DALLAS — Updated with the segments that have aired on WFAA.
WFAA Academy is making a comeback just in time for back to school.
As families navigate the unique (and certainly stressful) challenges amid the ongoing pandemic, WFAA is creating special educational content that will be shown live on special editions of News 8 Midday.
Starting Aug. 2, WFAA Academy's lessons will focus on back-to-school planning, zoology, STEM, and music.
You can catch up with new segments here after they air on WFAA.
Aug. 12: Back to In-Person Learning
Nia Cottonham, Impact Manager for Education Opens Doors, shares practical advice from the teacher's perspective to help parents and students navigate the return to in-person learning.
Aug. 3: Newton's Laws of Motions and soccer
We learned about Newton's Laws of Motions and the physics behind sports science from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. And we learned how to construct our own Olympic soccer stadium!
Want to learn more? Check out The Whynauts, a free bilingual and STEM-focused virtual series that brings the wonders of the Perot Museum to your classroom or home.
Here are the supplies and instructions for your homemade stadium:
Items Needed: Shoebox or small shipping box, Barbeque Skewers, Craft sticks, Tape, Scissors, Markers (for decorating), Hot Glue (optional), Hole punch (optional)
Directions:
1. Using a hole punch, or carefully using scissors, poke holes on either side of your box. Make enough holes for the number of rows and players you would like.
2. Slide your skewers through the holes.
3. Design your players! Draw faces, hair, clothes and whatever other characteristics you would like to add.
4. Attach your players to the BBQ skewers using tape or hot glue.
5. (Optional) Cut out a hole on either end of the box for the goals. Alternatively, you can draw the goal using markers.
6. Use a small ball or crumpled up wad of paper/aluminum foil to play your game.
7. Ready, set, match!
Aug. 2: Zoology & the weather
We learned about African penguins and Lola the Sloth from our friends at the Dallas Zoo.
Kyle Roberts taught us about an overall look at the weather in North Texas this summer.
Here is a list of segments that aired as part of WFAA Academy last year.
SEPTEMBER 2020
In September, WFAA Academy's schedule expands to four days a week. From Tuesdays through Fridays, lessons feature live art classes, live science experiments featuring educational experts from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and Guidance Counselor Thursdays. For interactive art classes, students watching at home can participate using crayons, colored pencils, or other art supplies you already have at home!
(August's archived segments are listed below this schedule)
WEEK 1:
Sept. 1: Mixing your own paint colors
Have you ever wanted to paint? Now you can. An art teacher shares tips on color mixing and how to paint a fall leaf.
A chemistry experiment from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science continues with "cool chemicals."
The Perot Museum teaches chemistry: Learn about dry ice and "cool chemicals" from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Sept. 3: Setting and achieving goals
Goal setting instills a growth mindset in students. There are five things to remember to make sure students can achieve their goals.
Sept. 4: Fitness Friday
Physical activity is such an important part of school. Here are a few ways to work it into your family's routine.
WEEK 2:
Sept. 8: Interactive art class: Sculpt a dinosaur
Play-Doh is the perfect medium for sculpting dinosaurs. Follow along with part 1 and part 2 of today's class.
Sept. 9: Perot Museum of Nature and Science - Gravity Racers
Gravity is a force that affects us every day. You can test it for yourself by building a derby race car, using items found right in your home. Learn more in part 1 and part 2 of today's lesson.
Sept. 10: Managing stress and anxiety
Mental health and academic achievement are linked, experts say. Here's what parents and students need to know about back-to-school stress.
Sept. 11: Fitness Friday
Hanuman Homies is a nonprofit that focuses on underserved youth in the DFW area, teaching them the tools of yoga and mindfulness.
We're also talking to infectious disease experts about how to keep your child healthy during flu season amid the pandemic.
WEEK 3:
Sept. 15: Interactive art class
In this session of WFAA Academy, we're learning how to sketch the Dallas Stars logo using parchment paper and oil pastels. Follow along in part 1 and part 2 of today's lesson.
Sept. 16: Perot Museum of Nature and Science - Fossil or not?
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science explains what a fossil is and how scientists find them. Learn more in part 1 and part 2 of today's lesson.
Sept. 17: Career planning and options after high school
A high school counselor shares tips on how teens can start career planning and advice on getting one's dream job. Learn more in part 1 and part 2 of this lesson.
Sept. 18: Fitness Friday
Studio 22 offers everything from salsa to ballroom to swing. Learn more about the dance studio here.
WEEK 4:
Sept. 22: Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Joni Baczewski with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra explains the benefits of learning to play an instrument. Learn more in part 1 and part 2 of today's lesson.
Sept. 23: Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Sami Doupnik with the Perot of Museum of Nature and Science explains the recipe of a tropical storm and hurricane. Learn more in part 1 and part 2 of today's lesson.
Sept. 24: Financial literacy for post-secondary success
Today's main lesson is all about money and giving our kids success after high school. More information is available in part 1 and part 2 of this segment.
Sept. 25: Fitter Friday with Fitgrrlmagic
Fitgrrlmagic was founded by a 13-year-old in North Texas. It's a fitness program for girls of all ages featuring dance and interval training. Learn more about the classes here.
WEEK 5:
Sept. 29: The legacy of Trini Lopez
This lesson revolved around the musical magic of Dallas native Trini Lopez. Even though he became a worldwide phenomenon because of his music, his family says he never forgot where he came from or the people he grew up with as well. Learn more about Lopez here.
Sept. 30: Hector Garcia's fight for civil rights
Dr. Hector P. Garcia was a Mexican American physician and World War II veteran who spent his life fighting for the right of others. It's a battle that his daughter has now taken on herself. Learn about their family's story here.
AUGUST
Aug. 11: Tech Talk - Making the most of at-home learning technology
As more parents work from home and children do their online classes, we're relying on home internet more than ever. Use our checklist to optimize your internet for at-home work.
Aug. 13: How to set and keep a routine
While getting back into the swing of things at the start of the school year can be hard, making a routine and sticking to it can save parents and students time and stress.
Many things can impact a child's wellbeing. Sonia Azad talks to a local studio about how mindfulness can help lead them on a path to peace.
Aug. 18: Organization tricks and hacks
Even if you child is back in class, it's not too late to take advantage of these tips. One thing that is important for schooling at home -- having a good work space, with good lighting and a chair, to call your own.
Aug. 20: Back to school nutrition
Processed sugar can have a negative impact on the immune system. Sonia Azad is helping outline what healthy snacks and meals can help kids learn.
Ninja Nation offers something for everyone. Not only are the obstacle courses a great way to burn off energy, they also teach kids (and adults) not to fear failure.
Aug. 25: College planning for teens
Planning for college can be a daunting task for parents and students. The key to a stress-free experience is to create a plan and know the milestones you need to hit so you keep the process moving.
Aug. 27: Personal finance 101
It's not easy to be savvy with money. Accountant Deborah Daniel shares her five lessons for financial literacy at any age.
Aug. 28: Fitness Friday
For more coverage of schools and resources, visit our complete section.
