TOWAMENCIN- As a sophomore in high school, Pushti Desai founded the North Penn Mavens club, and as a junior, developed an app to enhance her club. The North Penn Mavens provide enrichment for elementary school students that they may not find elsewhere.

“The education and support provided by teachers is stellar without a doubt, but we attempt to expand students’ knowledge on topics beyond what is taught in the classroom and to expand the critical skills developed in class through fun activities,” shared Desai.

The club is involved in many after school events at elementary schools, such as home and school meetings, concerts, game nights, etc. Parents benefit from the Mavens because they do not have to leave their child at home, and the children can engage in skill-based activities that they enjoy. The club has undergone improvements this year with Desai’s development of an app for the students.

“As a part of SGA, I learned about the dropping math and science grades on standardized tests in elementary schools. When I heard about this, I was really shocked and wanted to help this children because after all we are all one North Penn family. Thus, looking to provide a friendly approach to this and in light of the growing use of technology in classrooms, I have developed a learning tool which incorporates math and science help for elementary school students, specifically 4th graders. In this educational app, students will play a game catching falling footballs while [answering] math questions to earn points,” explained Desai.

Her game has been uploaded onto a website called gamesalad that students can access from their Chromebooks. The questions in the game directly reflect content that 4th graders are currently learning. The game, administered by teachers, is already being used at A.M. Kulp. Desai is currently working with Montgomery, Knapp, Bridle Path, Gwyn Nor, Hatfield, and Inglewood to implement the app.

“With this game, I attempt to provide assistance to students in a way that they would enjoy and help them reach proficiency in math and science topics,” said Desai.

As Desai uses the Mavens club to introduce her app to elementary schools, she can directly see the positive effect that it has on education.

“I wanted to make an impact in a place where I can directly see the effect with people whom I am familiar with. I wanted to find some sort of medium through which I can use my skills to help these children reach their potential. I thought that the best way to do this is to create an app that the students can access through their Chromebooks because I know from my own experience as an elementary school student that they would enjoy this type of learning,” Desai shared.

The North Penn Mavens are advised by Mrs. Cassar, and have over 120 members, but are always looking for more to join. Club members plan and volunteer at the events hosted by the Mavens. They also assist in teaching the children the game when they introduce it to a class, anyone can join by emailing Pushti Desai at [email protected]. You can also view the app developed by Pushti at http://arcade.gamesalad.com/games/147624.