Students Make Connections in the Online National Clubs & Activities Program Designed to Extend Learning!
Participate in a coding challenge. Create poetic word art. Contribute articles to The Monitor blog. Compete in a chess tournament. These activities can all be a part of the well-rounded student experience at Connections Academy®.
Connecting with other students is often viewed as one of the most important parts of school. That’s why we offer a wide variety of academically focused student engagement clubs designed to extend learning throughout the school year.
These free, teacher-directed student clubs and engagement activities enable online students to pursue their interests and deepen their learning while making friends with students who attend other Connections Academy–supported schools or Pearson Online Academy.
For students who may prefer more short-term activities, we also offer “edutaining” Pop Up Events on a variety of topics such as art history, science, storytelling, financial literacy, gaming, and pets.
Our wide range of online school clubs and activities makes it possible for students to:
- Extend learning that supports their academic interests through engaging projects and presentations.
- Connect with students from across the country and the world.
- Make new friends.
- Develop leadership skills.
- Gain social confidence.
- Explore new interests and expand their knowledge.
- Share their own original creations with peers.
- Participate in exciting contests and competitions.
- Have fun!
Student Clubs
The following is just a small sampling of the online school clubs and activities offered to students:
Art Club is designed to spark student creativity by exploring two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, photography, and graphic design through techniques and styles associated with each medium. Students have the opportunity to create original designs and artwork, share their artwork with peers, learn about appropriate critique guidelines, and provide feedback to other club members. Grades 6–12
Arts and Crafts Club encourages students to create crafts using materials found at home and in nature. Integrated with subjects such as social studies, science, and math, students work on a variety of creative projects. Grades K–5
Chess Club offers a unique opportunity to learn from chess experts and enjoy playing chess with other students in biweekly LiveLesson sessions. Club members are encouraged to enjoy friendly competition through the use of an online chess gaming system. All club members are invited to participate in chess tournaments throughout the year. Grades K-12
Gaming and Technology Club allows students who have an affinity for technology and gaming to explore and discuss gaming styles and genres, learn about careers in the gaming and technology industry, and share their original work in LiveLesson sessions. Individual and collaborative projects may include creating elements of video games and investigating internet safety and cyberthreats. Grades 6–12
Science Sleuths: Weird Science enables students to work with the scientific method by planning experiments and observing the world. Particular emphasis is placed on the environment, with lessons and discussions focused on keeping the planet clean and various other global issues such as alternative energy, recycling, and allocating limited resources. Students conduct experiments at home and share the processes and results with their peers. They also predict outcomes and alter variables of experiments conducted in LiveLesson sessions. Grades K–5
Pop Up Events
Pop Up Events are an ever-changing assortment of unique online get-togethers that enable students to try new things! Students attend these cocurricular online activities using the same LiveLessonⓇ technology they use to attend meetings with their classroom teachers.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Gross Science
- Storytelling
- Virtual Art Museum Field Trips
- NASA News Flash
- Financial Literacy/Money Smarts
- Bring Your Pet to School
- Snack & Chats
- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math)
- Celebrating Diversity
- Earth Day
- Makers’ Lab
- Mysteries of Math
- Photography Showcase
- Talent Shows
Special Events
During the school year, the Connections Academy Clubs & Activities team offers a variety of events to provide opportunities for students to interact with other students, explore topics, and showcase talents. These special events occur during specified time periods and do not require club enrollment. Some examples of special events include the Photography and Music Showcases, and Hour of Code (to celebrate Computer Science Week). There’s something for everyone in the online National Clubs & Activities program!
Students and Learning Coaches of Connections Academy can log into the school’s online learning portal to learn more about participating in the National Clubs & Activities program.