skills, logical reasoning, and strategic thinking in an enjoyable way.
So far, students have shown the highest levels of interest and engagement during trivia games and mancala sessions, with these activities consistently attracting the largest number of participants. As interest in the Brainteaser Club continues to grow, it has the potential to become a permanent part of the after-school program’s schedule.
Location
DeRosa University Center, University of the Pacific
Start Date
24-4-2026 3:00 PM
End Date
24-4-2026 5:00 PM
Brainteaser Club
DeRosa University Center, University of the Pacific
The main objective of this SPA project is to create a club that increases middle school students’ (grades 6–8) interest in academic subjects such as mathematics, science, and history. At Aspire Benjamin Holt Middle School, the after-school program currently offers a rotating set of clubs on Fridays. Students typically choose between two activities, such as a cooking club or a game club. However, many students show limited interest in mathematics and often struggle with their math homework.
To address this need, a new club called Brainteaser Club will be added to the Friday rotation. This club will focus primarily on math-based games while also incorporating other critical-thinking activities such as trivia, dominoes, mancala, and word puzzles. Games are more engaging for students than traditional worksheets and provide opportunities to practice math skills, logical reasoning, and strategic thinking in an enjoyable way.
So far, students have shown the highest levels of interest and engagement during trivia games and mancala sessions, with these activities consistently attracting the largest number of participants. As interest in the Brainteaser Club continues to grow, it has the potential to become a permanent part of the after-school program’s schedule.
