East Austin Youngsters Hope To Measure Up In Math, Science

AUSTIN, TX, June 16, 2006 – Anyone with a passion for math or science can probably remember the moment that did it for them, the museum trip or glimpse through a telescope that unleashed their hunger for knowledge. Statistics suggest that fewer and fewer young people are having such moments, however, a trend ACC hopes to reverse with its Math and Science Academy, now in its second year.

Twenty-four East Austin fourth graders participated in a two-week academy of fun activities involving hands-on instruction by faculty members in Math, Biotechnology, Geology, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and even Dance. Students also took a field trip to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum for a real-world exercise in measurement and estimation, calculating the dimensions of the La Belle shipwreck based on its carpeted outline.

The academy is the brainchild of Dr. Donetta Goodall, vice president of Academic Transfer and General and Developmental Education at ACC.

“Kids who excel at math and science have a passion for it, while other kids who might find it boring at first, later develop a passion and interest when they realize that these subjects can be fun, interesting, and practical. That has been our experience with this Academy,” Dr. Goodall said. “Our goal is to help these kids to have that ‘aha!’ moment that sparks a lifelong fascination with the world around them.”

AISD provided transportation and Austin Parks and Recreation provided lunches, and all the faculty and staff donated their time.

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