ACE activities are developed and appropriately scheduled to supplement the school-day content. These activities incorporate different instrumental methods from those used in the classroom, exposing students to a new learning experience. Often these activities have embedded academics that allow students to learn in an innovative fashion. Each activity is 45 minutes and is structured to encourage student participation through engaging, hands-on exercises. These activities are based on the Four-Component Activity Guide:
Academic assistance: These are services and activities that support all educational areas, as needed, to promote student achievement and success in their school experiences. Programs should create exciting intrinsic motivation to sustain constant student participation.
· Enrichment: These are services and activities that provide positive social, cultural, recreational, interpersonal skills, health and wellness, and experiences to enrich and expand students’ understanding of life and involvement in the community.
· Family and parental support services: These are services and activities that support and help to increase the participation of parents in the students’ educational experience.
· College and workforce readiness: These are services and activities that promote workforce awareness, job and/or college readiness, skills training, preparation for the workforce, and assistance in the attainment of employment and/or funding for college.
Below are examples of activities that are currently being implemented through ACE across Texas:
Eco Construction in Mercedes ISD
High school students expressed their creativity while applying science, math, and computer skills to building eco-friendly birdhouses and birdfeeders. Students also learned the benefits of using green construction materials. This innovative, hands-on activity helped students strengthen their math and science skills in preparation for the TAKS.
Health Rocks in Austin ISD
Students from kindergarten through grade 7 participated in health activities which addressed disease prevention, the effects of nicotine dependence, and the impact stress has on their lives and how to relieve stress. These activities helped prepare students for the TAKS.
How to Create an Energy Efficient Scale Model in Harris County Dept of Ed
To help prepare high school students for college or the workforce, these students participated in an Energy City of the Future competition. Students were asked to build a scale model of an energy-efficient city from 2050. To promote their design, students also created a PowerPoint presentation and a Public Service Announcement. In preparation for this activity students researched alternative energy sources and visited energy exhibits at local museums, met with geosciences departments at the local college or university, and visited with engineering and architectural firms. This activity not only focused on Science and Technology, but also exposed students to career possibilities.
The SS. McNair & Mission Control Space Simulator Activity: A Hands-On Collaborative Mission to Build a Space Probe at the Greater San Antonio All Stars in Southwest ISD
Through space exploration, students in grades 6th-8th learned about Mission Control procedures, simulator procedures, roles and responsibilities of the crew, and how to build a space probe. These engaging, team-oriented activities infused academic learning and critical thinking tasks in support of the school’s curriculum plan. These activities also opened students’ eyes to considering careers in engineering or other science or math- related fields.
Taking Care of Ocean Resources in West Oso ISD
To help improve 5th grade Science test scores, this ACE center exposed students to science through an Ocean activity program. Students learned about ocean animals and their characteristics, basic needs, environment, and the resources they provide us. The program also taught students about ocean conservation and what they can do to protect the ocean.
