ACC Academy Makes Physics Fun for Fourth Graders

DNA fingerprinting. Forensics. Genetics.

Breakout session topics at a CSI lab technician convention? Nope. Along with biomechanics, rocketry and physics, they are summer camp activities.

For Fourth Graders.

Welcome to the Austin Community College Math & Science Academy, scheduled to run June 6-17, at the College’s Eastview Campus. Approximately 25 fourth-graders, nominated by principals of six AISD elementary schools located in East Austin, will attend the academy, designed to make science and math interesting and engaging for elementary school students.

“There are an increasing number of students who are uncomfortable with math and science,” said Dr. Donetta Goodall, associate vice president of academic programs at ACC. “Our fourth-grade Math &Science Academy is designed to put special emphasis on helping these students experience some success in these content areas.

“Our goal is to create an environment where students can learn to appreciate math and science,” she said.

The Academy curriculum will be comprised of specialized classes, labs and hands-on activities that will range from testing creek water to learn environmental science and experiencing physics through dance and rocketry, to solving a crime through DNA testing and learning about household chemicals by making soap and lotion. Mathematical concepts will be integrated throughout all courses. ACC plans to follow students who participate in the academy as part of the college’s focus on long-range recruitment and retention of students typically underrepresented in education at all levels, especially at the post-secondary level.

The Math & Science Academy for fourth graders complements ACC’s Summer Youth Academy for middle schools students from the Austin and Del Valle ISDs.

Austin Community College is a public, two-year college offering associate degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas. Each year more than 65,000 credit and continuing education students take advantage of ACC’s low tuition, small classes, convenient locations, and great instructors.

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