ACE
Academic Cultural Enrichment
In 2002, our organization developed Academic Cultural Enrichment (ACE). ACE is an educational initiative that is overseen by the High Plain Elementary PTO Executive Board and run by two parent volunteer committee chairs. The goal of the ACE initiative is to provide a mechanism for additional learning to enhance the school curriculum. Teacher requests, followed by learning specialist review and principal approval ensure the benefits of each selection. Exciting programs are chosen based their ability to pique the interest of the students, tie into current lessons and encourage an enthusiasm for learning. A draft proposal of the programs for 2008-2009 is shown below.
The PTO’s Academic Cultural Enrichment (ACE) committee meets with teachers to identify and implement programs that will enhance the curriculum. Past programs have included presentations in the areas of science, nature, art, history, meteorology and literature.
Category |
Description |
Grades |
Science |
Tide pool discovery will be presented at the school by the New England Aquarium |
K |
Science |
Penguin exploration will be a field trip to the New England Aquarium. |
2, 5 |
Mathematics |
“Math back-packs” is a new enrichment program designed to help students who may be struggling with math |
ALL |
Science |
Fossils & dinosaurs will be presented as a multi-media event. Specimens will be on display with follow up activities to be conducted in the classroom. |
K, 3 |
Science |
Weather education and observation will be presented on-site by the Blue Hills Meteorological & Science Center |
1 |
Technology |
Magnetic levitation and trains of the future, presented by “Techsploration”, is a hands-on workshop in which students design their own prototype and wind propulsion system |
2, 5 |
Technology |
The Science of Sound, presented by “Techsploration”, is a workshop designed to show the students how sound is generated and how sound travels |
2, 5 |
Technology |
The Science of Speed, presented by “Techsploration”, is a hands-on program that educates students on the science of belt and pulley systems as well as different gear combinations |
2, 5 |
Science |
Exploring the Solar System is presented by a guest speaker and ties into the school year theme, “One Small Step…”, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing in 1969. |
4 |
Science |
Starlab Portable Planetarium is a traveling program that is presented by Boston’s Museum of Science and is designed to teach students to recognize and use constellation patterns. |
1, 2, 3 |
Science |
Observing Electricity and Magnetism is a traveling program that is presented by Boston’s Museum of Science and is a series of demonstrations and hands-on activities designed to teach students the various properties of metals including their electricity and magnetism. |
K, 1, 2 |
Science |
Electromagnetism is a traveling program that is presented by Boston’s Museum of Science that uses high-tech equipment to study voltage, currents, and resistance. |
3, 4 |
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