our projects

FOR CURRENT PROJECT NEWS PLEASE SEE NEWS AND EVENTS

Current Projects

Rural Science For Life
Aquaculture.
PACERS and its partners are developing model aquaculture programs and a supporting network in member schools distributed geographically throughout the state. Present sites include new and upgraded programs in high, middle, and elementary schools. Programs may range from simple to complex units. PACERS provides professional consultants, workshops, teacher support, and teaching materials essential for the program and start-up funding for installing recirculating systems. During 2008-09 systems were operated at Gaylesville and Florala High Schools, Florala Middle School, and Loachapoka Elementary. A new program was started at Flomaton HS in 2008-09 and work is underway for adding a system at Section HS. (more)

Solar. Students learn science and environmental principles, develop career skills and connections, and assist their communities by operating and monitoring passive solar water heaters designed by NASA scientists. (more)

Gardening/Marketing/Greenhouse. Through the building and operation of passive solar greenhouses and gardens PACERS and local schools create living and relevant science labs. In its marketing program rural students (and their families) are supported in the development of programs to grow and sell produce. (more)

view students at work

Community Documentation Through the Arts and Sciences
Community Newspaper/Newsmagazine Project. By publishing newspapers/magazines for their communities students learn writing, communication, computer, public relations, and business skills. This nationally recognized project receives support from faculty and departments at the University of Alabama, Auburn University, and Stillman College and staff at Southern Accents, Birmingham News, and Birmingham Times.
(Click to view PACERS Newspaper project)

Project Categories
Model projects have been successfully implemented and are being planned in all categories. Projects marked with asterisks have products available for purchase. Contact admin@pacersinc.org to purchase products and for details on participation.

Rural Science, Math, and Technology
Entrepreneurship
Rural Community Documentation through the Arts and Sciences: Publishing, Drama, Music*, History*, Photography*

Project Approach and Goal is to provide all students academically challenging and relevant opportunities to use and master tools and concepts of academic, artistic, and business disciplines to produce outcomes of public consequence that invite community and professional assessment and support.

On PACERS' approach see J. Shelton, Consequential Learning which may be ordered from admin@pacersinc.org.

PACERS' approach ties students' learning to their communities and shares perspectives with the Place-based Education movement.

Professional Volunteers have been an integral part of PACERS' projects providing essential expertise, encouragement, career connections, and assessment. Individuals-including retired teachers, organizations, and post-secondary institutions are needed. Contact us for more information.