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Programs

Build. Learn. Explore.

LEGO Robotics Program

The LEGO Robotics Program is part of the PUSD Afterschool PAAACT initiative. Students explore STEM concepts through hands-on building, problem-solving, and teamwork using LEGO® Education BricQ Motion kits. Each week, scholars learn how energy, motion, and engineering work—while having fun building creative projects.
During Week 2, our second and third graders built a car and “super launcher” system. Through this activity, they discovered how stored energy transfers to the car to make it move. Their teamwork, curiosity, and creativity truly stood out!

Learning Goals

Making it Move

They showed how pulling the launcher back stores hidden energy, and when they let go, that energy jumps to the car to make it zoom.
Science Terms: Energy Transfer, Stored Energy

Power and Distance

They measured how more power (pulling the launcher back further) makes the car travel a longer distance.
Science Terms: Power, Distance

Working Together

They saw that the launcher and the car are like partners—they are connected and have to work together to launch the car successfully.
Science Terms: System, Teamwork

Making it Better

They tried out different ideas to improve their car, like making sure the wheels spin super easily or making the car lighter.
Science Terms: Making Things Better (Optimization)

Test Drive Time!

Students tested their launchers with three power levels:
  • A tiny bit
  • Halfway
  • All the way
They observed how distance changed with power and learned how testing improves engineering designs.

Home Connection Challenge

Try this at home! Use a small ball or toy car and a rubber band. Pull the band back at different amounts and observe how distance changes. Ask your child:
  • What happens when we pull it back just a little?
  • Where does the energy go when we release it?
The Ubuntu Program takes a whole-child approach, providing wrap-around support that addresses the root causes that place students at risk of entering the school-to-prison pipeline. Through restorative practices and community building, the program prioritizes healing, growth, and meaningful youth engagement.

Students receive:

  • Life skills training
  • Academic enrichment
  • Workforce development
  • Mediation services
  • Restorative circles
  • Community-based conflict resolution
  • Social-emotional development support
  • Targeted services for students in the restorative justice pipeline
The goal is to prevent youth from entering or re-entering the juvenile justice system by offering culturally responsive guidance, community healing practices, and access to essential resources for long-term success.
Empower. Restore. Grow.

The Ubuntu Program

The Ubuntu Program is a culturally responsive, restorative model supporting youth in grades 9–12. Its mission is to uplift at-promise students, reduce disciplinary issues, and build a restorative, community-centered culture in schools.

Join Us in Making a Difference!

Together, we can empower African American students and families with the resources and support they need for a brighter future.

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+1 510-557-5731

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info@paaactfamilies.org

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