Lower School Clubs & Activities
National Connections Academy offers many activities and clubs to expand students' educational and social horizons.
Arts and Crafts Club
This club encourages students to create crafts using materials found at home and in nature. Projects include apple printing, using magnetic word tiles to create poetry, gift making, and educational games.
Book Club
Participants read selected books and share their observations with each other. Using online prompts, the teacher guides and encourages group discussion.
Chess Club
Club members learn, socialize, and play in an atmosphere of friendly competition. After completing an online tutorial for either beginner or advanced players, students are matched with competitors of the same skill level, and the games begin. Students can even play in our national tournament on this exclusive Connections Academy site. Take a sneak peak! Demo our online chess game.
Lower School Science in the Kitchen
Science in the Kitchen encourages students to think about, discuss, and participate in scientific experiments using household items. Students complete a variety of hands-on experiments on topics exploring the properties of water, solids, plants, and animals. When the students have completed their experiments, they post their findings on the Clubs and Activities message board. Throughout the year, students learn the importance of each experiment and its impact on modern-day life.
Environmental Club - NEW!
Students will work together to learn about and discuss environmental issues at the local, national, and global level. Each week will feature a project that students can work on at home that will help the environment. Special guest speakers will participate in the club as well, adding breadth to the knowledge students gain from participating.
First in Math® - NEW!
Students take part in a national math competition by playing interactive games on the First in Math® Web site. As they play, they reinforce a wide range of skills, from simple addition to solving for x and y variables. Students work at their own pace, earning points as they master various concepts.
Pen Pals
It’s a new twist on a classic way to build friendships. Students develop their skills in letter writing, written expression, and penmanship, while making friends with other National Connections Academy students.
Poetry Corner
Our own Poetry Lady directs this group, where young writers explore the language of poetry and hold weekly online forums to share and critique their work.
Poetic Forms and Language I
Students learn the art of writing poetry. Introduction to Poetic Forms and Language introduces students to various simple poetic forms. Students will also study poetic language learning how to convey ideas, situations, and feelings in inventive and original ways with simple literary devices. Students will be prompted to write their own poetry. Students are encouraged to share their poetry and short stories once a week on the Poetry Corner message boards.
Quiz Bowl
We test students’ knowledge of fun facts in this weekly academic competition, with winners named in each state at the end of the year.
Robotics Club - NEW!
The Robotics Club will guide students in grades 4-12 through the exciting world of robots. Students will define what a robot is (and what it isn't!), study the myths that surround robots, examine how robots are used in movies and stories, and consider how robots assist humans. Experts in the field of robotics will help students learn more about artificial intelligence and what the future holds for humans and machines.
Student Literary Magazine
The monthly Pens and Lens magazine recognizes and publishes original student works. We encourage students to inspire one another in both writing and photography.